Picking a school in Switzerland can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is really like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Zürich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, establish your nonnegotiables. Many decision mistakes come from evaluating everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Pick Options Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zürich, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting; it helps prevent the feeling that everything is the same.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions often uncover more than broad “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students joining mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Enjoys)
School choices aren't about tuition alone. Include the complete ongoing costs:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that suits your family’s real routine: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting through priorities for Zürich (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.