Picking a school in Switzerland can seem like the toughest part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely describe daily life accurately, and each family’s priorities vary. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your non-negotiables. Many decisions go wrong because families weigh everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing the Right School Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical strategy that suits families living abroad:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, congestion can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, turnover of teachers, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Value your own impressions over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us 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 adapting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t just about tuition. Consider the complete daily expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically aligns with your family’s actual schedule: its location, the support it provides, and everyday ease for your child — rather than the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.