Selecting a school in Switzerland can seem like the most challenging part of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and families have different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Clarify what “Good” means for your family
Before evaluating options, establish your nonnegotiables. Many choosing mistakes occur when families compare everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the linguistic setting your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Start with a location shortlist. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timelines. 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 single-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the sense that everything feels identical.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, emails)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing costs:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday routine matters more.
- Overlooking 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: admission timelines can be tighter than you expect.
The Bottom Line
The right school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual routine: where it is, the assistance available, and everyday ease for your child—not the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zurich (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.