Selecting a school in Switzerland can feel like one of the most stressful parts of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and every family has different priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a simple decision process — especially for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Most 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 programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Begin by narrowing options based on location. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waitlists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how the school communicates.
- Inquire about support services. ESL, learning support, and transition assistance for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Let your own observations guide you more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after touring. It helps avoid the sense that everything feels identical.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children 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 warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
School choices aren’t about tuition alone. Consider the total daily expense:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day 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: admissions timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Key Takeaway
The right school for your family usually aligns with your actual routine—where you live, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child, not the one with the most flashy advertising.
If you’d like help sorting through priorities for Zurich (commute, daily routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 552 12 34.