Choosing a school in Switzerland can feel like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a simple decision process — especially for families relocating to Zürich.
First: Decide What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before you compare schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most missteps come from families weighing everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily travel time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A Simple Process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zürich, traffic can make a decent school feel like a daily grind.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about what the classroom is really like. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Make one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust what you observe more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important 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 who join 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 for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time handled in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the entire ongoing cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily 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
Choosing the right school typically means picking the option that aligns with your family's actual schedule: where it is, the available support, and everyday ease for your child—rather than the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Zürich (travel, routines, questions to pose), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 4567.