Selecting a school in Switzerland can feel like the most stressful part of moving with kids. Websites rarely describe everyday life, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Zurich.
Step One: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, outline your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes happen when families weigh too many factors at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving 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 assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Choose Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- 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 a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than general “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 update parents (weekly notes, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time in warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't about tuition alone. Consider the total recurring expenses too:
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.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, questions to ask), contact us — or call +41 44 812 3456.