Selecting a school in Switzerland can seem to be the most stressful part of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what daily life is really like, and every family prioritizes differently. This guide concentrates 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 comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes come from families comparing everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you think.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing Without Getting Overwhelmed: A Practical Approach
A practical method that's proven useful for expatriate families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- 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 visiting. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle 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 kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine 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
The ideal school typically aligns with your family’s actual schedule: where it is, the support offered, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one that boasts the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, what to ask), reach out — or call +41 44 123 45 67.