Selecting a school in Switzerland may seem like the peak of stress when moving with children. Online resources seldom describe everyday life accurately, and every family's priorities vary. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Zurich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong because families compare too many factors at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day is more significant than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the linguistic milieu your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, level of discipline, communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, how communication is handled.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page evaluation sheet and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Key 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 handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (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 on language support (ESL) if required?
- How is heat managed and indoor/outdoor time handled during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School choices go beyond tuition. Consider the total day-to-day 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.
Final Take
The ideal school usually matches your family’s everyday rhythm: location, support, and the daily ease for your child — not the one that has the most flashy marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, what to ask), reach out — or call +41 44 123 45 67.