Selecting a school in Switzerland may seem like the most stressful part of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what daily life is really like, and every family's priorities vary. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Clarify What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families try to weigh everything at once without a clear order of priorities.
- Commute: how long you drive each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline approach, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Start with a location-based shortlist. In Zurich, commuting can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about available support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise one-page checklist and rate each school after the visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell me 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 communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/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 manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing costs of daily life.
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 Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual routine: where it is, the support you get, and day-to-day ease for your child—not the school with the slickest advertising.
If you'd like assistance sorting out priorities for Zurich (commute, daily patterns, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 4567.