Selecting a school in Switzerland can seem like the toughest aspect of relocating with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Zürich.
First, decide what counts as “Good” for your family
Before you compare schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most mistakes in decisions occur when families assess everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily driving time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and style of communication.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zürich, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Make one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your own observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It prevents the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate 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 children who are anxious or adapting 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 daily-cost of routines:
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 usually matches your family’s actual routine: its location, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Zürich (commute, daily routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.