Frequently Asked Questions
In this Section
WE aRE HERE TO HELP
The information provided below can help answer some of the most common questions families have about ISZL. If you have any other questions or want to discuss any aspect of the process, please contact us.
The ISZL Community - Facts & Figures
How many students attend ISZL?
We have approximately 1,200 students. Our Primary School and Middle School is home to approximately 750 students and our High School is home to approximately 450 students.
Who attends ISZL?
Our students come from all over the world and over 60 different nationalities are represented at ISZL. Just over 40% of ISZL families have English as a home language.
Where do ISZL teachers come from?
Our experienced teachers come from a wide range of schools around the world and represent more than 20 different nationalities.
What is the average length of stay?
The average time a student attends ISZL is five to six years, but many attend ISZL for their whole education. Approximately 10 percent of our students leave at the end of each school year.
The School Day - Practical Information
How long is the school day?
Primary and Middle School start at 8.50 and finish at 15.30 Monday to Friday.
High School starts at 8.40 and ends at 16.00 Monday to Friday.
Is there a school uniform?
There is no school uniform at ISZL and students are required to dress appropriately and respectfully at school. Additionally, in Kindergarten through to Grade 8 students are required to wear an ISZL blue t-shirt for Physical Education lessons.
Is there a lunch programme? Does my child need to bring their own meal?
There is a lunch programme at school offering daily hot meal service at an additional cost. Students are also welcome to bring a packed lunch from home.
Does ISZL offer after school care?
In Primary and Middle School, ISZL offers an after school care club, the EAGLES:
- EAGLES is an additional paid service offering an extended school day for your child/ren from Early Years 1 to Grade 8.
- EAGLES runs on Monday to Friday from 15.30 - 18.00 on all full school days during term-time.
- Families can choose attendance on 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
- Registration can be made for a full year, or by semester from August - February and February - June.
- Spaces are limited and only available for ISZL families where both parents are working, or for a single-parent working family.
How will my child get to and from school?
Zug Campus - children in Early Years 1 to Grade 8
Some parents drive their children to school themselves, others use our school bus service. Middle School students may also choose to take the public bus.
High School Campus - children in Grades 9 to 12
The majority of our students take public transport and the location is well served by local bus routes.
Applying to ISZL
Is there a deadline for application?
We enrol students throughout the school year according to the needs of internationally mobile families. Early application (by February) is recommended for entry at the start of the academic year in August as many grade levels are full and have waiting lists. Even with early application, where grade levels are full, applicants may be held on a waiting list pending the outcome of the re-enrolment of current students in April each year.
Does my child have to join ISZL on a specific date, for example the beginning of the school year?
No. Provided we have space available, your child can begin school as soon as the admissions process is completed and a place has been offered. We prefer, however, that students enter the school at the start of a term where possible.
What programmes do ISZL offer?
As a fully accredited International Baccalaureate® in Switzerland, ISZL offers three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. These international school programmes provide a coherent and comprehensive education for students aged 3 to 18, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Does ISZL offer a sibling discount?
ISZL does not offer a discount on the tuition fees for siblings, nor do we offer financial aid or scholarships.
Is my child required to take an entrance exam?
ISZL does not require students to take a formal entrance exam. However, all students wishing to enter from mid-year in Grade 7 and up to Grade 12, and who do not have English as a first language and/or do not have sufficient experience of academic English, may be required to take a language test to assess if they meet the school's English language requirements. This assessment is administered by a member of the ISZL teaching team, and is coordinated by the Admissions Department after a complete application is submitted.
What does it cost to apply to ISZL?
It is completely free to apply to our school.