Frequently Asked Questions
In This Section
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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 request a consultation.
The ISZL Community - Facts & Figures
How many students attend ISZL?
We have approximately 1,200 students. Our Primary and Middle School is home to approximately 800 students and our High School is home to approximately 400 students.
Who attends ISZL?
Students from the major English speaking countries account for 50 percent of our student body. The other 50 percent of students come from all over the world. We have over 60 different nationalities represented in our student body.
Where do ISZL teachers come from?
Our teachers come from a wide range of schools around the world. They represent 23 different nationalities with approximately 43 percent holding UK citizenship and 21 percent holding US/Canadian citizenship.
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What is the average length of stay?
The average time a student attends ISZL is between three and five years, but many attend ISZL for their whole education. Approximately 16 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 five days per week.
High School starts at 8.40 and ends at 16.00 five days per week.
Is there a school uniform?
There is not a school uniform at ISZL. However, students are requested to dress respectfully at school.
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. However, your child is welcome to bring food from home.
Does ISZL offer after school care?
In response to the changing needs of ISZL families, our extracurricular programme now includes the Extra Activities and Group Learning Extended Service or 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.
If you are a current ISZL family curious to learn more, please visit the Eagles Club. Otherwise, please contact our admissions team for more information.
How will my child get to and from school?
Early Years, Primary and Middle School Students
Some parents drive their children to school themselves, others use our comprehensive school bus service. Middle School students living near to campus also enjoy the independence of taking public transportation as route 31 stops beside the school entrance.
High School Students
The majority of our students take public transport. The public bus route 48 and route 51 stop outside the school and the journey to Cham/Rotkreuz train station takes approximately 10 minutes.
Applying to ISZL
Is there a deadline for application?
No, as we have a rolling admissions policy. We strongly suggest, however, that applications be completed by February of the year of entry in order to avoid waiting lists.
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 semester.
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, students applying to Grade 8 and above (and Grade 7 for January-June admission) and whose first language is not English are required to take an English assessment.
How will my non-English-speaking child manage in an English-speaking school?
ISZL offers a learning environment that enables students whose primary language is not English to acquire the social and academic language needed to participate fully in all aspects of school life and to reach their maximum potential.
From Kindergarten ISZL offers a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme throughout the school. Support is provided through a combination of withdrawal (small group instruction with a specialist teacher) and inclusion (additional support in the mainstream class). Students are assessed on entry and then on an ongoing basis until they reach the required level to exit the programme.
Please note that there is an additional cost for participating in the EAL programme.
My child has specific learning support needs. How do I know whether these will be met?
Through our Learning Support Department we are able to offer support to students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning needs.
How does ISZL help with the transition of new students?
Because we welcome many new families every year, the administration, faculty, parents and students at ISZL put a great deal of time, planning and thought into the ways we can help families to become a part of our community.
The Parents Association holds sessions that allow new families to meet each other and to connect with existing ISZL families; these sessions also introduce families to Swiss life and explain how parents can become involved at school.
At the beginning of the academic year, each campus holds new student orientation days to help new students become acquainted with their teachers and the school buildings. Arguably, our greatest "transition team" is our student body who naturally reach out to make new students feel welcome. Within only a week or two, new arrivals begin to feel at home.