About Us

A WORLD CLASS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

We are an independent, non-profit school serving the international community of Central Switzerland. We provide a comprehensive education from Early Years to university preparation, from ages 3 to 18.

By offering an exceptional educational experience we build a connected, inclusive, inspiring environment for our students, parents, faculty and staff. ISZL is a vibrant, multicultural and caring community that fosters a deep sense of wellbeing.

As an International Baccalaureate® (IB) school in Switzerland, ISZL is authorised by the IB Organisation to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years, and IB Diploma programmes. In addition, students in Grades 11 and 12 have the option of taking Advanced Placement® (AP) courses and exams which are audited by the College Board.

The school has been accredited by the prestigious and highly respected Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

The ISZL school in Switzerland is supervised by the educational authority of the Canton of Zug, a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools.
 

CURRICULUM

Learning at ISZL is both a personalised and holistic experience. Driven by educational research, our programmes support the achievement and success of all students. Students experience a broad, balanced and challenging programme which builds conceptual understandings and critical thinking, preparing them for a bright future. Learning is framed around inquiry and developing a deep understanding of the world from early years through to graduation.

We are also committed to a rich language experience for all students. We support and develop both first languages and foreign languages throughout the school.

We are fortunate to have many opportunities for our International School Curriculum as a result of our beautiful location in the heart of central Switzerland and we believe that by encouraging students to interact with their communities, both in Switzerland and beyond, their compassion and sense of communal responsibility is developed as part of our mission and values.

PROUD TO BE NON-PROFIT

The school is registered as a non-profit organisation (Stiftung) in Switzerland and affiliated with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organisation in the United States.

School Videos

Learn how we nurture our teams and build community at ISZL

Our student initiatives are transforming ISZL into a zero-waste, zero-carbon organisation and in 2022 we were a Top 3 finalist for the T4 World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action.

ISZL AT A GLANCE

Founded 1961
Director Barry Dequanne
Status Not-for-profit, Independent, Day School
Gender Co-educational
Age Range 3 to 18 years old
Language of Instruction English
Student Body
 
Total Enrolment: 1,260
Primary: 465
Middle: 320
High: 475

Countries Represented: 65
Average Length of Stay: 5 Years
Faculty and Staff

 

 

Teaching Staff: 216
Average Length of Employment 5.8 years
Non-Teaching Staff: 87
Average Length of Employment 4 years
Countries Represented: 33
Academics International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Diploma Programme (DP)
BTEC
Advanced Placement (AP)
Accreditations Council of International Schools (CIS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Authorisations International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
College Board
Pearson
Memberships Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS)
Council of International Schools (CIS)
Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS)
Association for Advancement for International Education (AAIE)
Sports Council of International Schools (SCIS)
European Sports Conference (ECS)
Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS)
Exam Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA)

Extended Learning

Sports
Arts
Music Academy
Clubs & Activities
Multilingual Academy
Eagles Extended Day
Personal Development Programme
Service Learning
Duke of Edinburgh
Youth Forum Switzerland
Holiday Camps

Religious Affiliations

Non-Denominational