Picking a school in Switzerland can seem like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites often don't reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning to relocate to Zurich.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes occur because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: the daily drive time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
Choosing Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions usually reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually 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 handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Enjoys)
Choosing a school is more than tuition alone. Consider the complete daily and yearly expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday schedule 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: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
Usually the right school is the one that matches your family's real routine: its location, the support available, and everyday convenience for your child—not the institution that boasts the boldest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zurich (commute, daily routines, questions to pose), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.