Selecting a school in Switzerland can be one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online sources seldom reveal what everyday life is like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Zürich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before you start comparing schools, establish your non-negotiables. Many parenting decisions go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear ranking of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you may realize.
- Curriculum: options include British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline level, and way of communication.
How to Choose Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward method
- Shortlist by location first. In Zürich, commuting can turn a “good” school into a daily challenge.
- 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 inquiries tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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 Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete everyday costs:
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 isn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
In Short
The ideal school typically aligns with your household’s actual schedule: its location, available support, and everyday ease for your child — not the one that boasts the loudest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zürich (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.