Selecting a school in Switzerland can seem the most stressful aspect of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families planning a move to Zürich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, identify your non-negotiables. The majority of missteps in decision-making happen when families assess everything at once without a clearly defined set of priorities.
- Commute: the amount of time spent driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Narrow your options by location first. In Zürich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- Verify current availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “Tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the language support policy (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part No One Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it isn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you expect.
Key takeaway
The ideal school usually sits where your family’s real rhythm does: proximity, support, and daily comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest ads.
If you'd like help weighing priorities for Zürich (commute, routines, questions to ask), reach out — or call +41 43 123 45 67.