International Schools in Zug and Zurich: The Expat Comparison
The most important international schools in Zug
Despite its size, Zug is a school location of international calibre – the international community is huge and the offering matches:
- International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL): IB curriculum, campuses in Zug and Baar, first choice of many expat families
- Institut Montana Zugerberg: boarding and day school with Swiss Matura and IB
- Four Forest Bilingual International School: bilingual German-English, in Zug and Lucerne
- Public schools: free, excellent quality, fast integration – with German support for newcomers
International schools in Zurich
Zurich offers the largest selection in Switzerland:
- Zurich International School (ZIS): several campuses, IB, very popular
- Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS): continuous IB, international community
- SIS Swiss International School: bilingual day schools at several locations
- Lycée Français de Zurich and other national school systems for French, Japanese and German-speaking families
Public or international – what suits your family?
Public school is free, excellent and integrates children into Switzerland faster – ideal if you plan to stay long-term. International schools cost roughly CHF 20,000–40,000 per year and child, but offer curriculum continuity (IB, British, American) – ideal for temporary stays or frequent moves. Many families combine: public at primary level, international later.
Waiting lists and timing: the decisive factor
The sought-after international schools have waiting lists – especially for entry years. Start the application as soon as your move is certain, ideally 6–12 months ahead. Have school reports, vaccination records and passport copies ready and apply to 2–3 schools in parallel.
We handle the school advice for you
As part of our relocation and expat services we advise families on school choice in Zug and Zurich, organise campus visits, prepare applications and manage waiting lists – so your children settle in well from day one. Contact us for a free initial consultation.