Choosing a school in Switzerland may seem like the most stressful part of relocating with kids. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Zürich.
First: Decide what “Good” means for your family
Before evaluating schools, identify your non-negotiables. Many selection mistakes happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily driving time 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: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A straightforward method
- Shortlist by location first. In Zürich, traffic can transform a decent school into a daily grind.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your own observations over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the sense that everything feels the same.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions often reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you onboard new students mid-year?
- In what ways 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 feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Unloved Part)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine 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 kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that suits your family’s real routine: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one that boasts the slickest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zürich (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.