For international families moving to Lake Zurich, choosing a school is one of the first and most important decisions. The region offers an exceptional density of top-tier international schools — from IB programmes and British curricula through to bilingual Swiss schools.
The top 10 international schools
1. Zurich International School (ZIS) — Kilchberg & Waedenswil
- Curriculum: IB (International Baccalaureate), Preschool to Grade 12
- Students: ~1,400 from 55+ nationalities
- Languages: English (instruction), German, French, Spanish
- Costs: CHF 28'000-38'000/year
- Highlight: Two campuses, excellent IB average (36+ points)
2. Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) — Zumikon
- Curriculum: IB PYP, MYP, DP
- Students: ~900 from 60+ nationalities
- Costs: CHF 26'000-36'000/year
- Highlight: Strong community, shuttle-bus system along Lake Zurich
3. SIS Swiss International School — Zurich
- Curriculum: Bilingual German/English, Swiss Matura or IB
- Students: ~400
- Costs: CHF 24'000-32'000/year
- Highlight: Combination of the Swiss system + international, Matura option
4. Lakeside School — Kuesnacht / Horgen
- Curriculum: Bilingual, Cambridge Assessment
- Students: ~200
- Costs: CHF 22'000-30'000/year
- Highlight: Small classes (max. 16), right on the lake
5-10. Further recommended schools
| School | Location | Curriculum | Costs/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institut auf dem Rosenberg | St. Gallen (90 min) | IB, A-Level, Swiss Matura | CHF 85'000 (boarding) |
| Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz | Engadin (3h) | IB, Swiss Matura | CHF 78'000 (boarding) |
| Hull's School | Zurich | British, IGCSE, A-Level | CHF 26'000-34'000 |
| ISZL (Int. School of Zug & Lucerne) | Baar | IB | CHF 28'000-38'000 |
| Obersee Bilingual School | Pfaeffikon SZ | Bilingual DE/EN | CHF 20'000-28'000 |
| Academia International School | Basel (1h) | IB | CHF 24'000-32'000 |
Admissions tips for expat families
- Apply early: The best schools have waiting lists of 6-18 months
- Visit the campus: Most schools hold regular open days
- Language support: Many schools offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes
- Check the shuttle service: ZIS, ICS and ISZL run school buses along Lake Zurich
- Choose your municipality: Your place of residence determines the school catchment area for public schools — less relevant for private schools, but keep travel time in mind
Public schools as an alternative
The Swiss public school system is outstanding and free of charge. For expat children there are:
- DaZ (German as a second language): Intensive support in the first 1-2 years
- Reception classes: Separate classes for newcomers
- Gymnasium: From year 7, leading to the Matura (internationally recognised)
Many expat families switch from the international to the public school after 2-3 years — once their children speak enough German.
Place of residence and school choice: our recommendation
| School | Ideal municipalities | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| ZIS Kilchberg | Kilchberg, Rueschlikon, Thalwil, Adliswil | 5-15 min |
| ICS Zumikon | Zumikon, Kuesnacht, Zollikon, Erlenbach | 5-15 min |
| ISZL Baar | Baar, Cham, Zug, Walchwil | 5-20 min |
| Lakeside Horgen | Horgen, Waedenswil, Au | 5-10 min |
→ All premium municipalities at a glance
Moving to Lake Zurich with school-age children?
We know the best residential locations near the international schools — and find your dream property discreetly.
Request a consultation→ Read on: Buying Property in Switzerland: International Guide
As of April 2026. Costs and programmes change — please request up-to-date information directly from the schools.