International IB School in Zurich

Zurich International School:
Situated just south of Zurich in Wädenswil, northern Switzerland, Zurich International School is a leading, non-profit international day school based on American models offering a comprehensive education program for students aged 2 to 18 in the greater Zurich and Baden areas. Over 1,300 students from more than 45 countries attend one of the school’s five campuses. ZIS offers Advanced Placement courses (AP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB).

Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all ZIS learners. It is relevant, challenging and engaging, allowing students to fully develop their potential in terms of the skills, attitudes, values and knowledge required to meet their current and future needs. Consequently, inquiry, problem solving, opportunity for creativity and team-working are key features.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is followed at the Early Childhood Center, Lower School and ZIS Baden. The Middle School curriculum for Grades 6 through 8 is based on best practice for this age group from national systems around the world, adapted for an international context, together with features common to the IB Middle Years Programme. The Upper School offers a rigorous and balanced program of studies allowing students to progress to the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement or ZIS-developed courses in Grades 11 and 12.

Primary Years Program:
The Primary Years program focuses on the total growth of the developing child, affecting hearts as well as minds and addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare. The PYP combines best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant and engaging educational program.

Middle School Program:
Middle School students take eight subjects, with six subjects being compulsory:

* English
* Math
* Science
* Social Studies
* PE
* German

Students then may choose two of the following electives per semester:
* Grade 6: Band (year-long), Strings (year-long), Choir, Art, Drama, Technology, French or Spanish.
* Grade 7: Band (year-long), Strings (year-long), Choir, Art, Drama, Media Literacy, Digital Art, French or Spanish.
* Grade 8: Band (year-long), Strings (year-long), Choir, Art, Drama, Business Technology, Dance, French or Spanish.

Students who are new to English may have English as an Additional Language (EAL) in place of English, and students with special learning needs may have Learning Support in place of one of their electives.

Upper School - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program:
Students in Grades 9 to 12 must complete a rigorous and balanced program of studies in English, History, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, and Physical Education/Health. In Grades 9 and 10, courses have been created by Upper School teachers to ensure that students are well prepared to select Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in Grades 11 and 12.

Regardless of the cumulative number of credits earned, Grade 9 and 10 students are required to enroll in eight courses and Grades 11 and 12 students are required to enroll in a minimum of five courses. Students are encouraged to select a program of study that meets their ability-level, piques their interest, fulfills diploma requirements, and furthers their college/university admission and/or career objectives.

Advanced Placement Courses:
We offer advanced placement courses in all subject areas.

ESL:
We also provide an ESL (English as a Second Language) Program.