International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
Description of International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
- Location: Baar and Hünenberg, Switzerland,
- Founded: 2008,
- Number of students: about 1260,
- Language of instruction: English,
- Type of study: mixed.
The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) is an award-winning, accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) day school, one of only three such institutions in Switzerland. As a not-for-profit International Baccalaureate institution, a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS), ISZL offers a unique educational experience with Swiss and American accreditation. The school operates on two campuses, offering IB Diploma and AP courses catering to a diverse student body from 3 to 18 years old.
ISZL was founded in 2008 as a result of the merger of three educational institutions: the International School of Zug, the Riverside School and the International School of Lucerne. In the same year, an educational center in the Swiss mountains was purchased, which is now used for extracurricular activities, winter sports, research, outdoor education. The history of the institution shows that ISZL constantly strives to provide an exceptional academic program combined with a wide range of activities, excursions, is determined to support modern trends in education, to offer its students the best conditions for development both in the process of study and outside the classroom.
Today, ISZL educates about 1260 students of different age groups, coming from more than 50 countries. The annual results of the exams confirm the quality of education, the high level of teaching and individual support, the desire of students to succeed on the academic and career path, which brings ISZL to the rankings of the best in the country and the world.
Educational process
The school caters to mild to moderate learning needs, e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia. Further support is available at an additional cost, such as speech therapy. A professional team of specialists draws up an individual support plan for each student together with their parents. SEN support is considered the norm, pupils are not made to feel differently, all children feel part of the class, regardless of their skill level.
Another important ISZL service is the EAL language lessons, which are aimed at international learners. Students are matched with language tutors who conduct classes individually or in small groups, face-to-face or online once or twice a week. Through this program, students will not only improve their knowledge of the language in which the academic plan is taught, but will also be able to earn the prestigious IB Bilingual Diploma.
Language courses afterwards include:
- French
- Spanish
- Italian
- Greek
- Portuguese
- Dutch
- Chinese.
Faculties and colleges
The school consists of four academic departments: Preschool, Elementary, Middle and Senior, each focused on teaching children of a specific age group.
Things to know about
Alumnus Maartin Lemmens, who graduated from high school in 2016, now works as an animator at DreamWorks Animation. He recently created the animated film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Film.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
Kindergarten, Early Years 1-2
- Age — from 3 years old,
- The duration of the training is three years.
ISZL offers an international preschool program for children from 3 to 6 years old, which fosters a love of learning, self-esteem through a research-based curriculum. During these years, special attention is paid to play, discovery both in the classroom and outdoors.
The educational institution adheres to the International Baccalaureate for Primary Grades (PYP) system - learning is demand-based, planned taking into account the developing needs and interests of students. The Early Childhood Development Program focuses on the following foundations:
- Games – the daily routine is built on opportunities for freely chosen games with the support of adults along with small group activities,
- Outdoor learning, physical development – children participate in daily outdoor activities, regular visits to the forest under the guidance of teachers. In the playground, young students have access to a wide range of materials and resources, an outdoor stage, a sandbox, a pond, a fire pit and a vegetable garden,
- Literacy development – lessons are aimed at encouraging children to enjoy reading, developing their interest in signs, symbols, letters and writing,
- Multilingualism – German teachers for the lower grades, a teacher's assistant contribute to the integration with the Swiss community by offering German language instruction and paying special attention to Swiss culture. For children who do not speak English, the school offers support for English as an Additional Language (EAL),
- Art & Music – Kids regularly attend the music studio, which is equipped with a variety of different instruments. Throughout the year, students work with their homeroom teacher on a variety of artistic experiments and projects,
- Math Development – Learning spaces provide preschoolers with opportunities for reasoning, problem-solving, with the support of teachers. Even cooking and baking provide a real context for math classes, incorporated into the weekly routine in the format of the basis of counting.
Students in the first grades can attend school either only in the morning or throughout the school day. Kindergarten students stay on campus for a full academic day.
Primary Year Program
- Age – from 6 years old,
- The duration of the study is five years.
The curriculum for children from 6 to 11 years old is developed as part of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Over the course of five years, students will be immersed in the following academic areas:
- Literacy is a balanced approach to language learning with experiences provided both within and outside of the curriculum . Students learn language by speaking and listening, viewing and imagining, reading and writing. Teachers use a variety of strategies to model, guide, and support students,
- Math – Teaching mental arithmetic, the different ways in which students can find the answer to their question until they find a strategy that matches the way their thinking works.
- Science and Social Sciences – Science is integrated and taught as part of a research program. The scientific component of knowledge is divided into the following four areas: living beings, earth and space, materials and matter, forces and energy,
- Multilingualism – all classes are taught in English, but German lessons are adapted in primary school according to each child's stage of development. Emphasis is placed on the practical use of the language, connections with the local community, enjoyment of learning and socializing,
- Personal, Social, and Physical Education – Well-being is linked to all aspects of a student's life, includes physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, social health and development. Physical education units are focused on co-education, play, sports education,
- Art & Music – In Grades 2-3, students learn an introduction to musical notation that prepares them to learn the musical instrument of their choice in Grades 4-8.
From the second to the fifth grade, children often study in the fresh air, learn about nature, the world around them, ways to interact with it, respect for resources, and basic safety.
Middle Year Program
- Age — from 11 years old,
- The duration of the training is three years.
Students between the ages of 11 and 14 begin the International Baccalaureate (MYP) secondary education programme, which is a challenging academic curriculum specialising in an ever-changing world. The program responds to the unique needs of adolescents: develops personal understanding, developing a sense of self-esteem, and responsibility to the community. Students are given the opportunity to connect their learning to the real world, in eight subject areas They develop the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills.
- Arts – pupils have the opportunity to study three disciplines: drama, music, visual arts alternately throughout grades 6-8. All students make sure to choose a musical instrument to attend music lessons.
- Design – Students are tasked with applying practical, creative thinking skills to solve real-life problems. In Grade 6, they are introduced to design thinking through physical products, construction methods. In Grade 7, they deepen their understanding and understanding of design through filmmaking and digital media creation. In the final year, students develop digital design abilities, including programming, robotics, and 3D rendering.
- Human, societies – this field includes the humanities: geography and history, elements of economics, social sciences. The program focuses on real-life examples to develop empathy, encouraging open-mindedness.
- Language acquisition, first language – all children have access to German lessons, and as a second language they are offered French, Spanish or any other language from the EAL course. There are also opportunities to learn the student's first language (mother tongue) independently.
- Language, literature – students interpret, research, and create a variety of texts: from scripted plays to performances, from poetry to creative writing. They develop the skills and knowledge needed to communicate effectively creatively in a variety of contexts.
- Mathematics is a discipline that nurtures students who are able to analyze, think critically and creatively, share their ideas, and collaborate. Students develop a deep conceptual understanding and fluency in mathematics, with a focus on its relevance to the world around them.
- Physical and medical education – a variety of sports and physical activity, the development of knowledge, skills and the quality of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
- Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Ecology. Disciplines provide pupils with a solid foundation for scientific literacy, knowledge of scientific concepts, theories, and processes. For many children, this is the first opportunity to gain experience in a laboratory environment, so they actively participate in safe, practical scientific research, develop skills related to the formulation of scientific explanations.
High School, High School Program
- Age — from 14 years old,
- The duration of the training is two years.
ISZL offers a flexible program that promotes a holistic and individualized education for students in grades 9-10. All courses are aimed at developing successful, internationally minded, creative, environmentally responsible people.
Pupils in grades 9-10 study the IB program, and in grades 11-12, they can continue their education or create their own personalized academic plan, which can include Advances Placement (AP) or BTEC course options – all options leading to an ISZL high school diploma. The academic program is complemented by a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including sports, art, extracurricular clubs, field trips, charity.
In grades 9-10, students are taught a system that leads to future education regardless of which path they have chosen after grade 10. Students study eight to nine subjects, including at least two languages.
High School: IB, High Years Program: International Baccalaureate
- The duration of the study is four years.
In Years 11 and 12, there are two pathways to earn an ISZL High School Diploma: students can choose either the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) or the High School Diploma Program. Students study six subjects: three at the higher level, and three at the standard level. These include:
- Two languages,
- One subject from the "People and Societies" section,
- One subject from the field of natural sciences,
- One subject in the field of mathematics,
- One item from the field of art or another item from other groups.
The interdisciplinary subject "Ecological Systems and Societies" gives students the opportunity to further specialize.
The IBDP course nurtures the values and life skills necessary for a fulfilling and purposeful life through the development and application of knowledge in real-world contexts. Students additionally take three required electives: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (TOK).
High School: High School Diploma: High School Diploma
- The duration of the training is two years.
The high school program allows students to choose different types of courses according to their hobbies and interests while meeting the requirements of graduating from high school. Students can choose between 5-6 courses per year from Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including Business and Technology Education (BTEC) in Creative Media, IB Diploma courses.
Some of the available items are:
- English language
- European History,
- Computer Science,
- Principles of Informatics,
- Ecology
- Biology
- Microeconomics
- German Language, Culture,
- Statistics
- Mechanics
- Psychology
- U.S. government, policy,
- World History: Modernity,
- Macroeconomics
- Electricity, magnetism.
Whether students complete an IBDP or a high school program, everyone earns an ISZL High School Diploma, a document recognized by universities around the world.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Accommodation in ISZL is not provided.
On both campuses, students are offered hot lunches: they are prepared on the ISZL premises by employees of Passion Food GmbH, who use fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits of local origin in the process. Students can choose from the menu what they like: hot and cold dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, snacks. Meals at the school are not compulsory – students can bring packed lunches from home. Employees take into account the needs of pupils, including food allergies and special diets.
Activities International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
The school year is divided into three seasons, giving students the opportunity to try different activities. Some events, such as instrumental orchestras, choirs, continue all year round. The school offers four categories of activities, covering more than 30 different clubs for elementary, middle, and senior students:
- Visual and Performing Arts: Drama, Guitar Band, Photography, Theater, Brass or Jazz Band,
- Recreational sports: running, ballet, climbing, fencing, sailing, crossfit,
- Competitive Sports: Football, Cross Country, Hockey, Badminton, Swimming, Skiing, Athletics, Golf, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby,
- Academic Development, Student Leadership: Literature, German Language, Leadership and Action, Forest Adventures, Chess, Digital Drawing, Gardening, Urban Gardening, Creative Thinking, Stop Motion Animation.
These are just some of the communities that reflect the interests of ISZL students.
A dedicated team of professional music teachers provide students with weekly lessons from Monday to Friday. Individual lessons in playing musical instruments begin in kindergarten and continue until the 12th grade. Students have the opportunity to organize lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes on tools such as:
- Classical guitar,
- Drums
- Piano
- Pipe
- French horn
- Trombone
- Vocal
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Saxophone
- Violin
- Cello.
Community service is a key part of ISZL's curriculum as the school strives to raise students to be responsible global citizens. Pupils participate in service projects, ranging from fundraising to practical cooperation with service agencies, gain insight into people with different life experiences, the satisfaction of knowing that they have dedicated their time and energy to important things. Students in grades 11-12 participate in Personal Development Week (PDW) trips each year, which are designed to support specific communities around the world.
Regular events on campuses brighten up the day-to-day academic atmosphere as much as the activities of the clubs. Frequent concerts include:
- An annual Middle School Arts Week that celebrates the talents of students,
- Musical productions, e.g. "A Year with the Frog and the Toad",
- Dramatic productions, such as The Hound of the Baskervilles,
- Sports competitions against international, local schools in the Zurich area with some recent victories in volleyball, football and skiing tournaments,
- International Thanksgiving, which brings together more than 800 people,
- Annual Fundraising Gala,
- The Swiss Youth Forum, which is attended by hundreds of local, international students from Switzerland, guests from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Students regularly go on trips to Switzerland and other nearby European countries, while older students have access to longer journeys, such as Nepal, Tanzania and Ghana.
Advantages
- IB Accredited School,
- Cooperation with local, foreign institutions and organizations: the Council of International Schools, the International School Sports League, the European Sports Conference, the International Association of School Theaters and others,
- No. 1 in the IB 2022 ranking table in Switzerland, No. 4 out of 75 in the EU,
- 100% success rate in final exams, with 24% of high school students receiving a bilingual diploma – English can be supplemented with German, Portuguese, Russian, French or Dutch,
- The average age of teachers is 46 years, many of them have more than 10 years of experience.
- The maximum class size is from 14 to 20 people depending on the age group,
- Use of technology in the process of learning, homework and project work; Up to the 8th grade, the school provides devices, high school students need to purchase their own,
- The curriculum meets the needs of students with mild to moderate health complications, e.g., ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia,
- More than 65 nationalities are multinational, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and other countries.
Facilities and equipment at International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
The International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) operates on two distinct campuses to provide education for students of different age groups:
-
Zug Campus:
- This campus serves the junior department, primary, and secondary schools.
- Located on the outskirts of Baar, a village bordering Zug.
- The main building, Wettinger House, dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by modern buildings connected by passages.
- Well-equipped classrooms with modern facilities, including a 3D printer and scientific laboratories.
- Innovative Mini-classes for individual lessons and social spaces for students.
- Outdoor spaces include a clay "kitchen," vegetable garden, pond, and fire pit for younger students.
- Facilities on this campus include a dining room, library with a vast collection of books, smart whiteboards, gymnasiums, a climbing wall, theater studio, art rooms, music classes, and a medical center.
- Students aged 3 to 14 are educated here.
-
Riverside Campus:
- This campus caters to older students, aged 14 to 18.
- Located in a more urban environment with green surroundings.
- The main building houses classrooms, science labs, a library, art workshop, music halls, and additional learning spaces in adjacent office buildings.
- Facilities include a dining room, smart whiteboards, 3D printers, technical labs, fitness center with gyms and a climbing wall, sports facilities such as a football field, basketball courts, and access to golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and track and field tracks.
- The campus also has an Art Factory, specialized gallery, theater, and medical center.
- Easy access to the city's transport network and on-site parking are available.
In addition to the Zug and Riverside Campuses, ISZL operates a wooden chalet in the mountain village of Wengen, offering students a unique learning experience amidst the natural beauty of the Bernese Oberland. The chalet accommodates up to 100 students and staff and hosts various activities, including field research, ski team competitions, musical rehearsals, and more. This facility allows students to learn both indoors and in the surrounding alpine environment, enhancing their educational experience.
ISZL provides transportation services and has parking facilities for students and staff. These campuses and the chalet offer diverse educational environments for students of different age groups and interests.
Admission dates and extra charges
Academic year dates include two semesters:
- Autumn: August-December,
- Spring: January-June.
During semesters, students attend classes on weekdays, rest on weekends, days of national and international holidays, vacations. Lessons in the primary and secondary departments begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.; high school students start earlier and finish later — the day lasts from 8:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After the end of the main classes, sports, creative, and social events are organized on campuses.
The EAGLES Club is an additional paid service offering an extended school day for a child in grades 1 to 8, which is open Monday to Friday from 15:30 to 18:00. Families can choose to visit for three to five days a week. The number of places in extended groups is limited and available only for families where both parents work.
An indicative list of additional costs may include:
- Registration deposit,
- Lunches in the dining room,
- School Transportation,
- Additional Academic Support, EAL Club,
- After-school care,
- Private Music Academy Lessons,
- Services of specialized staff, including a speech therapist,
- Costs associated with college application: AP/IB exam fees, campus visits, and others,
- Optional trips, sporting events, tournaments,
- Sports uniform for physical education lessons from kindergarten to 8th grade.
Enrolment process
Admission to ISZL is year-round. For admission at the beginning of the academic year in August, it is recommended to apply by February, as many classes are full, have waiting lists. Even with an early application, applicants can remain on the waiting list for re-enrollment, which is organized in April.
Applicants need to fill out the registration form and provide the necessary documents. The institution does not require students to take a formal entrance exam, however, all students wishing to enter grades 7-12 from mid-year onwards who do not speak English as their first language may be required to take a language test. This assessment is carried out by a member of the ISZL teaching team, coordinated by the Admissions Committee after a complete application has been submitted.
The staff will select the most suitable candidates, inform about the admission and can issue visa documents. Further registration steps are simple: the enrolled student will have to arrive at the campus, go through orientation events and start studying.
Enrolment statistics
Admission to ISZL is non-selective, with no entrance exams, however, close attention is paid to ensuring the best possible compliance with registration criteria: past grades, English language proficiency. Before offering places, the school must ensure that it can provide the best possible care, support in case of additional needs.
Waiting lists are in place every year, with priority given to siblings of children already enrolled, returning students, and those coming from abroad and having no other local choice.
Perspectives
Thanks to qualified teachers who impart knowledge, as well as the institution's career department, ISZL students gain admission to the best universities in the UK and the world, including:
- University of Technology, Sydney,
- McGill University,
- American University in Paris,
- Amsterdam University College,
- Queen Mary University of London,
- University of Pennsylvania,
- Stanford University,
- Parsons School of Design,
- Harvard University,
- Franklin University Switzerland.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The requirements for prospective apprentices vary depending on their age group. General criteria for admission of foreign candidates:
- Personal documents: birth certificate, passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit,
- Transcripts for the previous two academic years, exam results, if any,
- Certificate confirming the level of English proficiency. It is expected that applicants entering grade 7 and above must have a level of at least A2, while for senior grades 11-12 it is mandatory at least C1.
Scholarships International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
ISZL does not offer discounts on sibling tuition fees, financial aid, or scholarships.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
