Begin your journey of discovery

Your Pathway To Applying Starts Here

Enter your child’s date of birth to view the key steps for joining us.
This will provide an estimated grade placement for your child should they join ICS for the 2026–2027 academic year
(our academic year runs from August to June).

Too Young for Nursery

If your child is two years old by the 31 of August, they will be eligible to join our Nursery programme.

Too Young for Nursery

Based on the date of birth provided, it appears that your child may be too young to enrol in Nursery at this time. If the date has been entered incorrectly, we kindly invite you to review the information and try the calculator again.

Should you have any questions regarding eligibility or future enrolment, please feel free to contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to assist you.

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Nursery (Early Years)

Your child would be in Nursery (Early Years).

Nursery

Early Years

Nursery is comprised of our youngest learners, ages 24 months to 3 years

We seek to nurture, integrate, and respect children so they may become healthy and happy individuals. Using elements of the Reggio Emilia approach and IB PYP curriculums, we develop a learning environment suitable to the child's needs and cognitive abilities. We respect every child's cultural and social background, encouraging multicultural integration and caring.

How to Apply

Pre-Kindergarten (Early Years)

Your child would be in Pre-Kindergarten (Early Years).

Pre-Kindergarten

Early Years

Pre-Kindergarten is comprised of our young learners, ages 3 to 4 years

The Preschool and Kindergarten classes are held in dedicated spaces with access to a sheltered outdoor learning environment. Classes have access to the gated pond with its observation deck as well as the ICS Research Garden located on the school premises.

Carefully planned, responsive learning experiences ensure that each child actively participates in guided inquiry and discovery. An individualised learning programme is created and shared with parents through student learning portfolios, classroom newsletters, and other forms of communication.

A lifetime love of learning is developed through an outstanding and developmentally appropriate curriculum led by experts in the field of early childhood education.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Kindergarten 1 (Early Years)

Your child would be in Kindergarten 1 (Early Years).

Kindergarten 1

Early Years

Kindergarten 1 is comprised of our young learners, ages 4 to 5 years

Connections to the local and natural environment are made through learning experiences in the surrounding forest spaces, excursions to local community spots or during field trips to Zurich.

Carefully planned, responsive learning experiences ensure that each child actively participates in guided enquiry and discovery. An individualised learning programme is created and shared with parents through student learning portfolios, classroom newsletters, and other forms of communication.

A lifetime love of learning is developed through an outstanding and developmentally appropriate curriculum led by experts in the field of early childhood education.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Kindergarten 2 (Early Years)

Your child would be in Kindergarten 2 (Early Years).

Kindergarten 2

Early Years

Kindergarten 2 is comprised of our young learners, ages 5 to 6 years

Connections to the local and natural environment are made through learning experiences in the surrounding forest spaces, excursions to local community spots or during field trips to Zurich.

A lifetime love of learning is developed through an outstanding and developmentally appropriate curriculum led by experts in the field of early childhood education.

Students also benefit from their close proximity to Grade 1 classes, becoming comfortable with the environment beyond Kindergarten 2 as they get older.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 1 (Primary School)

Your child would be in Grade 1 (Primary School).

Grade 1

Primary School

ICS Primary is built around a simple idea: being a child matters. We do not rush it. We do not compress it. In a world obsessed with what children know, we prioritise how they think, how they create, how they explore. Learning here spills into design labs, gardens, playgrounds, where children explore freely and are free to explore.

Ours is a school that sees the extraordinary in the everyday. At ICS Primary a scribble can become a prototype, a question can spark an experiment, and a playground can be a laboratory for collaboration. We believe in the power of play, the necessity of unstructured moments, and the irreplaceable awe of being a child.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 2 (Primary School)

Your child would be in Grade 2 (Primary School).

Grade 2

Primary School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 3 (Primary School)

Your child would be in Grade 3 (Primary School).

Grade 3

Primary School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 4 (Primary School)

Your child would be in Grade 4 (Primary School).

Grade 4

Primary School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 5 (Primary School)

Your child would be in Grade 5 (Primary School).

Grade 5

Primary School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 6 (Middle School)

Your child would be in Grade 6 (Middle School).

Grade 6

Middle School

At ICS, we are responding to the needs of students aged 11 - 14, a transformative time for identity, belonging and self discovery. Our Middle School (Grade 6 to 8) fosters resilience and emotional well-being through a holistic approach that prioritises human connection, cultural awareness, and mental health. Guided by a dedicated pastoral programme, it is not just the middle: it is where everything comes together.

At ICS, Middle School is not an "in-between." It is the centre of transformation, a purpose-built bridge for growth between Grades 6 - 8. We embrace the complexities of adolescence, addressing identity struggles, peer dynamics, and the challenges of a hyper-connected world with a holistic approach.

Students develop independence, resilience, self discovery, and identity through electives, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary opportunities. Our commitment to pairing academic excellence with emotional well-being, personal growth, and authentic connection sets us apart. This is a Middle School where every student is seen, heard and empowered at the very heart of their journey.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 7 (Middle School)

Your child would be in Grade 7 (Middle School).

Grade 7

Middle School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 8 (Middle School)

Your child would be in Grade 8 (Middle School).

Grade 8

Middle School

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 9 (Senior School)

Your child would be in Grade 9 (Senior School).

Grade 9

Senior School

For our oldest learners, we offer a demanding curriculum that prepares students and life beyond ICS, and for top international university admission.

In Grades 11 - 12, ICS offers different paths for students, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Students can enrol in and complete the Programme either at full Diploma or individual Courses level. Our teachers and career pathway counsellors ensure that each student is ready for the next steps in university and career.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 10 (Senior School)

Your child would be in Grade 10 (Senior School).

Grade 10

Senior School

For our oldest learners, we offer a demanding curriculum that prepares students and life beyond ICS, and for top international university admission.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

Start an Enquiry

Grade 11 (Senior School)

Your child would be in Grade 11 (Senior School).

Grade 11

Senior School

Rigorous academics and a comprehensive University counselling programme open the doors for our students to universities around the world.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Grade 12 (Senior School)

Your child would be in Grade 12 (Senior School).

Grade 12

Senior School

Rigorous academics and a comprehensive University counselling programme open the doors for our students to universities around the world.

For more information our Admissions team would be more than happy to answer all your questions. Enquire today by clicking the button below.

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Graduated or not eligible

We offer world class education for students aged 24 months to 18 years. Please contact our Admissions office.

Contact the Admissions Team

Based on the date of birth you have entered, it appears that your child may already have graduated or may be above the typical age range for the selected year group.

If you have entered the incorrect date by mistake, please review the information and use the calculator again. Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to contact our Admissions team, who will be happy to assist you.

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Taking the First Step

We are happy your family is about to take the first step in becoming part of the ICS community. Our Admissions Team is here to help guide you through the application process and make it as easy as possible.

As you begin this process, our Admissions FAQs section below may help answer some of our initial questions. In addition, our Team is always delighted to welcome families to ICS and please contact us if you would like to arrange a meeting.

ICS Admissions Handbook

The purpose of this Handbook is to explain the admission process at ICS, including our admission principles, procedures and enrolment processes, as well as the broader regulations surrounding international schooling in the Swiss context.

View the Handbook

Start Your Journey

First Step

Second Step

All Applicants:

A recent photograph of the applicant.
A copy of the information page(s) (with date of birth and nationality) of the applicant’s passport.

Primary School Applicants:

Copies of the previous two years' school reports or transcripts, plus current year report if available in English.
One teacher recommendation form.
Copies of any educational or psychological assessments in English.
All documents must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation.

Middle and Senior School Applicants:

Copies of the previous two years' school reports or transcripts, plus current year report (in English; please translate if necessary, and then also submit copies in the original language).
Two teacher recommendation form.
Copies of any educational or psychological assessments (in English).
All documents must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation.

When a child would benefit from Learning Support?

ICS has an inclusive admissions policy, and a need for additional support will not normally be a barrier to admission. Our aim is to ensure that we can provide the right environment and appropriate support for every child to thrive. If your child has a diagnosed learning difference, physical or medical disability, language disorder, or mental health condition, or is currently receiving additional learning support or therapy, we kindly ask you to share this information with us so that we can better understand their needs. For diagnostic purposes, and to enable us to match your child with the most appropriate educational programme, we request recent diagnostic reports as well as your child’s current Individual Education Plan (IEP), if applicable.

All documents must be submitted in their original language together with an English translation. In some cases, additional information may be required to ensure a thorough review. Diagnostic reports should generally be within the last three years, and the IEP should be current. If reports are older, we may request a reevaluation before proceeding with the admissions process. We appreciate your partnership and encourage open and transparent communications regarding any known physical or learning disabilities so that we can ensure the best possible support for your child’s learning and well-being.

Third Step

Once the completed application form together with all supporting documents have been received, the application will be sent to the Admissions Committee for review. Because we take the time to review these requirements thoroughly, the application process may take a little longer. We aim to provide an update within ten working days of receiving your documentation.

If your application is successful, here is what you can expect:

Offer of Placement: Our Admissions Team will extend a formal offer if a space is available.
Securing Your Place: As part of the enrolment process, one will need to complete the Health Form, Field Trip Permissions Form, and Registration Form, and submit the non-refundable 20% Capital Funds Fee to secure a child's space with 10 days.
Waiting Pool: If a grade is currently at capacity, your child will be placed in our waiting pool. We will contact you immediately should a place become available.
Placement Assessments: Once a space has been accepted, our middle and senior students will be asked to complete language-specific assessments to ensure they are placed in courses best suited to their academic level and proficiency.

Important Note: For an application to be reviewed by our Admissions Committee, it must be complete and include the application fee, all required documentation, reports, teacher recommendations, and an English language–specific assessment (if applicable). Our Admissions Team is always here to help with any questions you may have.

FAQs

Families considering ICS as a school for their child/children often have questions about the admissions process. We hope the information below helps answer some of your questions.

Is there a deadline for applying to ICS?

Timeline for processing applications

February:
By 28 February, we invite our present ICS families to re-enrol for the following school year. Before this date, the availability of places may be limited for the following academic year.

March:
In March, we process applications from our corporate partners. We have an arrangement with these companies to prioritise applications for places for their employees' children.

April:
From April, we begin to process all applications. We give priority to the following applicants:

1. International cooperation agreement (company partnership agreement) families with a child already enrolled
2. International cooperation agreement (company partnership agreement) families
3. Families with a child already enrolled
4. Alumni children
5. International families
6. Local internationally mobile families; those who may be moving abroad or to a non-German speaking canton in Switzerland are reviewed as of 1 April for the following academic year

April-August
From April to August, we continue processing applications.

Our school year begins in August, so where possible, we encourage new students to start then. However, we do admit new students at various times during the school year, space permitting.

Can a student join ICS during the school year?

How do I submit an application?

Is fluent English required?

Is knowledge of German required?

How does ICS supports students with diverse learning needs?

Is there a school uniform at ICS?

How long do students stay at ICS?

Is an IB Diploma accepted internationally?

How do students get to ICS?

Do you offer a hot lunch programme?

Primary School students (PreK – Grade 5) register for hot lunch each semester.
Middle and Senior School students (Grades 6 – 8) receive a lunch card that can be preloaded with credit. Students may use it to purchase breakfast, hot or cold lunch, and snacks.
Senior School students (Grades 9 – 12) may use their own debit card or pay with cash.

For menus and more details, please visit the School Services page.

How long is the school day?

Nursery Programme: 08:00 – 17:00 (Mon-Fri)

PreK – Grade 5: 08:25 – 15:15 (Mon–Fri)

Grades 6 – 10: 08:30 registration, classes from 08:45 – 15:25

Grades 11 – 12: 08:30 registration, classes from 08:45 – 15:25, with possible 8th Period (15:30 – 16:15) on Mondays to Thursdays depending on subjects. Students without 8th Period classes may leave after 15:25.

Contact Us

Please contact us at admissions@icsz.ch if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a visit. We are always happy to help.

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