International School of Zug and Luzern

In Brief

ISZL is the IB school of choice for families based in Zug or central Switzerland, and it consistently produces results well above the world average. Apply as early as possible - waiting lists are real and places at both campuses fill up quickly, particularly in the middle school years.

ISZL sits across two campuses: the Zug Campus in Baar hosts Early Years through Grade 8, and the Riverside Campus in Hunenberg takes over for Grades 9-12. The Zug Campus is set in an old farmstead surrounded by modern buildings - meadows, a sports field, and easy access to the Swiss public transport network. Zug itself is a magnet for international companies (Siemens, Glencore, Johnson & Johnson have offices in the canton), which gives ISZL a consistently international student body of 65+ nationalities without ever feeling like a corporate school.

Results are strong and getting stronger: the 2025 IB cohort averaged 35 points with a 97% pass rate and 15% scoring 40 or above - well clear of world norms. Advanced Placement is also available alongside the Diploma, giving families flexibility. The Good Schools Guide describes it as 'a delightful school in a calm, green setting with a welcoming and friendly community' where 'students are actively challenged, in a kind and thoughtful way.' The EAL programme is included in fees from Grade 1 upward, which matters if your children are joining without strong English. There's also a purpose-built outdoor education chalet in Wengen for residential trips.

The two-campus split means a school-switch at Grade 9; families in Hunenberg or on the motorway corridor between Zug and Lucerne find the transition straightforward, but check your commute to both addresses before committing. Fees are comparable to ZIS and ICS at the top end - CHF 39,700 for Grade 12 plus a one-time CHF 5,000 application fee. The school is non-selective, which the school emphasises as a strength, and the community is known for warmth toward new arrivals.