Cities / Zurich / SIS Swiss International School Zurich-Wollishofen
SIS Swiss International School Zurich-Wollishofen
A bilingual German English primary in Wollishofen, part of the SIS Switzerland group, running the cantonal curriculum with international elements layered on top. A practical pick for working families who want a long, supportive school day in two languages.
In brief
A bilingual German-English primary in Wollishofen, part of the SIS Switzerland group, running the cantonal curriculum with international elements layered on top. A practical pick for working families who want a long, supportive school day in two languages.
Around 220 students in 14 grade-based classes from kindergarten through grade 6. Bilingualism is not a prerequisite. New entrants pick up the second language by immersion in their kindergarten year. The site sits along Seestrasse with the kindergarten in the historical building and the primary in a modern block alongside.
The day runs from 7am to 6pm with optional before and after school care included for all children and a cafeteria for lunch. Parents describe the staff as child-centric, warm on day one, and proactive in keeping families informed. Several note the hours genuinely allow two parents to work without compromising on bilingual depth. SIS as a group operates more than a dozen schools across Switzerland, which gives the model some standardisation but the Wollishofen site stays small and locally run.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten 1 & 2 (ages 4-5) | 4 | CHF 26,380 |
| Grades 1-6 / Years 1-6 (ages 6-12) | 6 | CHF 26,380 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (additional child, one-time) | CHF 500 | |
| Registration Fee (first child, one-time) | CHF 600 |
Reviews
- Review sentiment is polarised. ischooladvisor lists a average across a small number of reviews. The school's own site features warmer testimonials.
- Positive reviews focus on the small primary scale of around 220 students, structured bilingual delivery with English and German on a daily 50/50 split, and warm reception in the early years. One parent said their daughter "goes to school every morning with joy."
- The clearest negative voice is an alumnus from 2006 to 2010 who said the school was "horrible" and felt it prioritised revenue over education. That review reflects an older period and should be weighted accordingly.
- The school is primary only, kindergarten through grade 6. Families wanting a through-school in Zurich would need to plan a transition for secondary.
Positives
- Bilingual structure. Native English and German speakers teach in parallel, daily. Parents see real bilingual outcomes.
- Small primary feel. Around 220 students across kindergarten to grade 6, with parents praising warmth and individual attention.
- Location near Lake Zürich. Wollishofen-Enge area with public transport access and a garden campus.
Considerations
- Polarised reviews. ischooladvisor is small. Strong positives sit alongside an older negative alumnus review.
- Primary only. School ends at grade 6. Families need a secondary plan.
Leadership
Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard has been the principal of SIS Zürich-Wollishofen since 2019, having joined the school in 2008. During his tenure, he has held various positions including classroom teacher, IT coordinator, and IT teacher trainer before becoming vice-principal in 2015. His professional background includes teaching at the middle and high school levels in the United States and primary school education in Guatemala. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Howard holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish, a K-12 Spanish teaching license, and a master's degree in educational curricula and instruction. He is dedicated to guiding students toward becoming responsible, reflective adults while fostering their natural curiosity about the world.
Accreditations
- Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen 01