The International School in Lugano, Ticino
Bilingual English–Italian education from primary school to A-Levels and the IB Diploma years — for international families in Ticino and across the border in Como and Varese.
The school at a glance
- Grades 1–12
- One school from primary to diploma
- EN + IT
- Two languages of instruction, German as an option
- A-Levels + IB
- Two routes to university — IB candidate for PYP, MYP and DP
- Full-day school
- Academics in the morning, the DISCOVERY co-curricular programme in the afternoon
We’re not just shaping students; we’re crafting world-ready, global citizens and exceptional individuals.
One school, two languages, every age
The International School of Switzerland stands in Lugano, at the heart of Ticino. Lessons are taught in English and Italian from the first day of primary school — so children grow up fluent in the language of the region and the language of the world. German is offered as an additional language, and placement follows the Common European Framework (A1–C2), so every child works at the level that fits.
Our vision is simple to say and demanding to do: to build great people who are future-ready global citizens. The K.I.N.D. principles — Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, Discovery — shape how classrooms run, how teachers guide, and how students learn to think for themselves rather than memorise.
What makes us different
- Switzerland’s first Microsoft Showcase School — technology woven into learning, from collaborative tools to AI-enhanced lessons.
- A personalised approach: no one-size-fits-all funnel; students discover their strengths through tailored learning.
- Real-world, future-focused learning through STEAM, life-skills programmes and immersive experiences.
- Two routes to university in the diploma years: A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme.
- Deep roots in Lugano: local and international projects connect students with the community around them.
Who we are here for
Families in Ticino
An international, bilingual alternative in Lugano itself — no boarding, no long commute, part of the local community.
Families moving to Switzerland
English-language admissions, entry assessment and language support make a mid-career move manageable for the whole family.
Families in Como and Varese
Como is around thirty minutes away, Varese under an hour. A cross-border education in English and Italian, with A-Levels or the IB ahead.
Our school, step by step
From the first years of primary school to the diploma years — each stage builds on the last.
Our Primary SchoolOur Primary School inspires young learners to become curious, creative and independent thinkers — inquiry-based, bilingual, guided by the K.I.N.D. framework.
Our Middle SchoolOur Middle School builds a solid academic foundation while fostering independence, creativity and social development — core subjects in the morning, the DISCOVERY programme every afternoon.
- Our High School
Grade 10 lays the foundation; in Grades 11 and 12 students pursue A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme, with individual guidance towards university.
A full day, not a half day
The school day pairs focused academic work in the morning — STEAM subjects, languages, history and geography — with the DISCOVERY co-curricular programme in the afternoon: sport, arts, technology and language immersion, every day.
- Immersion days and camps through the year, linking learning to the real world
- Masterclasses with practitioners and specialists
- House system for community and healthy competition
- Careers guidance and university preparation from Middle School onwards
Quick answers
Which languages are lessons taught in?
English and Italian are the languages of instruction; German is offered as a language of acquisition. Language classes are set by the European framework (A1–C2), so students join at their own level.
What ages do you take?
We teach Grades 1 through 12 — from primary school to the diploma years.
A-Levels or the IB — do we have to choose now?
No. Grade 10 is a foundation year with individual guidance; students choose between A-Levels and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12.
How long is the school day?
A full school day: academics in the morning, the DISCOVERY co-curricular programme in the afternoon. The exact 2026/27 times are being confirmed and will be published here.
How do we visit the school?
Book a tour, join a Taster Day or come to an information evening — start on our Book a Visit page.