From first enquiry to first day, in four steps

In four steps: an enquiry and a visit to the school, an online application through our admissions portal, an assessment and a conversation, then a written offer of a place. Enrolment forms and the enrolment fee follow within four weeks of the offer.

No separate application fee. The only payment at enrolment is a one-off enrolment fee of CHF 3,000 per family, payable when a place is accepted. It is not charged again for siblings, and it is non-refundable.

Grades 1 to 12, from the first year of primary school through to the diploma years. There is no earlier year group at the moment.

Age is the starting point, not the verdict. Where a child has been in a different system or has a language to build, a conversation together with the parents, in combination with the performance of the entry assessment will help place your child in the most suitable grade. You can see a comparison between other school systems in our year level comparison chart.

Applications are accepted year-round. Applying early gives priority consideration, particularly in year groups that fill quickly.

Not fluently. English is the language of instruction and Italian is taught alongside; placement follows the Common European Framework, and students who need it receive English as an Additional Language support. The assessment shows where each language starts.

Every applicant sits papers suited to their age and meets us for a short conversation. The papers are designed to look for potential rather than to catch a child out, and we do what we can to keep the day friendly for children and parents alike. Where travelling to the campus is not possible, the papers can be sat externally.

For a child whose first language is not English, the assessment also tells us where their English stands on the Common European Framework, so that language classes and any additional support start at the right level. Places are offered on the basis of the assessment, and the enrolment forms are then completed online and returned within four weeks together with the enrolment fee.

Yes, subject to a place being available in the year group. Families relocating mid-year should get in touch as early as their plans allow.

Yes. Our students come from around the world. Families moving to Ticino will find permits, the local school system and practical steps set out on our relocating to Lugano page.

English is the language of instruction and Italian is taught alongside it from Grade 1; German is offered from Grade 3. Language classes are placed by the European framework, A1 to C2, so students join at their own level.

No. Grade 10 is the Pre-DP year, with individual guidance; students choose between A-Levels and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12.

A full school day, from 08:30 to 16:00. In the Middle School, Discovery runs every afternoon from 14:30 to 16:00; in the Primary School it is woven through the day, and in the diploma years Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are lessons. The timetable for the year is given at enrolment.

The 2026/27 school year runs from 31 August 2026 to 16 June 2027, with autumn, Christmas, carnival and spring holidays. The school calendar lists every date, including the Ticino public holidays.

One annual tuition figure per child, from CHF 16,000 in Grade 1 to CHF 22,000 in Grades 10 to 12 for 2026/27, published in full on the fees page. One enrolment fee of CHF 3,000 per family, no separate application fee. The Discovery Programme and the student's laptop are included; lunch, the technology and book levy, examination fees, camps and residential trips are charged separately and communicated in advance.

Yes. Any school day is open from 08:30 to 16:00, but please book your visit first; on the day, report to reception and sign in. The information evening, the Taster Day and individual appointments are booked in advance too.

An open event is a group occasion for several families at once; a tour is a private appointment for your family, with a conversation about your child in particular.

Yes. The Visit ISS page links to the school’s online booking, for the Open School and for appointments.