School calendar 2026/27
Term dates and holidays for the current school year at the International School of Switzerland, Lugano.
Term dates 2026/27
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Start of the school year | Monday 31 August 2026 |
| Autumn holiday | Saturday 31 October to Sunday 8 November 2026; school returns Monday 9 November |
| Last day of the autumn term | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas holiday | 19 December 2026 to 10 January 2027; school returns Monday 11 January 2027 |
| Carnival holiday | 6 to 14 February 2027, last school day Friday 5 February; school returns Monday 15 February |
| Spring holiday | 26 March to 4 April 2027, last school day Thursday 25 March; school returns Monday 5 April |
| Last day of the school year | Wednesday 16 June 2027 |
| Summer holiday | 17 June to 29 August 2027 |
The school's current calendar for 2026/27.
Public holidays in Ticino during term time
| Day | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 8 December 2026 | Immaculate Conception, with Monday 7 December as a bridge day |
| Friday 19 March 2027 | Saint Joseph |
| Thursday 6 May 2027 | Ascension, with Friday 7 May as a bridge day |
| Monday 17 May 2027 | Whit Monday |
| Thursday 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi, with Friday 28 May as a bridge day |
The school is closed on the following federal and cantonal holidays that fall within term time.
The school calendar at a glance
The calendar the school issued for 2026/27, month by month, with holidays, public holidays and bridge days.
Visiting the school
Every school day is open to families, from 08:30 to 16:00: book your visit first, then report to reception and sign in. In the school holidays there are no lessons, but the office is staffed and families can still visit. The school is closed over Christmas, on the public holidays above, and on a few days with external exams, whole-school trips or events. The Visit ISS page shows each day whether the school is open.
Come on a school day
Any school day, 08:30 to 16:00. Book now and visit our school.
Details and questions
What families ask about the calendar
When does the school year start?
The 2026/27 year began on Monday 31 August 2026 and ends on Wednesday 16 June 2027.
How many holidays are there during the year?
Four breaks during the year: autumn, Christmas, carnival and spring, on the dates in the table above. The summer holiday runs from 17 June to 29 August 2027.
Is the calendar the same as the Ticino state schools?
Not necessarily. The school observes the cantonal public holidays, but the start, end and holiday dates are set by the school. This calendar is the one that applies, not the cantonal one.
Can we visit during the holidays?
Yes, except over Christmas. In the school holidays there are no lessons, but the office is staffed, so you can still see the school and ask your questions. To see lessons, come on a school day, from 08:30 to 16:00.
Are there events open to families?
Every school day is open to visitors, from 08:30 to 16:00; please book your visit first. Information evenings are published as they are confirmed.