An IB education in Lugano, Ticino
The International School of Switzerland is an IB World School, authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the Diploma Programme (DP). For the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) the school is a candidate school*, pursuing authorization.
For families in Ticino and across the nearby Italian border, this means one school can carry a child from the first year of primary school to a diploma that universities around the world recognise.
The three programmes
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): inquiry-based learning in our bilingual Primary School, in English and Italian.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): a broad, concept-driven curriculum in our Middle School.
- Diploma Programme (DP): the two final years, leading to the IB Diploma. The Diploma requires a C1/C2 level of English; our EAL support helps students reach it.
Towards the IB Diploma
A diploma universities recognise
One school can carry a child from the first year of primary school to a diploma that universities around the world recognise.
English to C1/C2
The Diploma requires a C1/C2 level of English. Our EAL support helps students reach it.
A choice in Grade 10
In Grade 10, the Pre-DP year, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and A-Levels, examined by Pearson Edexcel.
International School of Switzerland is a candidate school* for the PYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.
International School of Switzerland is a candidate school* for the MYP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy- a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education- that we believe is important for our students.
* Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
See our IB pathway in person
Visit the school, meet our teachers and see how the programmes build on each other.
Details and questions
Common questions about the IB
Is the International School of Switzerland an authorized IB school?
Yes, for the Diploma Programme: the school is authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the DP and is an IB World School. For the PYP and the MYP it is a candidate school*, pursuing authorization. Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer its programmes; candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
Which universities accept the IB Diploma?
The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, including in Switzerland, Italy, the UK and the US.
What level of English does the Diploma Programme require?
The IB Diploma requires a C1/C2 level of English. Students joining earlier have time to reach it with our English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.