The International Baccalaureate at ISS
An IB education in Lugano, Ticino
The International School of Switzerland is a candidate school for all three core programmes of the International Baccalaureate: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). We are pursuing authorization by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
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.
Common questions about the IB
Is the International School of Switzerland an authorized IB school?
We are a candidate school for the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme, pursuing authorization by the IB Organization. Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer its programmes; candidate status is 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.
* 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.