To build great people who are future-ready global citizens
Our mission
Our mission is to deliver a comprehensive local and international multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens. Guided by our founding principles of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery, we offer exceptional teachers and immersive learning experiences in an innovative, technology-driven environment. We inspire students to pursue excellence, broaden their horizons and unlock their full potential.
What this means in practice
Nine commitments that shape how the school runs day to day.
A personalised approach to education
We do not funnel students through a one-size-fits-all system. We help them discover their strengths and passions through tailored learning experiences, and our programmes adapt to the individual needs of each student, academically, socially and emotionally.
Real-world, future-focused learning
Learning is grounded in real-world contexts: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), life-skills programmes, early university-level subjects and immersive experiences.
K.I.N.D. principles at our core
Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery shape not just academically strong students, but compassionate, curious and confident global citizens. These principles guide every aspect of school culture and curriculum.
Technology in every classroom
We integrate technology to equip students with 21st-century skills, from AI-enhanced learning to collaborative tools. Our classrooms are designed for innovation.
Early pathways to university and careers
We open doors early. Students gain exposure to universities and career opportunities long before graduation, through advanced coursework and professional networks.
A community-centred approach
We integrate deeply with the community of Lugano. Students engage with local and international projects, building meaningful connections and an understanding of diverse perspectives.
Arts, sports and beyond
Our Discovery Programme and masterclasses encourage students to explore and excel in creative disciplines, sports and emerging fields such as robotics and technology.
A culture of possibility
Education should inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence. Students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks and explore their potential, and every student's journey is celebrated as unique.
High standards with heart
Academic excellence is key, and our holistic approach ensures students grow into well-rounded individuals who value character as much as achievement.
Our Vision is to empower global change-makers to achieve personal excellence and drive transformative impact in their communities and the world.
Recognition
The International School of Switzerland is an IB World School, authorized to offer the Diploma Programme. For the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme it is a candidate school*. Read more about the IB at ISS.
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. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
International Baccalaureate
See the school for yourself
Read the Principal's welcome, or come and see how these commitments look in a classroom.
Details and questions
What the mission means for a family in Ticino
A mission statement is easy to write and hard to keep. These are the parts of the school's mission a family can check against what the school actually does. A local and international multilingual curriculum: lessons in English and Italian, German from Grade 3, described stage by stage on the language programme page. A curriculum that prepares learners as global citizens: Grades 1 to 12 leading to International A-Levels or the IB Diploma, set out on the curriculum page.
Founding principles of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery: the K.I.N.D. Framework, with a table of where each principle shows in a school day. A technology-driven environment: the school provides each student's laptop. Immersive learning experiences: the Discovery Programme, included in tuition, and the Masterclasses.
Questions families ask about the mission
What is the mission of the International School of Switzerland?
To deliver a comprehensive local and international multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens, guided by the founding principles of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery.
What does "future-ready global citizen" mean in practice?
A student who leaves with an internationally recognised qualification, at least two working languages, experience of projects and service, and a record of it all in their Portrait of a Graduate portfolio. The nine points above describe how the school works towards that.
What does "multilingual curriculum" mean?
English is the language of instruction from Grade 1, Italian is taught alongside it and becomes a second language of instruction in the Middle School, and German is offered from Grade 3.
Is the school an IB World School?
For the Diploma Programme, yes: the International School of Switzerland is authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the DP and is an IB World School. For the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme it is a candidate school*, pursuing authorization; candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. A-Levels remain the school's established route to university.
Where does the vision come from?
From the school's leadership. The Principal's Welcome sets out, in Rebecca Hauch's words, what the school wants for each child.
How can we judge whether the school lives up to it?
Visit on a school day. Sit in a lesson, stay for the Discovery Programme in the afternoon, and ask the questions on the visit page. A mission that is real is visible in an ordinary afternoon.