It’s not just about producing excellent students.It’s about nurturing extraordinary people
Rebecca Hauch, Executive Principal
Dear families,
Equipping young people for the future is both a bold responsibility and a thrilling opportunity, and one we take to heart. In a world that is evolving faster than ever, we are here to make sure your child thrives, not just academically, but in every part of life.
Lugano, where Italian, German and French cultures meet, is a truly unique place to learn and grow. As someone raising my own family here, I can personally attest to the blend of tradition and progress this community offers.
Beyond “How was your day?”
I created the K.I.N.D. conversation cards to connect home and school. Too often, “How was your day?” is met with a curt “Good.” The cards give families a fun, non-confrontational way to talk around the dinner table about the values that really matter.
Your child’s greatness will be defined not only by their achievements, but by their capacity to lead with kindness, make meaningful contributions and inspire change.
An invitation
With a rigorous, forward-thinking curriculum and a dedicated community of educators and families, this is where your child’s potential will flourish. Together, we will help them grow into confident, compassionate and creative leaders, ready to shape the future.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school, and to partnering with you in this exciting journey.
Your k.i.n.d.ness is your greatness,
Rebecca Hauch, Executive Principal
Read on
Come and meet us
The best way to get to know a school is to visit it. Book a visit, or send us your questions.
Details and questions
The school in brief
| Where | Lugano, Canton Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. |
| Who | Grades 1 to 12: Primary School, Middle School and Senior School, with a one-year Bridge Programme for students aged twelve to eighteen. |
| Languages | English and Italian, with German from Grade 3. |
| Qualifications | International A-Levels, examined by Pearson Edexcel, or the IB Diploma Programme, which the school is authorized to offer as an IB World School. |
| Discovery | Included in tuition: every afternoon in the Middle School, woven through the day in the Primary School. |
| School year 2026/27 | Monday 31 August 2026 to Wednesday 16 June 2027. |
Questions families ask before they visit
Who is the principal of the International School of Switzerland?
Rebecca Hauch is the Executive Principal. You meet the people who lead the school on a visit.
Can we meet the principal before applying?
A school visit is the place to start. Admissions arranges the tour and, where possible, a conversation with the school's leadership; say when you book what you would like to discuss.
What does K.I.N.D. mean?
Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery, the four principles behind how the school teaches. The K.I.N.D. page shows where each one appears in a school day.
Which languages will my child learn?
English and Italian, with German from Grade 3. The language programme explains how each language is taught at each stage.
How big is the school?
Student numbers and class sizes change from year to year, so the school gives the current figures in the admissions conversation rather than on this page.
Where do I start if we are moving to Lugano?
With the relocating to Lugano page: permits, health insurance, the Swiss school system and how the school's calendar fits a move.