I've applied for a job at ETH Zurich, and whilst I don't have an offer, the more I know about CH beforehand, the better.

If I do get an offer and accept it, one of the key factors in where we'll live are the quality of the local public schools. As I understand it, only the very rich (and those whose employers subsidize them) can afford private schools. I've heard that bullying is still a problem in Swiss schools, and that kids who come in who don't speak German or Schwyzertüütsch get picked on terribly. On the other hand, I've heard of schools that are good and fair to expat kids.

Is there anyone here who lives in the vicinity of Zurich who can tell me about the local schools, preferably someone whose kids attend?

Thanks!

I'm surprised you haven't had a response on this one yet, as it is a very good question. So come on parents - jump in here!

As I replied on another thread you probably can't afford to send your kids to the international schools - this might have been what you mean by private schools? As I understand there are also Swiss private schools, but this is where you send your kid if they are too slow for the normal schools (could be wrong, just what I heard).

Since I don't have kids I'll step back at this point, but I would suggest that you use the search function here and look for threads on schools and education. We've discussed it quite a bit in the past with respect to language issues, how foreign kids do in school, etc. I think a lot depends on the age of the kids and whether you plan to go back to the states (or another country) at some point.

You dont say how old the kids are it would make a difference.

DC

Yes, I think the ages of the children matter. This would be helpful to know. Please be set straight on one thing...there is bullying in EVERY school. Both of my children went to private and public schools in the States and llive with scars. I have worked in education for 15 years and currently substitute teach in one of the International schools in Zurich. I have a very favorable impression of it. I would be happy to investigate public schools in our area of town if you like. Good luck with the process and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

I think the original poster never ended up coming to Switzerland - so you probably won't hear from him abou the ages of the kids...

I just wanted to continue the same thread, my son 7 1/2 years old attends local school. When he started in September , he had 2 weeks of intensive German . However I'd like him to continue in English and private school is not an option for us . What would be the solution, as next year we plan to return back to California.
I am affraid he will be behind his school mates.

I would not bother with the English in the normal School unless the teachers are mother tongue. For my Son I used the Hull school at seefeld run by a very informative Robin Hull.
Anybody else out there I would highly recommend the 10th School year in English. This coarse actually means you have to sit exams and not just a Swiss Zeugnis for all your schooling. I believe they do a Saturday morning class.
DC

http://www.hullschool.ch/en/index.cfm

Hi Deborah, I have a question since you mention that you work at one of the International schools in Zurich. We plan to move to Switzerland June 2008. My son is currently in 8th grade in the USA (private school), and I am looking for an english school for him. My choice up to now is the International School in Winterthur-(ISW), since we will be living in the Winterthur area. Do you have knowledge about this particular school, and do you know about any other english schools you would like to recommend? I am very excited to move to CH, but also very uncertain about the schools.
Hope to hear from you,
Edwina

I work at a private bilingual day school very near Zurich, and while it is expensive (this is Switzerland, after all) it is certainly not a school for 'slow' kids. It has, in fact, got a high academic standard and a very good reputation (maybe that's why there's always a waiting list?!). Many people hold the misconconceived idea that children only go to private schools in Switzerland if they are 'too slow' for 'normal' schools (whatever they are?). While this may be true of some schools (I don't know enough about that to discuss it) it is certainly not true of all. In the case of our school, we are fairly unique in that we provide a truly bilingual German/English curriculum - maybe that's what appeals so much to parents who could afford or choose to send their children to either monolingual International/private or state schools.

I need to join this discussion. I have two girls ages 10 and 6 and I have been offered a job in Zurich. My conern is that my daughters only speak English and Spanish and have absolutely no knowledge of German. I have contacted some bilingual schools and does not seem to be any openings in any of the schools for the upcoming school year. On top of all this the schools are very expensive are there any schools that are for English speakers and do not cost more than 1000 chf a month?

By the way we are from California.

Do any expats home school like they do here in the states? There must be a group of non German speaking people who only plan on being in the country for a short time and have the same type of education issues.