Can anyone recommend a bilingual school in Ticino? Alternatively the American International School - any experiences would be appreciated. Thanks

the American International School near Lugano is (according to someone who socialised with the students some time ago) attended by spoiled rich kids.

Someone might confirm otherwise nowadays

what kind of school are you looking for, high school? college/university? masters phd?

there is TASIS www.tasis.com ages 12-19
Franklin College Switzerland www.fc.edu college BA liberal arts degree
USI has some degrees in english

Kindergarten onwards.

Hi, we have a similar problem. Does anyone know about a bilingual kindergarden and primary school (italien/german) in Lugano?

Hi, my name is Christine and I'm new to this forum. I will move to Lugano in the beginning of 2008 and have quite a lot of questions. My primary interest right now is to find an appartment and a kindergarden/primary school for my daughter (now 5). I have already googled and looked at www.lugano.ch about informations, but was not very successful so far. As we are from Austria and my daughter does not speak italian or english, both languages will be a challenge for her. We are not sure if we will choose an italian speaking school or the American School.

Does anyone have experiences with a kindergarden and a primary school in Lugano? How is the American School? I think this choice will help me to decide which area to move as I want to be close to the school.
Which place is nice to live with children?

Thanks

Hello All,
I am relocating from Austin Texas to Lugano this January with my husband and brood of little boys. I'm interested in information on the local Kindergartens, playgroups, and info on where to meet other mothers who might be facing the same adventure that we're about to embark on.

Hi TexasMama, as I am in the same situation, relocating, being a mother of a littlte girl in Lugano, I would like to get in touch and we might be able to help each other with the "adventure".
Christine

Ciao

Please see replies to my thread 'new to Lugano' some good info there regarding areas to live and schooling.

We are still in decision mode re moving to Lugano, but if we do so would definately love to set up a meeting with you both!

Lucy

HI We are moving to Lugano from Houston in Jan 08
we have 1 child age 3.5

Wish you a nice holiday and a safe trip to Lugano.
Let me know if you need any info while you are settling in Switzerland. I am of Greek American descent and have been in Lugano for more than one year. I am familiar with an English speaking pre-school in Lugano as well as a couple of english and italian speaking caretakers/babysitters.
Nicholas

Hi, great reading all the questions - I have similar questions. I am moving to Lugano in January, with my husbands work, we are English but I am learning Italian currently. We have a 4.5 year old girl and 7 month old baby. My daughter is in school 5 days a week 8.45am-3.40pm - is there such a thing in Lugano? I would like an Italian/English kindergarten and a playgroup for my son (1 morning a week or so). Any information would be great.

Housing - I would also love to know how much rent is for a 4 bedroomed place - ideally with a garden. Do these exist or is it ridiculously expensive?

I would love to hear from anyone - any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks, Lizzy

Hi!
While your all are out there searching for great schools in the Lugano area, please let me know if you come across any French/English highschools. My husband is going ahead of us in January but we might get there in July and would love to know at least if there are any decent summer schools! I am trying to get him to buy in France and give the kids a few years to learn this language first and just attend summer school in Lugano but thats quite a difficult choice for all of us. If there were a decent compromise, like the French school then life would be a lot easier...in theory anyway!
Thanks

Dear Christine,

Let me know if you ever need a british part time babysitter, as I happen to know a very good lady in Lugano.

Happy holidays and I wish you a smooth adaptation in Switzerland.

Nicholas

Hello all
we are an indian family living in lugano since almost 7 yrs. Our son who was born here is now 4.5 yrs.

Being a working couple we have had many experiences in regards day cares, schools, babysitters et al, and some info that might help you

- there are not many english schools in lugano with the only one being The American School. Recently they also starated an Elementray Program. More info at www.tasis.ch

- day cares normally accept children starting 6 months and uptil 4 yrs of age. Infant schools (scuola infanzia) normally start at 3 yrs age but upon request they extend admission by one year. In case you dont opt for a private school, one must send the child to the school of the comune (other comunes rarely accept the child , only in exceptional cases)

- school timings are 9 to 11.30AM and then 1.30 to 3.0 PM . On Wednesday only morning session

- Important : many schools dont have eating facility (mensa) and hence one must bring the child back home and after lunch bring him/her back again. Hence this can be a criterion on chosing the locality to stay.

- Babysitters : redcross publishes a list of babsitters or else one can look in the local classified newspaper Cerca Trova. English speaking babysitters - extremely Rare. Charge for service : approx CHF 20 per hour

hope above can be of help

Hi we are British and my children aged 4 and 6 attend the American school - in Lugano , it is excellent and we are very happy. Good luck with your move Caroline

www.expatcounselling.com

Hi there it seems there are a lot of you relocating to Lugano.

I am an English mum of 2 children (aged 4 and 6) at the American School in Lugano. There is a really good network of helpful mothers .

E mail me to tell me what you need and I will gladly try to help. We have been here 6 months and I recall being quite worried about moving to a new country and how we would settle yet I love Lugano. Read some of my blogs on here if it makes you feel better lol !!

For future reference I am also an adult psychotherapist and child behaviour therapist working from home in Lugano.

Kind regards caroline

www.expatcounselling.com

Hello,

My son will be starting TASIS the American school in Lugano in the fall. Does anyone have any information about the school? Any members with kids attending the school?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

We have three young kids currently attending TASIS. They seem to enjoy it and are challenged by the classes. What grade is your son?

Hi there,

Our son will be starting grade 6 in the fall. It's great to hear that your kids are enjoying the school.

How do you find the teachers? The other kids? After school activities? Any info would be really appreciated.