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Taught languages English, Mandarin, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Typical class size 10
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Sixth Form, Middle School, High School
Introduction
International School Altdorf is a private international boarding and day school for students aged 13 to 18, set on a hillside campus with mountain views. The school offers a rigorous mix of Cambridge IGCSE (14–16) and the IB Middle Years Programme for junior years, along with the IB Diploma Programme (16–19) and the IB Career-related Programme supported by BVIS and UNWTO Academy Switzerland with OTHM accreditation. Language development is a clear focus, with IGCSE languages (English, German, French, Chinese) and targeted English support for non-native speakers. The campus features athletics facilities (soccer, basketball, tennis; summer beach volleyball and outdoor pool) and a fitness club, plus outdoor activities such as hiking, rowing, mountain biking and skiing. A distinctive feature is the on-campus animal shelter run by students, linking campus life with service. Modern classrooms, a well-equipped library, and tutoring and exam-prep services support personalised learning. The school welcomes international families worldwide.
International School Altdorf has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.
Location
St. Josefsweg 15, 6460 Altdorf UR, Switzerland. The campus is located in Altdorf, in the canton of Uri, central Switzerland. The campus includes on-campus housing for students.
Stages
Middle Years: Cambridge IGCSE (ages 14-16) and Middle Years International Program (IBMYP) candidate. Senior Years: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19.
Type
International private boarding and day school with on-campus residences for students.
Additional learning support
Academic Support includes tutoring, mentoring, exam preparation, and language support for English as a first or second language; guidance counselors support university applications.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School Altdorf ranges from CHF 25,000 to CHF 70,000 for 2026/27.
Application / Enrolment fee - A one-time enrolment (application) fee of CHF 1,500 is charged on acceptance and is non‑refundable.
Deposit - A refundable security deposit of CHF 3,000 is required in advance. The deposit covers damage and unpaid invoices and will be refunded within 90 days after the student leaves the school, less any outstanding charges. If the deposit is partly used, it must be topped up to CHF 3,000 within 10 days of notification.
Tuition fees (annual and per-term presentation) - Billing basis: Tuition is invoiced and charged on an annual basis and must be paid in full before the start of the school year. The school collects fees for the next school year before 15 March each year; late payment incurs collection charges and interest on arrears (5%). - Published / marketed annual fee ranges (day students): typical annual day‑student tuition is presented in public school listings and directories in the range of approximately CHF 25,000 to CHF 40,000 per year. - Published / marketed annual fee ranges (boarding students): typical annual full‑boarding tuition is presented in public listings and directories in the range of approximately CHF 45,000 to CHF 70,000 per year. - Typical single‑figure references: some school listings state an indicative annual tuition figure of CHF 45,000 for a typical student year (used by third‑party school databases). - Per‑term presentation (for database entry): because the school invoices annually, per‑term amounts are not the school's billing default. For straightforward database display only, divide the chosen annual tuition by the number of academic terms your system uses (the school charges the annual amount in full). For example, using a three‑term model as an illustrative conversion: - Day student example (range): CHF 25,000 per year → ≈ CHF 8,333 per term; CHF 40,000 per year → ≈ CHF 13,333 per term. - Boarding student example (range): CHF 45,000 per year → ≈ CHF 15,000 per term; CHF 70,000 per year → ≈ CHF 23,333 per term.
Tuition by year group / program (summary for database use) - The school operates IGCSE (lower secondary / middle years), IB MYP, and IB DP/CP (upper secondary). Publicly available listings and school directories present overall annual tuition ranges rather than a detailed published per‑grade fee table. Typical published ranges used for display are: Day students CHF 25,000–40,000 per year; Boarding students CHF 45,000–70,000 per year. (The school issues an invoice with the exact amount for the enrolled year/program.)
Boarding accommodation fees and arrangements - Boarding is available and boarding fees are normally included in the published full‑boarding tuition figures; boarding students typically live in double rooms with private bathrooms on campus and are supported by accommodation managers. Any optional single‑room upgrades or special accommodation requests may be charged in addition to the standard boarding tuition.
Other compulsory or regular additional costs - External examination and certification fees (for external exams and certificates) are not included in the stated tuition and are charged separately. A mandatory school ski week is also not included in tuition and is billed in addition. - Health and accident insurance is mandatory for students staying in Switzerland; proof of valid Swiss insurance must be provided. Outstanding insurance invoices may be settled from the deposit if unpaid.
Optional and occasional extras - Individual extra lessons (45‑minute session) are charged separately; an example published rate is CHF 100 per 45‑minute lesson in the school's extra‑lessons catalogue. - Short‑stay programmes and residential camps (summer/winter camps) have separate published fees (camp examples: CHF 1,750 per week for some winter camp weeks; CHF 3,500 per two‑week phase for summer camp programmes) and are billed separately from regular tuition.
Uniform and dress code - Public school listings indicate that students are not required to wear a school uniform.
Billing schedule and payment terms (specifics) - School fees are charged annually and must be paid in full before the start of the school year. Fees for the next school year are collected before 15 March each year. In the event of late payment the school may engage a collection agency and will charge reminder fees, collection charges and interest on arrears at 5%. Non‑payment may result in a student being denied campus access.
Refund and cancellation policy - The enrolment fee (CHF 1,500) is non‑refundable. Refunds of invoiced tuition (excluding deposit) for new students before arrival are scaled by timing relative to the school start date: - 60 days before school starts: 100% refund. - 59–50 days before school starts: 75% refund. - 49–40 days before school starts: 50% refund. - 39–30 days before school starts: 25% refund. - 29–0 days before school starts: 0% refund. - Refunds for existing students are governed by the termination and notice clauses; late notice after the standard termination date (15 March) triggers compensation rules and paid tuition may become non‑refundable. No refund is given for expulsions or voluntary early departure except as provided in the school contract provisions. The deposit is refunded within 90 days of leaving, less any outstanding invoices.
Fee payment options and invoicing - Fees are invoiced by the school; invoices contain the payment instructions and must be settled according to those invoice instructions. The school uses Swiss currency (CHF) for its stated fees and deposit amounts. The school's general terms refer to collection of fees via the invoices and to consequences for late payment; specific payment methods (for example, international bank transfer details, accepted card payments or payment platforms) are provided on the invoice itself.
Notes for database display (practical points) - The school's published material and third‑party school directories present tuition as annual amounts and as ranges (day vs. boarding); the school issues an exact annual invoice for each admitted student. For a per‑term display, convert the chosen annual amount to per‑term by dividing by the number of terms used in your database, and mark billing frequency as “Annually (invoiced annually; payment due before term start)” to reflect the school's billing practice.
Academics
International School Altdorf teaches IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (MYP) for students aged 13 to 19.
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year program offered for students typically aged 14–16. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum includes Languages (English First Language; English Second Language; German Second Language; French Second Language; Chinese First Language), Humanities (Economics, Business Studies, History), Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Sciences), and Mathematics (International Mathematics; Additional Mathematics). The IB Diploma Programme is offered for students aged 16–19, with six subject groups and core components including Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. The IB Career-related Programme blends at least two IB Diploma Programme courses with career-related studies (Languages, Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, International Tourism Management), includes a Reflective Project and mandatory language development, and is supported by BVIS and UNWTO Academy Switzerland with OTHM accreditation. The Middle Years Programme is an IB program being pursued as an IB World School center for the junior years (ages 14–16), organized around eight subject groups with Personal Project and Service as Action, and with sports integrated into the curriculum. Academic support is provided, including tutoring and exam preparation for IGCSE and IB, and language development for non-native English speakers.
Higher Education Progression
All graduates have continued their studies at universities and institutions around the world. An in-house career and university counsellor team guides students toward their future decisions and helps develop independent learners prepared for university or college. Offers have been extended to top universities worldwide, including Imperial College London, University College London, University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and King's College London in the UK; the University of Toronto in Canada; the University of California system in the United States; and EPFL in Switzerland.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional development through a strong pastoral system with guidance counselors available to assist students from course selection to tutoring and time management. An after-school mentoring program provides personalized guidance, with every teacher mentoring a number of students to build trust and foster an open, inclusive classroom environment. Staff including accommodations managers, teachers, counselors, and other on‑campus staff are available to support students 24/7 in the classroom, clubs and on chaperoned field trips. The IB Diploma Programme addresses intellectual, social, emotional and physical well‑being as part of preparing students for university and life beyond. The campus offers a range of activities and support structures that contribute to students' holistic development.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Individualized learning is supported by small class sizes that allow teachers to give special attention to students' learning needs and interests. Academic Support provides tutoring, mentoring and guidance counselors to assist with course selection, time management and study skills. An after‑school mentoring program offers personalized guidance, helping create an open and inclusive learning environment. Extracurricular exam and preparation courses (including TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, German and French language proficiency prep) extend support beyond the classroom. The school supports English language learners with daily language assistance and resources to help them settle in and succeed.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Whether English is a student's first or second language, faculty and staff are there for every individual every day of the week. Academic Support includes tutoring and guidance to help language learners with course work, time management and exam preparation. The program offers targeted exam preparation for language proficiency tests including TOEFL and IELTS, as well as other language‑related assessments. The tutoring and guidance services help students integrate into English‑language curricula across IB and Cambridge tracks. Language support is woven into the school's academic support structure to help learners achieve their goals.
Mental Wellbeing
The IB Diploma Programme is designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well‑being and future success of students. On campus, staff including accommodations managers, teachers and counselors look after students 24/7 in the classroom, clubs and on chaperoned trips, supporting mental wellbeing. The campus features sport facilities and a fitness partner, Update Fitness, to promote physical health and a healthy mind‑and‑body balance. A holistic approach to student life is reinforced through pastoral care, guidance and opportunities for leadership and teamwork. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment that supports students' well‑being across academic and extra‑curricular activities.
Admissions
Admissions
The Admissions Team assists prospective families through the admission process. Enquiries can be made via Enquire now or Register now, and prospective families may arrange a campus visit, an online or in-person meeting, and receive personal advice tailored to their needs. School visits are encouraged but not mandatory; prospective students may spend up to two trial days (one overnight) free of charge, subject to availability in the boarding houses. The admission and assessment of new students hoping to join International School Altdorf depends on past school performance, current assessments, and personal impressions; applications are reviewed, and qualifying candidates are invited to attend an interview and take an admissions test either during a campus visit or online via Teams. Successful candidates will be offered a place and will receive an enrolment confirmation with a deposit invoice; space is secured upon payment and signed school contract. Entry is ideally at the start of the school year, but mid-year entries can be considered on an individual basis and early registration (at least six months before the start of the school year) is encouraged to allow time for student visa processing where applicable. Scholarships are partial and merit-based; full scholarships are not available. Scholarship applicants should upload certificates, awards, and other documentation showcasing academic and non-academic talents; selected applicants are invited to a scholarship interview with the Head of School.
Scholarships
International School Altdorf awards partial, merit-based scholarships; full scholarships are not available. Scholarship applicants should upload certificates, awards, and other documentation showcasing academic and non-academic talents; selected applicants are invited to a scholarship interview with the Head of School.
FAQs
What curriculum does International School Altdorf offer?
International School Altdorf offers IB, IGCSE, Cambridge, French curriculums. Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year program offered for students typically aged 14–16.
What age range does International School Altdorf cater for?
International School Altdorf accepts students from age 13 to 18. Middle Years: Cambridge IGCSE (ages 14-16) and Middle Years International Program (IBMYP) candidate. Senior Years: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19.
What are the fees at International School Altdorf?
Annual fees at International School Altdorf range from approximately 25,000 to 45,000. **Application / Enrolment fee** - A one-time enrolment (application) fee of CHF 1,500 is charged on acceptance and is non‑refundable. **Deposit** - A refundable security deposit of CHF 3,000 is required in advance.
Where is International School Altdorf located?
International School Altdorf is located in Switzerland. St. Josefsweg 15, 6460 Altdorf UR, Switzerland. The campus is located in Altdorf, in the canton of Uri, central Switzerland. The campus includes on-campus housing for students.
Is International School Altdorf co-educational?
International School Altdorf is a co-educational, co-educational (boarding) school. International private boarding and day school with on-campus residences for students.
How do I apply to International School Altdorf?
The admissions process at International School Altdorf: The Admissions Team assists prospective families through the admission process. Enquiries can be made via Enquire now or Register now, and prospective families may arrange a campus visit, an online or in-person meeting, and receive personal advice tailored to their needs.
Does International School Altdorf offer scholarships or financial aid?
International School Altdorf offers scholarships and financial aid. International School Altdorf awards partial, merit-based scholarships; full scholarships are not available.
Does International School Altdorf offer boarding?
On-campus residences provide housing for students living away from home. Students stay in double or triple rooms, each with a private bathroom; boarding supervisors and on-campus staff look after students 24/7 and provide support with homesickness and homework.
What learning support does International School Altdorf provide?
International School Altdorf provides learning support services. Individualized learning is supported by small class sizes that allow teachers to give special attention to students' learning needs and interests. Academic Support provides tutoring, mentoring and guidance counselors to assist with course selection, time management and study skills.
Does International School Altdorf offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
Whether English is a student's first or second language, faculty and staff are there for every individual every day of the week. Academic Support includes tutoring and guidance to help language learners with course work, time management and exam preparation.
What facilities does International School Altdorf have?
The campus has a soccer field, basketball court and tennis court. In the summer, there is a beach volleyball court and an outdoor swimming pool. An on-campus animal shelter is run by students and houses ponies, rabbits, chickens and goats. The campus is at the top of a peaceful village with mountain Sports facilities include: The campus has a soccer field, basketball court and tennis court. In the summer, there is a beach volleyball court and an outdoor swimming pool.
What extra-curricular activities are available at International School Altdorf?
International School Altdorf offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Creativity & Sports are emphasized; students are encouraged to explore skills outside the classroom. The campus library provides space and resources to support research projects. Campus life includes access to study spaces and the library for independent and collaborative work.
Who is the head of International School Altdorf?
The head of school at International School Altdorf is Keith Izsa.
How many students attend International School Altdorf?
International School Altdorf has approximately 100 students. The school serves students from age 13 to 18.
Where do graduates of International School Altdorf go to university?
All graduates have continued their studies at universities and institutions around the world. An in-house career and university counsellor team guides students toward their future decisions and helps develop independent learners prepared for university or college.
What is the parent community like at International School Altdorf?
The campus features a soccer field, basketball court, tennis court, beach volleyball court and an outdoor swimming pool.
