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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
International School of Ticino (IST) is a private international day school in Ticino, Switzerland, offering the IB continuum: PYP, MYP, DP, and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The school serves ages 3 to 18. The language of instruction is English, with an Italian bilingual programme for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino cantonal requirements. IST opened as a kindergarten in 2014 and expanded to serve international and local families; in 2017 it joined Inspired Education Group. Facilities include bright, well-resourced classrooms with up-to-date technology, an early years learning zone, a first-floor learning hub, a gymnasium for football, basketball, and volleyball, and expansive outdoor spaces for play. The curriculum follows IB standards with inquiry-based learning in the PYP and across eight subject areas in the MYP and DP, plus CP options with seven career-related pathways. IST is a signatory to the Global Schools Program and supports Sustainable Development Goals.
International School of Ticino has instruction in English.
Location
Via Ponteggia 23, 6814 Cadempino, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino canton near Lugano. Accessible by local transport and road links.
Stages
Ages 3-18/19; IB continuum from Early Years to High School, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
Type
Private international day school; IB World School (IB continuum); part of the Inspired group of schools.
Pupil Nationality Mix
30 different nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Program in place. Referral procedures identify students with additional learning needs and develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Inclusive assessment arrangements can be made where appropriate. Reviews of ILPs and progress occur regularly, including a six‑week review cycle; support may involve external agencies as required.
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Ticino ranges from CHF 18,120 to CHF 25,950 for 2026/27.
Additional fee items: - Lunches (annual): CHF 2,600 — billed as CHF 1,300 at the 2nd payment and CHF 1,300 at the 3rd payment (no amount at 1st payment). - EAL / Additional Inclusion Support (annual): CHF 4,200 (no instalment amounts shown).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- 1st Payment: due by 17 February 2026 — includes NSAF + Registration Fee + 25% of the tuition fee. - 2nd Payment: due by 23 August 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 50% of the tuition fee. - 3rd Payment: due by 1 December 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 25% of the tuition fee. - The fee schedule states: "Fees must be paid by the dates indicated."
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed in the school fee schedule; there are no boarding fees shown.
Other costs and what tuition does not cover
- Tuition fees do not include bus service, daily school trips, field trips, laptop, school uniforms, and external exams. - For Grades 12–13, textbooks are listed separately (not included in tuition). - The Registration Fee is stated to include stationery and educational resources.
Refund information
- The published school fee schedule does not specify a refund policy or refund conditions in the fee document.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Payment method accepted: bank transfer only (credit card payments are not indicated). - Bank details provided for payments: - Bank: UBS SA - Beneficiary: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TICINO SA - IBAN: CH25 0023 6236 1115 0901 A - BIC / SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A.
Academics
International School of Ticino teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
IS Ticino is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is English, with an Italian Programme that provides a bilingual structure for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino Canton requirements. The Early Years curriculum uses a trans-disciplinary inquiry approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and provides full immersion in an English language context. The Primary Years Programme focuses on inquiry-based learning through PYP themes, while the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme follow IB frameworks across eight subject areas and core components. The school aligns with IB standards and is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes due to a small student population.
Higher Education Progression
Career and higher education counselling is provided by university counsellors to advise on tertiary education pathways. University destinations include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and elsewhere, with more than 50% of graduates going to UK universities.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
The school has not added this information
Admissions
Admissions
IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year. For Early Years and Elementary, IS Ticino provides an international education with English as the main language of instruction and operates a non-discriminatory admission policy. IS Ticino will accept children with no previous experience of speaking English. Although not all families are fluent in English, all communication with the school is primarily in English, and at least one parent should be able to speak English, communicate with staff in English, discuss English-language activities with the child, and read teacher notes and converse with teachers in English. Admission is by the Principal when it is evident the student can benefit from the programme and the school has sufficient staffing and programme capacity; placement for a different grade requires the Principal's recommendation. Priority for entry is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to international families whose children are fluent in English; all other applications are processed in strict chronological order and in compliance with the Admissions Procedure. Submit an application via the contact form (Apply Now). The language of instruction is English and applicants are assessed for English proficiency before a decision is made, including language assessments for PYP and DP where appropriate. Enrollment requires documents such as student and parent passports, Swiss permit if non-Swiss, birth certificate, vaccination record and Swiss health insurance.
Scholarships
Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme provides full scholarships to 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.
Waitlist
Waiting lists: If a class is fully subscribed, successful applicants are invited to place their name on a waiting list. Priority is given to siblings of current IST students, children of ex-IST students, applicants from the international community, and applicants who are proficient in English or transferring from English-medium schools.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does International School of Ticino offer?
International School of Ticino offers IB, AP curriculums. IS Ticino is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is English, with an Italian Programme that provides a bilingual structure for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino Canton requirements.
What age range does International School of Ticino cater for?
International School of Ticino accepts students from age 3 to 18. Ages 3-18/19; IB continuum from Early Years to High School, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
What are the fees at International School of Ticino?
Annual fees at International School of Ticino range from approximately 36,590 to 36,690. **Application and admission fees** - Student Admission Fee (one‑time, payable at initial enrolment): CHF 3,000. - Registration Fee (payable annually): CHF 1,950.
Where is International School of Ticino located?
International School of Ticino is located in Switzerland. Via Ponteggia 23, 6814 Cadempino, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino canton near Lugano. Accessible by local transport and road links.
Is International School of Ticino co-educational?
International School of Ticino is a co-educational school. Private international day school; IB World School (IB continuum); part of the Inspired group of schools.
How do I apply to International School of Ticino?
The admissions process at International School of Ticino: IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year.
Does International School of Ticino offer scholarships or financial aid?
International School of Ticino offers scholarships and financial aid.
What learning support does International School of Ticino provide?
International School of Ticino provides learning support services. IST runs an Inclusion Program with an Inclusion Coordinator to identify students with additional needs and develop Individual Learning Plans. The school provides inclusive assessment arrangements across the IB programmes and can involve external agencies as required.
Does International School of Ticino offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
The Primary Years Programme and Early Years Programme are taught in English. Early Years is described as a full immersion in an English language context, with literacy developed in English.
What facilities does International School of Ticino have?
Classrooms are bright, spacious, and well resourced. They include up-to-date technology to blend traditional and digital learning. The learning zone for early years and the first-floor learning hub offer the latest children's literature, non-fiction, and computer software. The gymnasium is equipped Sports facilities include: The gymnasium serves football, basketball, volleyball, and a range of other sports activities.
What extra-curricular activities are available at International School of Ticino?
International School of Ticino offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Music and performing arts are offered, including Guitar, Violin, Piano, Modern Singing, and Classical Singing; Musical Theatre and Drama are also available, with options to study any instrument of your choice. IST offers a wide range of co-curricular activities.
What languages are taught at International School of Ticino?
English is the language of instruction. Italian language is taught from Grade 1 to maintain Swiss Italian language proficiency and cultural identity, with Italian taught as an additional language when needed. German Language Acquisition begins in Grade 2 with CEFR-based progression to support local English is the language of instruction.
Who is the head of International School of Ticino?
The head of school at International School of Ticino is Nicholas Bruce (School Principal); Mark Waldron (Preside).
How many students attend International School of Ticino?
International School of Ticino has approximately 170 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was International School of Ticino founded?
International School of Ticino was founded in 2014. IST opened as a kindergarten in 2014 and began as a feeder to the International School Como in Italy, which had operated since 2002. It was established to offer the local and international residents of Ticino an IB education.
Where do graduates of International School of Ticino go to university?
Career and higher education counselling is provided by university counsellors to advise on tertiary education pathways.
Does International School of Ticino have a uniform policy?
The IST Uniform is mandatory for students from Pre-Kinder to MYP 3.
What is the parent community like at International School of Ticino?
IST culture is rooted in the IB Mission statement, which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural unde.
