Our School Feature series is designed for parents exploring private and international schools in and around Basel. The aim of this series is to give parents a clear overview of each school’s programs, educational concept, after-school activities, and what makes each school unique. You’ll find the school’s admission contact at the bottom of this article, so feel free to reach out to them directly for more details.
In this blog post, we feature ELA Basel – The Swiss British School of Basel.
“We are a vibrant and nurturing International and Bilingual Day care and Primary school in the heart of Basel.
We pride ourselves on creating a family environment to support our children’s development and growth.“
About ELA Basel – The Swiss British School of Basel
ELA Basel follows the UK National Curriculum, adapted to reflect its international community and Swiss setting. The school was founded in 1993 and has around 250 students up to 12 years old. ELA blends the best of the Swiss and British education programmes with a focus on science, the arts, and technology.
The school has two beautiful locations in Basel.
ELA Basel Early Years campus
The Early Years campus is located in the historic Gartenstrasse building (Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel) and very close to the Central Station. It has 11 rooms spread across 3 floors for childcare, providing a warm and nurturing home where children ages 3 months – 4 year old thrive in a bilingual, German and English-speaking environment.
ELA Basel’s Early Years campus offers a beautiful and safe environment where children have access to an enclosed playground with climbing equipment, dedicated areas for messy play and exploration, a children’s library with cozy reading corners, art and creative spaces, and much more. ELA also offers an extended childcare (Kita) option from 6.30 until 18.30.
ELA Basel Primary School campus
The Primary School campus is located in the quiet St. Alban district (St. Alban-Vorstadt 32, 4052, Basel) and a ten-minute walk from the Early Years campus. ELA’s Primary school is housed in a spacious and renovated building, in the heart of Basel’s old city.
ELA Basel Primary School offers small class sizes and high teacher-to-student ratios that allow for personalized learning in a supportive environment. Alongside English-based academics and specialist lessons in subjects like German, French, and Music, children enjoy supervised breaks, healthy meals prepared by ELA’s on-site chef, and opportunities to grow as confident, independent learners.
You can find more information about both locations on ELA’s website, here:
Welcome to ELA Basel – The Swiss British School
The ELA Basel Community
“We pride ourselves on fostering a close-knit community where family values and meaningful connections between students, teachers, and parents thrive.
Since our establishment in 1993, we have offered a varied and inclusive academic programme. Tailored to provide individual attention, empowering each child to grow into the best version of themselves.”
Academic programmes, learning support, and after-school activities
With strong parent-staff communication, ELA’s experienced team—many of whom have been with the school for years—ensures continuity and care from Early Years through Primary Years. Combining education and enrichment in one convenient location, ELA provides not only excellent academic programmes but also learning support, after-school activities, music lessons, vacation programmes, and even a vibrant Saturday morning theatre school, all under one roof.
“Since 1993, we have been nurturing young minds in the heart of Basel. We offer a bilingual programme at our Early Years/Kita and a comprehensive primary education based on the British curriculum at our second campus.”
A well-established After School Programme
ELA’s comprehensive After School Programme and 30 weekly Enrichment Programmes offer a wealth of opportunities to suit every interest. From sports, art, and STEM to music, retro gaming, HIIT sessions, language support, and so much more, there is something to inspire every young mind.
Additionally, ELA provides English classes for non-ELA Basel children on Wednesday afternoons, helping them build confidence in an engaging and supportive environment.
ELA Basel – More details
- Average class size: 11 – 20
- Number of students: around 70 in Early Years, and around 170 in Primary School
- Special Education Needs (SEN) Programs: Yes
- Memberships: COBIS, Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS), kibeSuisse
- Accreditations / Inspections: COBIS Patron’s Accredited Member, Swiss Group of International School (SGIS)
Get in touch with ELA Basel
Email:
[email protected] or [email protected]
Call:
+41 61 313 05 80
Or visit ELA’s website:
Welcome to ELA Basel – The Swiss British School
Is your family relocating to Basel?
Summit Family is the only free magazine offering:
- A complete overview of all private and international schools in the region
- Contributions from the City of Basel, Basel Zoo, Museum Tinguely, and many more
- An overview of sports, leisure and cultural activities for families
Created for families relocating to Basel — and international families already living here — this magazine is a great resource for families with school-aged children.
Find more information about ELA Basel’s facilities, school hours, and After-School and Holiday Programmes in Summit Magazine:
Read more: BLIS, ELA, And ISB On How To Choose A School In Basel
