Is your family relocating to Basel and looking for an accredited bilingual German / Italian school?
In this school feature, we present Il Girasole, Basel. Nestled in the heart of Basel, just across from Schützenmattpark, Il Girasole offers a unique, warm, and enriching educational experience for children aged kindergarten through primary school.
As a fully accredited bilingual (German/Italian) institution integrated into the Basel-Stadt education system, Il Girasole is more than a school: it’s a community where children thrive through personalized attention, cultural diversity, and academic excellence.
By the end of 2025, Il Girasole students will benefit from a formal Transition Agreement with Basel-Stadt, allowing them to continue their education in public secondary schools without entrance exams.
Il Girasole: A Place to Grow, Learn, and Belong
Il Girasole offers a Holistic and Inclusive Education
The school’s mission is built on three pillars:
- Full bilingualism
- High-quality education
- Inclusivity
Teachers nurture curiosity and critical thinking through a holistic approach. Diversity is celebrated, and children are encouraged to explore their identities and cultures in a collaborative, respectful environment.
Students are introduced to science and technology through hands-on projects and thematic workshops, fostering curiosity and problem-solving from an early age.
After-school activities in English further enrich students’ linguistic and cultural horizons.
“Teaching at Il Girasole means guiding children to think creatively and independently in both German and Italian. Above all, we value the joy of learning and the unique journey of each child.
Our hands-on, bilingual approach not only strengthens their academic skills but also helps them grow as open-minded, confident learners ready for a diverse world.”
— Primary School Teacher
Bilingualism as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning
At Il Girasole, bilingualism is not just part of the curriculum: it’s at the heart of everything we do. Children learn to speak, read, and write fluently in both German and Italian, with all subjects taught equally in both languages. This dual-language model enhances cognitive flexibility, empathy, and communication skills.
German and Italian also open doors to rich traditions in music, literature, and the arts—giving children access to a broader cultural heritage and deeper creative expression. By mastering two major languages from distinct linguistic roots, students build a strong base for learning other languages and connecting with diverse cultures.
At Il Girasole, bilingualism is not just part of the curriculum: it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Personalized Learning in a Close-Knit Community
Il Girasole’s small class sizes and individualized approach ensure that every child receives the support they need to grow—academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether children are fluent in German or Italian, or just beginning their language journey, the school meets them where they are and helps them progress with confidence.
Il Girasole operates as a full-time learning environment, offering structured care and learning throughout the day. Children can join at different points in the school year or at various grade levels, with tailored guidance for those new to either language.
As a not-for-profit association, Il Girasole is deeply rooted in its community, offering also a Tagesstruktur and welcoming students from other schools for lunch, after-school activities, and holiday camps.
“We were looking for a school that felt like a second home—and we found that at Il Girasole. Our son learned to read in both German and Italian very quickly, and he’s now confident in both languages.
The school nurtures his curiosity every day and lets him be himself.”
— Parent of a Grade 1 student
Discover Il Girasole in Basel
For families in Basel seeking a nurturing, multilingual, and future-ready education, Il Girasole is a place where children grow with joy, confidence, and purpose.
Are you interested in Il Girasole’s Basel bilingual school concept?
Visit Il Girasole’s website and learn more here.
You can find Il Girasole’s listing on page 37 of the Summit Family Guide – Basel here.
Or contact the school:
Phone: +41 61 220 66 20
Email: [email protected]
Is your family relocating to Basel?
Summit Family is the only free magazine offering:
- A complete overview of all private and international schools in and around Basel
- 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.
You can read it online for free here: summit-education.ch/magazine/
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