This article was published in the Summit Family Guide – Basel.
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In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, a bilingual education is not just an advantage; it is a necessity. At SIS Swiss International School In Basel, with eight campuses in Switzerland, we provide an educational experience that prepares students for success in a globalized world.
Our unique educational concept combines a bilingual experience in German and English, a consistent educational journey from kindergarten to college, and a multicultural environment that nurtures both academic excellence and personal growth.
SIS Swiss International School In Basel: Multilingualism in Everyday Life
Located in the heart of Basel, SIS Basel has been a cornerstone of bilingual education since its founding in 1999. This vibrant campus caters to approximately 400 students aged four to eighteen, representing over 40 nationalities.
Our Basel campus offers a seamless educational journey, starting from kindergarten and progressing through primary school, secondary school, and college. Students at SIS Basel benefit from a bilingual curriculum that meets both local and international standards. They are prepared to pursue the bilingual Swiss Matura and the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which opens doors to prestigious universities worldwide.
At SIS Basel, students are encouraged to embrace challenges and develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and cultural awareness.
The campus’ central location and state-of-the-art facilities enhance the learning experience, providing students with the tools they need to excel academically and socially.
SIS Swiss International School Basel-Allschwil: A Growing Community
Situated in the municipality of Allschwil and in the middle of Allschwil’s Bachgraben in the Main Campus of the Switzerland Innovation Park (SIP), SIS Basel-Allschwil offers a private bilingual day school experience for children from kindergarten to primary 6.
The school fosters a nurturing and multicultural environment where the individual needs of each child are met and cared for. With a capacity for approximately 100 students, SIS Basel-Allschwil ensures a strong sense of community. After Year 6, students from SIS Basel-Allschwil have the opportunity to continue their bilingual education at SIS Basel and graduate with a bilingual Swiss Matura or International Baccalaureate Diploma.
The curriculum at SIS Basel-Allschwil is based on the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and enriched with elements from international educational frameworks. This combination ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that balances local traditions with a global outlook.
The focus on bilingual instruction in German and English equips students with the linguistic and cultural skills they need to navigate an interconnected world with confidence and success.
The SIS Educational Concept
At all our campuses, we follow the SIS educational concept, which is built on eight foundational pillars:
1. Bilingual Experience
At SIS Swiss International School, bilingualism is more than just a teaching method; it is a way of life. Instruction is delivered in both German and English, allowing students to achieve native-level proficiency in both languages. This bilingual approach not only enhances cognitive development but also broadens students’ horizons, enabling them to communicate effectively across cultures.
2. Continuity from Kindergarten to College
One of the key strengths of SIS Swiss International School is the continuity of education it offers. Students can begin their journey in kindergarten and continue through to college without interruptions. This seamless progression ensures that students build on their knowledge and skills year after year, with each stage of education designed to prepare them for the next.
3. International Education – Local Insight
By incorporating elements from both Swiss and international curricula, SIS provides students with an education that meets global standards. This unique combination allows students to benefit from the best of both worlds.
4. Learning Enhanced by Technology
SIS integrates technology from kindergarten, focusing on digital skills, media, e-safety, and programming. The bilingual IT curriculum and tools like Microsoft Office 365 support structured, enhanced learning.
5. Day School Community
Our day school provides structured bilingual instruction, fixed hours, lunch, homework supervision, and extracurricular activities. Students thrive in a stable, nurturing environment that fosters learning, sharing, assertiveness, and pride in their achievements.
6. Performance through Diversity
We embrace diversity as a strength. By bringing together students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, we create a learning environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
7. Strong Network
SIS promotes a sense of belonging and collaboration among students, parents, and staff. Our schools are places where long-lasting relationships and shared experiences create a supportive community.
8. Independent and Value-Centred Approach
SIS’s teaching philosophy is based on core values: honesty, appreciation, responsibility, and commitment.
“We help students build their identity, encouraging responsibility, respect for others, and a global mindset, fostering these qualities in all interactions.”
Academic Offerings at SIS Basel and SIS Basel-Allschwil
Kindergarten
Our bilingual kindergarten provides a stimulating and supportive environment for children aged four to six years. The early years are critical for language acquisition and cognitive development, and our kindergarten program lays a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Through play-based activities and structured lessons, children develop their language skills, creativity, and social-emotional competences.
Primary School
The primary school curriculum encourages students to nurture their curiosity and develop a love for learning. Based on the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and enhanced with elements from international educational frameworks, it provides a comprehensive education that balances academic rigor with creativity.
Teachers introduce students to essential subjects, including mathematics, science, languages, and the arts, in both German and English.
Secondary School and College
At SIS Basel, secondary school students continue their bilingual education while exploring a broader range of subjects. Our dedicated faculty enhance our strong academic programs with extracurricular activities, allowing students to nurture their talents and interests.
The college years at SIS Basel are focused on preparing students for the Swiss Matura and/or the IB Diploma. These qualifications are highly regarded worldwide and provide students with the flexibility to pursue higher education opportunities in Switzerland and abroad.
Our dedicated teachers guide students through this critical phase, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their academic journey.
Why Choose SIS Swiss International School?
Choosing SIS Swiss International School means giving your child an education that combines academic excellence with a global perspective. Here are just a few reasons why parents and students choose SIS:
- Proven Track Record: With over two decades of experience in bilingual education, SIS Swiss International School has a proven track record of success.
- Strong Network: As part of a network of 19 SIS schools across Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and Italy, our campuses benefit from shared expertise and resources.
- Global Opportunities: Our bilingual curriculum and international qualifications open doors to prestigious universities and career opportunities worldwide.
Embark on a bilingual educational journey with SIS Swiss International School, where tradition meets innovation and every student is prepared to succeed on the global stage.
“At SIS, we do not just educate, we inspire.”
Visit Us – SIS Swiss International School In Basel
We invite you to experience the SIS school community by visiting our campuses in Basel and Basel-Allschwil. Meet our dedicated staff, explore our modern facilities, and discover how our bilingual education can benefit your child.
Contact Information
SIS Basel
Erlenstrasse 15
4058 Basel, Switzerland
Phone: +41 61 683 71 40
Email: info.basel@swissinternationalschool.ch
SIS Basel-Allschwil
Hegenheimermattweg 167c
4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 61 486 38 00
Email: info.allschwil@swissinternationalschool.ch
Read more: What should you consider when choosing a new school in Switzerland?
