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In a globalized world, multilingualism offers clear advantages. Two schools in the Zurich region demonstrate how a modern educational model can prepare children and teenagers for an international career—one in French, the other in English.
By Manuela Moser
The "Marmothèque" is bright and welcoming. Round rugs, an impressive dreamcatcher made of feathers, and in the corner stands a tree. It’s more of a fantasy tree, designed from a branch with white balls hanging from it—are there little mice inside? Who knows. But the most important thing is the books—books everywhere, colorful reading material for preschool-aged children in the École maternelle. They’re stored in extra-low wooden boxes, neatly organized by themes such as “Les animaux sauvages,” “Nature environnement,” or “Histoire et civilisations.”
“The word ‘Marmothèque’ is a neologism,” smiles Yannick Heintz, coordinator for the primary school at the Lycée Français de Zurich (LFZ). “‘Marmot’ is a loving way to say ‘child’ in French.”
BCD and CDI are the acronyms for the Bibliothèque et Centre Documentaire for primary school students. The Centre de Documentation et d’Information is for secondary students preparing for the Bac—the French baccalaureate.
From LFZ to LFIZ
Since its founding in 1956, the LFZ has grown significantly—especially since relocating to its current location near Stettbach station, just outside Zurich. Since 2016, it has been based at the aptly named “Zukunftsstrasse 1” (“Future Street 1”). Today, with around 1,200 students, it is one of the most important private schools in the canton. It offers a bilingual education path for children aged 3 to 18, initially using German and French equally.
Starting in primary school, students choose between a bilingual or a multilingual/international track. At 18, they can take the Baccalauréat Français International in three languages. The school emphasizes internationality and is planning to further strengthen its global focus. In September, LFZ will officially become LFIZ (Lycée Français International de Zurich). It is part of the global AEFE network (Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger), which ensures teaching aligns with the French Ministry of Education. At the same time, the school also follows Zurich’s Lehrplan 21.
“We want to build a bridge between Switzerland, France, and the world,” says Saloua Zouine, native Frenchwoman and director of the kindergarten and primary school at LFZ. “After all, we teach students from 35 nationalities.” Together with headmaster Quentin Duvauchelle, she believes that a stronger international focus best prepares students for global careers. “This expanded offering increases our appeal to families who want a well-rounded education for their children,” adds Duvauchelle.
“It’s not just expats who enroll,” Zouine notes. “About one-third of our families—including many Swiss—don’t speak French at home.” They also observe a change in behavior among foreign families: “Many foreign professionals now settle permanently in Switzerland. Their children should be fully integrated here.”
Built by Parents for Parents
Both school leaders are proud of their latest building project. Directly across from the existing school, a new complex with classrooms, seminar rooms, gyms, sports fields, and a cafeteria is being built, to be completed by 2026. “We’re creating urgently needed additional space and a modern learning environment for our secondary level,” says Duvauchelle. The architectural highlight will be the rooftop—equipped with a multi-sport field and a green courtyard. “An inspiring place for learning and connection,” the project description promises.
2026 will be a milestone year—not just due to the expansion but also because the school will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Another special feature: the school was founded and is still run by parents. The Association du Lycée Français de Zurich (ALFZ) manages the school, and all parents are members of this organization.
Back in class: even in kindergarten, students use the typical French Seyès notebooks, which promote neat handwriting with fine guide lines. The youngest learners also work on language skills, fine motor skills, phonology, and artistic-graphic abilities. Children sit in groups at their little tables, guided by a bilingual teaching pair—a binôme, as it’s called in French. “I believe early multilingualism boosts children’s metalinguistic abilities,” says preschool teacher Pia Reymond. “Mental gymnastics are good for them.” Primary teacher Maria Frech adds: “Curiosity, attentiveness, openness—these are all characteristics of my students.”
“Multilingualism fosters not just language, but also mental flexibility.”
— Pia Reymond, Preschool Teacher at Lycée Français de Zurich
On Both Campuses
Zurich International School (ZIS) is Switzerland’s longest-accredited international private school. Its two campuses on the left bank of Lake Zurich cater to students from around the world. In Wädenswil, about 450 children attend preschool through Grade 5 (Lower School), while the Adliswil campus hosts the Middle School and High School, with around 800 students up to Grade 12.
Graduates have direct access to top universities worldwide, including ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich (UZH), and the University of St. Gallen (HSG). The student body is highly international, with students from over 50 countries. Yet, a strong sense of community is a hallmark of ZIS.
Elsa Hernández-Donohue, head of ZIS for the past six months, says fostering this sense of belonging is key to student success. “We want them to become curious, resilient thinkers,” she emphasizes. “To do that, they need to feel safe enough to take risks. Innovation comes from this willingness to take risks.” She aims to develop students into “global citizens,” aligned with the school’s motto: “internationally minded – locally rooted.”
ZIS encourages active parental involvement and promotes sustainability—through solar energy, carpooling, and public transport. The school offers two main educational tracks:
- International Pathway (fully in English)
- Bilingual Pathway (English and German)
The bilingual program, currently for ages 3–11, is expanding annually and follows Swiss Lehrplan 21 while incorporating international standards. The bilingual approach is unique: children learn in both English and German every day—not alternating by day. “All lead teachers are fluent in both languages and model bilingualism,” says Tanja Alvesalo, head of the bilingual program. Over the next few years, it will be extended through Grade 9.
“The bilingual path is for Swiss-rooted families, international families, and those wanting both local and global educational options,” Alvesalo explains. The distinction: in the bilingual program, students learn in German; in the international track, they learn German as a subject.
Doors Wide Open
Visiting a bilingual lower school class: the classroom doors are wide open—and stay that way. “A reflection of our open-door policy,” says Michaela Seeger, Director of Community Relations. Twelve third-graders sit in a circle with class teacher Sophie Rimpler, an Austrian who teaches in both German and English. She’s supported by New Zealander Jo Steffen, who speaks English with the children for optimal support.
From Grade 3 onward, core subjects are evenly split between German and English. “My bird goes up and down,” says little Elin. The teachers naturally accept responses in mixed languages and reflect them back—one in German, the other in English.
“These crossover or team-teaching lessons happen once or twice a week,” says Rimpler. Tailoring to the children individually is key, so the class is often split into smaller groups. “We want to offer a safe and supportive environment,” adds Steffen. Bilingualism isn’t a product, but a process built on a strong foundation of early, intensive German instruction. Beyond language, personality development is central. The teachers agree: “Children are naturally unique, curious, social, and capable. We just need to encourage them.”
Strong Connections
The school day winds down. In the Adliswil campus hallway, photo-decorated walls reflect a deep connection with alumni. Who’s achieved what? Who can share experiences? And which former teacher has earned the John Mattern Award, honoring the best teacher of the year? All these events are captured in photos. Outside, American football is being played on the sports field.
Private schools today do much more than teach. Both the LFIZ and ZIS offer full-day structures, including group spaces, art studios, labs, multi-purpose rooms, and triple gyms. At ZIS, the gym is also available to public schools and Adliswil community clubs—proof of successful integration into local life.