An Early Learning Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Warm, future-ready education with English and German exposure for children ages 3–7.
The early years of learning shape so much—your child’s confidence, curiosity, and the way they begin to engage with the world. You want a place where your child feels safe, supported, and inspired… and where their individual strengths are truly understood.
For more than 60 years, families across the Bern region have chosen the International School of Berne (ISBerne) for our warm community feel and the quality of our teaching. Compared to local childcare, traditional Kindergarten, and Primary School programmes, ISBerne offers a uniquely enriched start—where children inquire, play, and learn through meaningful experiences that naturally include exposure to both English and German.
Our approach allows children to build early communication, thinking, and problem-solving skills in a setting that balances warmth, structure, and joyful discovery.
Whether your child already speaks English or German at home, or your family hopes to expand their language abilities, ISBerne offers a caring environment where young learners can get a strong head start, build foundational skills earlier, and develop the confidence they need for future success.
Understanding Your Child’s Options
At ISBerne, early learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each stage of our learning journey is designed to give children just the right level of support as they grow—whether they are taking their first steps into a structured learning environment or beginning their Primary education.
Below, you'll find a brief introduction to each programme. You can explore full details on the individual programme pages, or simply request more information and we’ll guide you personally.
Early Learning Centre
A Joyful Beginning for Curious Young Learners
Our Early Learning Centre offers an enriching first step in learning, where children begin developing early literacy, early numeracy, communication, and social skills in a warm, supportive setting.
Children enjoy natural exposure to both English and German, along with unique experiences such as forest learning, art, music, movement, library time, and seasonal skating lessons. Families may start at age 3 (toilet trained) with flexible part-time and full-time schedules.
Kindergarten
Two teachers. One classroom. Learning in English and German.
Beginning August 2026, ISBerne will offer a unique Kindergarten model where all children learn together in one classroom with two teachers—an English-speaking International Pathway teacher and a German-speaking Lehrplan 21 teacher.
This enhanced approach creates a warm, inquiry-based environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and strong social–emotional skills while experiencing learning in both English and German. This model provides children with a holistic, inclusive early learning experience that supports essential skills and prepares them for future success.
Primary School
Preparing confident, capable learners for the future.
ISBerne’s Primary School (Grades 1–5) offers an engaging learning experience that helps children build the skills and confidence they need for the years ahead. Beginning in August 2026, Primary School includes two curriculum pathways, with placement based on eligibility requirements:
- 🇬🇧 The International Pathway, taught in English and grounded in the International Baccalaureate® (IB), with an emphasis on inquiry, creativity, and global perspectives.
- 🇨🇭 The Lehrplan 21 Pathway, taught in German and English and guided by the Swiss national curriculum. This pathway launches in Grade 1 in 2026 and expands by one grade level each year.
Across all grades, students benefit from small classes, caring teachers, and a well-rounded programme that supports academic progress, social and emotional growth, and the confidence to embrace new opportunities.
Why families choose Early Education at ISBerne
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Warm, caring teachers who truly know each child 👨🏾🏫
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Early exposure to both English and German 🇬🇧🇨🇭
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Small classes in a friendly, diverse community 💛
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A high-quality, future-ready learning programme 🚀
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Year-round enrollment - start anytime ✅
A Parent’s Experience
Our daughter looks forward to school every single day. Her confidence, communication, and early learning skills have grown so quickly. We truly appreciate how her teachers celebrate each child’s background and make every student feel included. We couldn’t be happier with her start at ISBerne!Lauren, Early Learning Centre Parent 🇺🇸
Ready to learn more?
Choosing the right start for your child is an important decision — and we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re comparing options or simply exploring possibilities, our team will guide you personally. Request more information, and we’ll help you explore the right educational pathway for your child:
After you submit this form, our team will reach out personally to answer your questions and help you explore your options. We’re happy to support you in English, German, or French.