Children build important early skills across many areas of development, including:

• Early literacy skills through stories, conversations, mark-making, phonological awareness, and exposure to rich vocabulary
• Early numeracy skills through playful exploration of numbers, patterns, shapes, sorting, measuring, and problem-solving
• Social and emotional development, including cooperation, empathy, independence, resilience, and positive relationships with others
• Communication skills in English and German, as children hear and use both languages naturally throughout the day
• Thinking and inquiry skills, as children ask questions, investigate ideas, experiment, and make connections
• Fine and gross motor development through drawing, construction, movement, climbing, and outdoor play
• Creativity and imagination through art, music, storytelling, sensory play, and open-ended materials

Through these experiences, children develop confidence, curiosity, and the joy of discovering new ideas.

Each day follows a natural rhythm that includes:

• adult-supported, freely chosen play
• small-group learning experiences guided by teachers
• child-initiated inquiry and exploration

Children are encouraged to explore ideas, take small risks in their learning, and deepen their understanding of the world as they become increasingly independent.

English is the primary language of learning in Kindergarten 1, and children with diverse language backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps children build confidence and participate fully in all classroom experiences.

German is naturally integrated throughout the day through songs, routines, stories, and everyday conversations. This early exposure helps children become comfortable hearing and using both languages while strengthening their connection to the local community.

Teachers adapt their language use to each child’s level so that children feel confident communicating and participating in classroom activities.

Kindergarten 1 offers flexible attendance options that support both your child’s development and your family’s daily routine. The school day begins at 8:30 and ends at 15:30 (or 14:20 on Wednesdays). These consistent hours remain the same throughout Primary School, providing families with a stable daily schedule as children grow.

Families may choose from several attendance options in Kindergarten 1, including:

• Morning programme — Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 12:00
• Full-day programme — Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 15:30 (14:20 on Wednesdays)
• Part-time options — mornings plus selected afternoons

While we recommend that children attend five mornings per week for continuity and social development, our programme offers flexibility. Attendance patterns may be adjusted during the school year if space is available.

Lunch and Meals

During the school day, students stay on campus and enjoy lunch together. Families may choose to pack a lunch from home or register for our convenient school cafeteria meal plan. Unlike many local Kindergartens, ISBerne students do not need to leave campus or walk to another facility—their entire day takes place in a safe, supervised, and welcoming environment.
 

Extended Day Care

For families who need extended care, our Before and After School Care Programmes offer a safe and nurturing space from 7:30 until 18:00, giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are well cared for and engaged.

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, our Kindergarten 2 will offer two distinct learning pathways within one classroom: the International Pathway and the Lehrplan 21 Pathway. Students learn together while following the pathway that best supports their educational goals and future plans.

International Pathway

This pathway follows the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), a globally respected educational framework that encourages inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking. 

Students develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and self-management while exploring meaningful questions and ideas across different subject areas. English is the primary language of learning in this pathway.

This pathway is well-suited for families seeking an internationally recognised and transferable education.

Lehrplan 21 Pathway

This pathway delivers the Swiss national curriculum, enhanced by the inquiry-based approach of the International Baccalaureate® (IB). 

Students in this pathway learn key subjects in German according to Lehrplan 21, while also participating in shared learning experiences with their classmates in the International Pathway.  Music, Physical Education, and Visual Arts are taught in English, and French is introduced as an additional language.

Beginning in August 2026, ISBerne will also introduce a Grade 1 Lehrplan 21 class in our Primary School, providing continuity for students who follow this pathway. The Lehrplan 21 Pathway will expand each year, allowing students to complete their compulsory education at ISBerne.

Students following the Lehrplan 21 Pathway may also transfer to a local public school later, as the curriculum aligns with the Swiss education system.

Our Principal and Welcome Team are happy to help you to select the pathway that best suits your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Please inquire online now or contact us at office@isberne.ch or +41 31 959 10 00.

In Kindergarten 2, all students learn together in one classroom, with two qualified teachers working side by side — one teaching in English and the other in German.

Our English-speaking teacher for the International Pathway works alongside a locally trained, German-speaking teacher for the Lehrplan 21 Pathway. This team-teaching model allows students to benefit from both international and Swiss educational expertise within the same classroom.

Our two teachers collaborate closely to plan lessons, guide learning, and observe each child’s development. Students explore Units of Inquiry together, asking questions, investigating ideas, and making connections across different subjects.

Depending on their chosen pathway, students focus on either English or German for key language learning and Mathematics. At other times, the class learns together through shared subjects such as Music, Physical Education, and Visual Arts, which are taught in English.

This approach allows children to learn together as a class while receiving personalised guidance and support from both teachers.

Language development is an important part of the Kindergarten 2 experience at ISBerne. Through daily interaction with our two teachers, children hear and use English and German throughout the school day.

Students in the International Pathway develop their learning primarily in English and study German or French as an additional language.

Students in the Lehrplan 21 Pathway primarily learn in German and secondarily in English. They also begin studying French as an additional language.

Because students learn together in one classroom, they regularly hear and use both languages during shared learning activities, discussions, and classroom routines. This environment helps children build confidence to communicate in different languages while developing strong listening and comprehension skills.

Teachers adapt their language use to each child’s level so that children feel confident communicating and participating in classroom activities. Children join the programme with diverse language backgrounds, and teachers support each child as they develop their English and German skills.

Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) support also helps children build confidence and participate fully in all classroom experiences.

Lunch and Meals

During the school day, students stay on campus and enjoy lunch together. Families may choose to pack a lunch from home or register for our convenient school cafeteria meal plan. Unlike many local Kindergartens, ISBerne students do not need to leave campus or walk to another facility—their entire day takes place in a safe, supervised, and welcoming environment.
 

Extended Day Care and Activities

For families who need extended care, our Before and After School Care Programmes offer a safe and nurturing space from 7:30 until 18:00, giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are well cared for and engaged.

Kindergarten 2 students may also enrich their day through our After School Activities (ASA) programme, choosing from a variety of creative, athletic, and academic opportunities.

Children in Kindergarten 1 and 2 also benefit from a range of enriching experiences across our campus that support creativity, movement, and exploration. These include:

• Frequent forest visits (weather permitting)
• Daily outdoor learning sessions
• Movement sessions in the gym with a specialist teacher
• Visual art lessons with our arts teacher
• Music lessons with our music teacher
• Library visits with our school librarian
• Ice skating during our school’s Ski and Skate Fridays winter programme

These experiences help children develop coordination, creativity, confidence, and a genuine joy in learning.

• Modern classrooms with natural light and safe playground access
• Secure outdoor play areas for fun, active learning, and exploration
• Indoor gym and performance space
• Extensive library
• On-site cafeteria with nutritious lunch options
• Private parking and easy access to public transit

Your child may join ISBerne at any time during the school year, depending on space availability. They can begin once they meet the age requirements and are ready to participate comfortably in a classroom environment.

Both local and international families are welcome to apply. Families appreciate our welcoming, multilingual, and multicultural community, where English is the primary language of instruction, and German is naturally integrated into the school's daily life.

You can find further information about getting started at ISBerne in the admissions section of our website.

If you would like to learn more, please contact our Welcome Desk Team at +41 31 959 10 00 or office@isberne.ch. We would be happy to speak with you and discuss the options available for your family.

We understand that choosing a private full-day school represents an important investment for families. We take this responsibility seriously and work hard to provide a high-quality education with a fair and accessible fee structure.

You can find further information about our fees in the Admissions section of our website.

If you would like to learn more, please contact our Welcome Desk Team at +41 31 959 10 00 or office@isberne.ch. We would be happy to speak with you and discuss the options available for your family.