The International School of Schaffhausen is a community-minded day and boarding school
IBDP + High School Diploma Renowned for academic achievement in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
A 100% IBDP pass rate over ten years Above-world-average IBDP scores
A focus on STEM The ISSH curriculum combines academic excellence with independence and responsibility while developing essential life skills
As an IB World School, we follow an internationally recognised curriculum that is both challenging and well-rounded
Many of our graduates go on to study at global top 100 universities
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
- Enrollment: 280 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $65,580
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,200
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The International School of Schaffhausen ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 274 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
The International School of Schaffhausen
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Other
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1999
School Motto
We welcome you into a community rooted in compassion, curiosity, and courage. Grounded in a dynamic international curriculum, we empower you to discover your voice and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Student Body
Enrollment
280 students
% Students of Color
20%
% International Students
60%
% Students Boarding
5%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
17 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
Number of IB Courses Offered
15
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
40%
Summer Program Offered
No
Accreditations
Middle States Association (MSA)
International Baccalaureate World School (IB)
International Baccalaureate World School (IB)
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
n/a
Courses
Tuition & Financial Aid
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$65,580
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$31,200
Tuition international students
$65,580
Merit Scholarships Offered
n/a
Admissions
Application Deadline
None / Rolling
SSAT Required
Yes
Average Percentile SSAT
n/a%
Director of Admissions
Erica Knecht
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
0
Sports
School Mascot
ISSHY
College Matriculation
School Notes
-
Unique boarding model
- One of the only schools in Switzerland offering neighbourhood-style boarding fostering real-world independence and authentic Swiss cultural immersion
- Small boarding houses of up to ten students create a family-like atmosphere and highly personal pastoral care
- Students integrate into the local Schaffhausen community through sports clubs, cultural activities, and daily life, developing practical life skills and German language proficiency, and an authentic taste of Swiss life
- IB Diploma Programme results consistently exceed global averages with 100% pass rate
- Dual diploma pathways: Full IB Diploma or MSA-accredited High School Diploma with flexible IB course options
- Extended STEAM curriculum with up to 9 science lessons weekly in Grades 9-10, using state-of-the-art laboratories
- Located in Schaffhausen, one of Switzerland's safest cities (population 40,000), with direct access to Rhine Falls and the historic Old Town
- Fourty minutes by train to Zurich Airport; excellent rail connections throughout Europe
- Central European location enables weekend excursions to major cities (Stuttgart, Milan, Paris) and Swiss Alps
- Dedicated boarding team led by experienced professionals provides 24/7 pastoral care and mentorship
- Comprehensive university counseling program including application support, CV preparation, interview coaching, and internship placement
- Students develop practical independence through real-life experiences: managing study schedules, budgeting, cooking, and navigating public transportation
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The International School of Schaffhausen cost?
The International School of Schaffhausen's tuition is approximately $65,580 for boarding students and $31,200 for day students.
What schools are The International School of Schaffhausen often compared to?
The International School of Schaffhausen is often viewed alongside schools like International School Altdorf by visitors of our site.
What is The International School of Schaffhausen's ranking?
The International School of Schaffhausen ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of international students.
When is the application deadline for The International School of Schaffhausen?
The application deadline for The International School of Schaffhausen is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Recent Articles
Boarding Schools and Neurodiverse Learners: What Real Support Looks Like
Discover what meaningful support for neurodiverse learners looks like in boarding schools, from academic accommodations and executive functioning coaching to faculty collaboration, residential support, and personalized learning environments.
Are Advanced Research Opportunities Worth Prioritizing in High School?
Discover whether advanced research opportunities should influence your boarding school choice, how they benefit students academically, and what families should evaluate before making this increasingly important educational investment.
How to Evaluate College Counseling Before It Becomes Important
Learn how to evaluate a boarding school's college counseling program before high school applications begin, and why early planning matters.




