Junior School | Ages 3 - 11

JuniorSchool

Welcome to Junior School

"As an IB World school, everyone on our campus is a learner. We work together to provide an exceptional education that is challenging and engaging.

We encourage students to grow and learn in a happy and supportive environment built on mutual respect and care for one another."

Michelle Phillips
Junior School Principal

Welcome to Junior School

Living our Mission

Our Curriculum in EC1 – Grade 5

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides students aged 3 – 11 years an engaging and challenging educational framework focused on their whole growth. The PYP prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners, who demonstrate respect for themselves and others.

DISCOVER THE PYP at ISBasel

One Programme, Two Language Options

We offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in two language combinations: English and English-German. Both provide an engaging and challenging educational framework encompassing children's academic, social, emotional, physical and societal development. 

English Language Programme

English, with German as second language

This programme is ideal for:

  • English-speaking families seeking to strengthen their child’s academic skills in their native language.
  • English- or German-speaking families seeking a supportive environment to develop English language proficiency.

     

Dual Language Programme

English & German

This programme is ideal for:

  • Families seeking a balance between English and German learning through a top-tier international curriculum.
  • German-speaking families wanting greater English exposure in a bilingual learning environment.

Student Wellbeing: A Strategic Priority

 

In line with our strategic plan Vision 2030, in Junior School we create a nurturing environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to foster a strong sense of community.

wellbeing programme

 

After School Activities Programme

Discover ISBx, our dynamic after-school activity programme, offering students exciting opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and connect with peers beyond the classroom.

See Course Catalog

First page of the PDF file: FlexibleEnrollment-EC1Flyer

Junior School Brochure

International School Basel Junior School Brochure

After School & Holiday Childcare

 

Our After School Programme supports young students and their parents after the school day has ended and during extended school holidays.

Learn More

The Parent Perspective

Off-Campus Learning

 

Carefully designed trips offer students exceptional opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom.

outdoor education

Weekly Outdoor Adventures: Waldkinder Explained

79 — G4

"The children loved their school classes and friends so much that they wished they could stay forever if possible. Thank you for taking care of them for three years."
– Grade 4 Parent (Japan) –

77 — DLP 014

"The program provides our child with the best of both worlds (international and local)."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

76 — DLP 013

"They are reading and writing in two languages by grade one. It’s incredible!"
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

75 — DLP 012

"I really like the immersion aspect. Children learn so quickly!"
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

74 — DLP 011

"Full bilingualism and biliteracy. The expertise of German Teachers is at a high standard. "
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

73 — DLP 010

"The programme doesn't require parents to have knowledge in the second language."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

72 — DLP 009

"It is great that the children get both languages. This is very important for us as we intend to stay in Switzerland in the future and have been here for 15 years. It is great that they get a mixture of English and German."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

71 — DLP 008

"It can indeed promote a child's bilingual learning, especially for those who are reluctant to step out of their comfort zone."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

70 — DLP 007

"Full language immersion is the best way for children to learn a new language so I like that the classes are fully immersed in English and then in German."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

69 — DLP 006

"We particularly appreciate the way the programme integrates language learning into everyday subjects, making it more natural and engaging. The teachers are supportive and well-prepared, and the multicultural environment encourages openness and curiosity."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

68 — DLP 005

"The Dual Language programme is well organized. The teachers are caring, patient and kind."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

67 — DLP 004

"I like that the German teachers are native speakers or have very strong German language skills."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

66 — DLP 003

"I love the effort from the class teacher to engage parents in speaking German also and the beginning and end of the day. I like the natural learning opportunity and while I was nervous my child would struggle with it, the teachers are very understanding and use other methods of communication to ensure their happiness and comfort."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

65 — DLP 002

"My child seems to think she speaks German. That type of confidence is impressive, given her home and sport environments."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

64 — DLP 001

"I really appreciate how the Dual Language Programme is structured — with one full week in German, and then during the English week students still have German every day. It feels like one of the strongest dual-language German programs among Basel’s international schools. I also value your thoughtful approach of adding one year at a time to ensure the program’s success, rather than doing too much all at once."
– Dual Language Programme Parent –

63 — G3 Parent (Brazil)

"This summer, our child attended a three-week workshop in Switzerland. At first, they were a bit shy, and the staff weren’t sure about their German skills since they attend an international school. But once the workshop began, they quickly gained confidence—following conversations in German and even performing in a shadow theater! They came home bubbling with excitement, telling us about acting out a scene entirely in German and how they “couldn’t stop laughing because it was so much fun.” It was such a joy for us to see their confidence and language skills grow—and to see them having so much fun while doing it. We’re so grateful to their German teachers for all the encouragement, support, and for making learning so engaging. This program truly inspires our children and nurtures their love of learning."
– Grade 3 Parent (Brazil) –

61 — G2 Parent (India)

"ISB provides an inclusive environment and allows for students to develop an independent mindset right from beginning."
– Grade 2 Parent (India) –

60 — EC 3 Parent (USA)

"Our experience at ISB could not have exceeded our expectations more. ISB is top tier in all aspects. We are continuously impressed by all aspects of the school. Our only regret is not enrolling right away when we moved to Basel and waiting until our 2nd year. I don't know what we were thinking! You are all the best!"
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –

61 — EC 3 Parent (USA)

"ISB has high standards on all aspects...from high level teaching/learning, to building relationships with families, to building an inviting culture, to safety. We are really impressed."
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –

48 — Grade 3 Parent (Switzerland)

"I believe the school excels particularly in communication and including everyone. The open lines of communication between teachers, students, and parents ensure that everyone is well-informed and engaged. Additionally, the school's efforts to foster an inclusive environment help all students feel welcomed and valued, promoting a sense of community and belonging."
– Grade 3 Parent (Switzerland) –

47 — Grade 3 Parent (India)

"Really appreciate the focus on practical work. The teachers are very friendly and take care of each child very well while maintaining the discipline."
– Grade 3 Parent (India) –

32 Italy

"ISB encourage children to discover the joy of learning, reading and researching. Kids develop great presentation skills and independence. I really would like to express my appreciation for providing top quality education as well as life coaching to my two children."
– Grade 1 Parent (Italy) –

31 Denmark

"The feeling of being "taken care of" when you enter the school as a new family. I will never forget that. The environment, all the cultures, the whole community, the buildings, the Welcome Programme, Parents, teacher, student conferences, the Classroom management (especially at Aesch campus), The level in the Music lessons and PE. That it is easy to "drop by" and have a talk. And always prompt response to a concern or anything else from Director, Principals and teachers. That is Great!"
– Grade 4 Parent (Denmark) –

30 United States

"The teaching staff are wonderful - very caring/supportive, individualized attention, attuned to developing the whole person, socially and intellectually. The attention they give to each child and activities that they do in the classroom is amazing! The school environment fosters wonderful friendships for the families and provides wonderful opportunities to the parents. It's really added to our experience here as a new expat family."
– EC 2 Parent (United States) –

29 Australia

"Great teachers and afterschool programs as well as afterschool care. My kids were always very happy when I came to pick them up. The Seesaw app means I know what is happening at school and as a working mum that is really important to me."
– Grade 4 Parent (Australia) –

22 United Kingdom

"ISB is a great international school that welcomes students in a smooth manner and provides a lovely education system where global students from all over are able to interact well and learn from amazing teachers."
– Grade 5 Parent (United Kingdom) –

21 Korea

"ISB welcomes students well, making them comfortable and stable to help them adapt to a new school smoothly. Also the facilities and resources are wonderful and they can facilitate students’ learning."
– Grade 5 Parent (Korea) –

20 Korea

"ISB welcomes new students very warmly and help them transition to a new environment very smoothly. It has a lot of great events so students and their families can have wonderful memories. This could lead students enjoy their school lives very happily and also make them more confident and independent while they prepare for the various events."
– Grade 3 Parent (Korea) –

019 Japan

"Each teacher is creative, caring and knows about the students and gives great feedback. The ISB community among children, teachers and parents is wonderful."
– EC 3 Parent (Japan) –

017 India

"ISB has a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes expat families settle in swiftly. The teachers are well experienced and skilled. The school employs innovative ways of learning and gamified experience that is so much fun for kids. ISB also has activities happening regularly that involves both kids and parents keeping the engagement so lively. We sure recommend ISB for incoming families."
– EC 3 Parent (India) –

015 Spain

"Very open community to facilitate induction with great staff and well-equipped facilities. There is a complete calendar of social activities for parent networking. There is a focus on building self-autonomy of children through diverse experiences and responsibilities."
– EC 2 Parent (Spain) –

012 United States

"The Early Years are fabulous. Waldkinder is a wonderful way to foster learning at a young age. I think the EC years are very strong. Also, ISB is very welcoming to new families arriving to the Basel area."
– EC 3 Parent (United States) –

011 Italy

"ISB welcomes kids very well and works on their "soft skills" with a high focus on each individual."
– Grade 2 Parent (Italy) –

010 Russia

"Students love school and don't want to leave the ISB family and that is the best award that can be ever given to the school. Combination of very warm and friendly atmosphere with strong academic program gives a very strong base for the child's future. We are very thankful to ISB for happy first 6 years at school!"
– Grade 5 Parent (Russia) –

009 New Zealand

"Qualified and caring teachers, very conscious of child's overall wellbeing. Guides the child to progress at their own pace. Great use of outdoor learning."
– EC 3 Parent (New Zealand) –

008 France

"The school looks after the needs of each student individually and has a is a strong sense of both education and pastoral care. ISB is inclusive of all cultures and nationalities and fosters connections among parent communities. There is continuous communications of the life of the students and a detailed weekly newsletter to promote parent engagement."
– Grade 1 Parent (France) –

007 United Kingdom

"ISB and the ISB Community did an incredible job welcoming and onboard our 5th grader who arrived at the beginning of the Spring semester. ISB has a very personalized approach to education and dedicated the time up front to understand our son's needs and followed up with the attention and support he needed."
– Grade 5 Parent (United Kingdom) –

001

"Supporting and caring for students with their individual needs. ISB has excellent communication between staff members and they prioritize the best for the students."
– EC 3 Parent (Ireland) –

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