Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions in your child’s life. Especially in a city like Basel-known for its cultural diversity and international environment-the number of private schools continues to grow. But is a private institution the right choice for your child? Will your child be well prepared for graduation, and what does it actually cost to attend a private school?
Table of Contents
- What about the admission and supervision of private schools in Basel?
- What types of private schools and educational concepts are available in Basel?
- A look at Selected Private Schools in Basel
- Special Private School Offerings in Basel
- Also take a look at the schools’ additional offerings
- Is there financial support for parents?
- Finding the Right Private School in Basel - Checklist for Parents
- Conclusion: Private Schools in Basel are Diverse
Author
Sinan Güzelsahin
Category
Updated
21. April 2026
In this article, we answer all these questions and provide a concise overview of the private school landscape in Basel.
What about the admission and supervision of private schools in Basel?
Every private school in Basel-Stadt requires cantonal approval to operate and enroll students. This permit is issued by the Department of Education and is valid for four years before it must be reviewed and renewed. Schools are also overseen by the Department, which regularly monitors school operations and teaching. Homeschooling in Basel is only permitted in justified exceptional cases.
If students wish to transfer from a private school to a public secondary school or a public upper-secondary school in Basel, they must qualify by passing an entrance examination in the 8th or 11th school year. A transfer without an examination is only possible if the private school has an agreement with the Department of Education. These schools are listed in the cantonal register of approved private schools.
What types of private schools and educational concepts are available in Basel?
Parents can choose from a very wide range of options. Each private school pursues its own concept and focuses on different priorities. To help you navigate, here is an overview of the most important types of schools:
International schools
These schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) or offer bilingual programs-most commonly in German and English.Independent day schools and academic secondary schools (Gymnasien)
These schools offer a continuous, holistic educational pathway from primary level through to the Matura.Special needs schools / special needs education (e.g., Christophorus)
Here, children with additional learning needs receive targeted support. Specialist staff work with students individually to help them make the best possible progress.Waldorf and other reform-education approaches
Schools with alternative concepts such as Waldorf education focus on holistic learning and a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.
Modern and innovative school concepts focus on independence and practical, hands-on learning. With a coaching approach, each student’s strengths are recognized and supported in a targeted way.
A look at Selected Private Schools in Basel
Choosing a private school is never an easy decision for parents. Besides the educational concept and learning environment, practical factors such as costs, location, and additional offerings also play a major role. To give you an initial point of reference, we present some of the best-known schools in Basel, along with an overview of the key facts.
International School Basel (ISB)
The International School Basel is the only IB World School in the region that offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Children and young people aged 3 to 19 receive an internationally oriented, multilingual education here, preparing them for an academic career.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Concept | International Baccalaureate (IB), English-speaking, bilingual (English-German in Junior School), holistic approach with a focus on personal development and global competencies |
| School Levels | Junior School (3-11 years, IB Primary Years Program), Middle School (12-14 years, IB Middle Years Program), Senior School (15-19 years, IB Diploma Program) |
| Special Features | International orientation, individual support, diverse co-curricular offerings, after-school care (3:00 PM-6:00 PM) and during holidays |
| Locations | Three locations in Basel and Reinach |
| Costs (2025/26) | Junior School from CHF 23’780 per year, Middle School CHF 32’010, Senior School CHF 33’370-37’680; additional fees for afternoon and holiday care |
Academia Bilingual School Basel
Academia Bilingual School Basel offers a family-like atmosphere and consistent bilingual teaching. Since 2010, the school has provided a German-English environment with individual support, and small classes help create a personal learning atmosphere.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Concept | German-English bilingual: one half of the week in German, the other in English; oriented to the cantonal curriculum Basel-Stadt plus Cambridge International Curriculum; individual support in small classes |
| School Levels | Kindergarten (1st-2nd year), Primary School (1st-6th grade), Secondary School with transfer without examination to Academia International School or preparation for public gymnasiums |
| Special Features | Full-day school (care from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM), lunch and homework hours included, wide range of clubs (e.g., music, sports, chess), holiday programs |
| Location | Basel, Hochstrasse 16 (urban, modern campus with diverse learning settings) |
| Costs (2025/26) | Kindergarten: CHF 20’760/year, Primary School: CHF 23’290/year; optional semester, quarterly, or monthly payment; additional costs for lunch (approx. CHF 1’135 per semester), care package (approx. CHF 2’100 per semester) and clubs |
Freies Gymnasium Basel (FG Basel)
The Freies Gymnasium Basel offers a continuous educational path from kindergarten to Matura. Parents particularly appreciate the combination of tradition and modern teaching methods, as well as the close cooperation between school and family.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Concept | Continuous educational path (kindergarten to Matura), structured school days, day school with a family character, learning support from 5th grade, special talent and gifted education through workshops |
| School Levels | Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Gymnasium, High School; entry generally possible at any time (exception: graduating classes) |
| Special Features | Personal learning support (regular meetings with trusted teachers), workshops for highly gifted students, family-like “school feeling,” counseling and trial week before entry, targeted support and assistance programs |
| Location | Basel, large school building with an urban campus and diverse offerings for lunch and day school |
| Costs (2025/26) | Kindergarten-Primary approx. CHF 22’218/year (basic), Premium option with full day school approx. CHF 29’959/year; Secondary level approx. CHF 28’364/year, Gymnasium up to approx. CHF 30’435/year; additional fees for programs (e.g., A+, G+, GoSwiss), lunch, support courses, and exams |
Privatschule BZB Basel
For over 40 years, the Basler Zentrum für Bildung (BZB) has been a small, family-like private school offering individual support to children, teenagers, and adults. Teaching takes place in very small classes, where highly gifted students are supported just as much as students with additional learning needs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Concept | Teaching in very small classes (approx. 6 students), personal support, flexibility between levels, support for special needs – but not a special needs school |
| School Levels | Primary School, Secondary School, Gymnasium with Swiss Matura, preparation for vocational training |
| Special Features | Very family-like structure, direct supervision by school management, school entry possible at any time, free trial week for orientation |
| Location | Basel, manageable school environment, family atmosphere with strong individual connections |
| Costs (2025/26) | Uniform tuition fees for all levels; incl. books, notebooks, and writing materials; financial support possible through cantonal contributions, scholarships, or waivers by school management/BZB Foundation |
Acton Academy Switzerland launches in 2026 School, kindergarten & daycare
The first Swiss location of this successful concept: Acton Academy Switzerland launches in August 2026 in German-speaking Switzerland.
Start of classes: August 2026 | Application: From late 2025 (via newsletter)
Interested? Sign up now and stay informed.
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Special Private School Offerings in Basel
In addition to traditional private primary and secondary schools, Basel is also home to specialized institutions that focus on specific educational or cultural priorities. These schools also make a valuable contribution to the region’s diverse education landscape.
The Japanese School Basel for Children with Japanese Roots
The Japanese School Basel was founded in 1985 and caters to children with Japanese roots who wish to deepen their language and culture. Teaching follows a rigorous curriculum, covering approximately twice the amount of material per year compared to Japan. This allows students to maintain their connection to the Japanese school system. In addition to kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels, there is the option to prepare for the internationally recognized Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
Christophorus School Basel for Young People with Special Learning Needs
The Christophorus School is a recognized special needs school that admits children who are overwhelmed in the public school system or cannot find a suitable environment there. It is based on an individualized curriculum that follows the Waldorf curriculum and Curriculum 21, strongly incorporating movement, art, and practical skills. The goal is holistic development up to vocational or academic integration, supported by experienced teachers in a protected learning environment.
Also take a look at the schools’ additional offerings
In addition to regular classes, many private schools offer an extended program that eases the daily lives of families and opens up additional development opportunities for children. These additional offerings can significantly enrich the educational journey and contribute to school being not just a place of learning, but a holistic living space.
Typical examples of such additional offerings include:
Full-day care – set hours before and after classes
Lunch service – communal lunch at school with balanced meals
Homework supervision – support with assignments after school
Holiday programs – courses, workshops, or camps during school holidays
Language support – additional foreign language offerings
Music and Art – instrumental lessons, theater groups, painting and creative workshops
Sports and movement activities – from classic sports to special courses like dance, yoga, or martial arts
Social projects – involvement in charitable initiatives, student parliaments, or environmental projects
Individual learning support – support for especially gifted children or those who need additional help
Career and study counseling – guidance in choosing post-compulsory education options
Programs such as project workshops, entrepreneurship training, or digital learning labs can also give children valuable inspiration beyond the classroom.
Is there financial support for parents?
Parents generally have to bear the costs of attending a private school in Basel themselves, but there are various support options. Some schools operate on a non-profit basis and offer scholarships, sibling discounts, or partial tuition waivers. Cantonal authorities can also provide financial contributions in certain cases, for example, if special support needs exist.
Parents can apply for services such as speech therapy or psychomotor therapy through the public school administration. Services such as curative education, German as a second language, or gifted education are organized directly by the schools.
Finding the Right Private School in Basel – Checklist for Parents
Check the educational concept – Does the orientation (e.g., bilingual, IB, Waldorf, curative education) match your child’s strengths and needs?
Location & Accessibility – Is the school in a location easily accessible to you, and how long is the commute?
Class sizes & supervision – Is your child individually supported, and are the classes manageable?
Additional offerings – Is there care outside of class hours, holiday programs, language support, or musical/artistic activities?
Costs & Financing – How high are the annual tuition fees, and what additional costs (lunch, care, materials) are incurred?
Transfer options – Is there a transfer without examination to public schools or further education institutions?
Discussions & trial days – Do you have the opportunity to get to know the school personally, and can your child participate in a trial school day?
Atmosphere & Values – Does the environment reflect the values you desire for your child’s upbringing?
Conclusion: Private Schools in Basel are Diverse
Private schools in Basel offer a wide variety of educational concepts. This gives parents a great opportunity to find a school that not only suits their child’s talents and needs but also their family’s daily life. It is important to take time to get a personal impression, talk to teachers, and experience the atmosphere on site.
Ultimately, it often comes down to a gut feeling – whether the school provides the right environment for children to feel comfortable and fully develop their potential.