Our campus
In our historic Gartenstrasse building, very close to Basel SBB, we have created more than just an Early Years setting – we have built a warm, nurturing second home where children thrive in a natural German and English-speaking environment.
Our location is within walking distance or reachable by a very short tram ride from Altstadt Grossbasel, Gellert, Gundeli, Dreispitz, Bruderholz, Iselin, Gotthelf, Bachletten and many other inner city residential areas.
Our Primary and Secondary site at St. Alban-Vorstadt
Our older Primary and Secondary school children attend school in our second spacious location on St. Alban-Vorstadt, in a quiet neighbourhood of historic mansions in the heart of the old city.
The school building is situated one street behind the river Rhine and is approximately a ten-minute walk from our Early Years location. It is a protected building that has been sympathetically renovated to accommodate all the schooling needs of our children and staff.
If you would like to visit our wonderful campus from the comfort of your home, now you can.
Our community
At ELABasel we understand the importance of a strong home-school partnership. We are committed to engaging with our families to deliver our mission of valuing and nurturing each individual child.
Together we form a caring, diverse and thriving community of 360 children and 90 staff from 35 different countries. Parents can get involved as volunteers, become class parent reps and attend regular curriculum information meetings.
All families are members of our unique not-for-profit verein which gives everyone a real sense of belonging and agency within our community.
Early Years
3 months - 4 years
ELABasel implements the English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, external site) Curriculum from the UK. This curriculum sets the standards that ensure children learn and develop at an appropriate pace.
It promotes teaching and learning that prepares children for school giving them a broad range of knowledge, skills and learning experiences that provides a solid foundation for future progress through school and life.
ELABasel Early Years is proud to be described as a ‘home away from home’ by our families who entrust us with their children each day. Our mission is to provide children aged 3 months to 4 years with all the personal support and care they need as they grow and learn each day.
Primary school
Aged 4 - 12
ELABasel is evolving into a school that supports your child’s entire educational journey – from their first steps at 3 months old through to graduation. As a Cambridge International School, we deliver a globally recognised curriculum and join a network of more than 10,000 Cambridge schools worldwide. This gives families confidence, continuity and complete flexibility, whether they remain in Switzerland or relocate abroad. Pupils in our International Stream follow the Cambridge pathway, preparing them for smooth entry into schools and universities around the world. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3.
Alongside our international offer, ELABasel provides an authentic bilingual education, uniquely combining global standards with strong local connections. Through our agreements with Basel-Stadt, pupils in the Bilingual Stream may transition directly into the Swiss system—specifically into Year 11 after completing Year 10 with us. This dual Swiss and international accreditation enables pupils to keep multiple pathways open, offering families reassurance and long-term flexibility.
Secondary school
Aged 12 - 16
Our secondary school model offers parents two clear, high-quality pathways designed to navigate the Swiss education landscape while securing internationally recognised qualifications.
The flagship ELABasel English Stream provides a seamless six-year journey from Sek I to Sek II. Students immerse themselves in the globally renowned Cambridge curriculum, progressing from Key Stage 3 (Years 8-9) directly into the highly respected IGCSE qualifications (Years 10-11). This stream culminates in the prestigious A levels (Years 12-13), providing students with the strongest possible foundation for university entry worldwide.
For families seeking a strong local connection, the ELABasel Bilingual Stream is offered throughout the Sek I phase. This stream expertly integrates the local Lehrplan 21 curriculum, ensuring students are deeply rooted in the Swiss educational system while benefiting from a bilingual environment.
This pathway offers a clear academic foundation up to the end of Year 11 before students transition to their preferred post-Sek I options.
Beyond the classroom
ELABasel Theatre School
ELABasel is situated on two campuses in the historic centre of Basel. Discover our two convenient locations.
Afterschool & Enrichment Programmes
These programmes are open from 15:30 – 18:00, offering everything from coding to woodwork, dance, languages, music, and more.
Vacation Programmes
Children aged 4–12 can join themed programmes like Science Week, Art Week, Coding, or Sports. Programmes are multilingual, diverse, and unforgettable.
Why choose us
