The school offers two separate streams with some classes taught together. Combined classes are delivered in either English or German, as clearly indicated, and both the Cambridge and Lehrplan 21 curriculums can be taught in English as well as German, providing flexibility while maintaining strong academic consistency.
RESIDENTIALS WORKSHOPS AND EXCITING DAY TRIPS
Trips & Visits
Taking learning outside the classroom enriches students’ understanding by connecting lessons to real-world experiences and environments. It encourages curiosity, creativity and problem-solving while fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
Flexible, empowering and no streaming.
At ELABasel, families have the freedom to choose the pathway that best supports their child’s future.
Whether selecting the globally recognised Cambridge International Stream or the Swiss International Bilingual Stream, pupils benefit from exceptional flexibility, ensuring they can progress confidently into local Swiss schools, international schools, or universities around the world. This choice empowers families to plan long term, knowing their child is prepared for multiple future directions.
1. Cambridge Pathway
Pupils in our International Stream follow the Cambridge pathway, preparing them for smooth entry into schools and universities around the world.
2. Lehrplan 21 Pathway
Pupils in the Bilingual Stream may transition directly into the Swiss system. This dual Swiss and international accreditation enables pupils to keep multiple pathways open, offering families reassurance and long-term flexibility.
Welcome from our Director
It is with pride that I introduce you to ELABasel Secondary School.
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Sally Hirsch – Director and Head of Primary
Your future, your way.
Pupils benefit from exceptional flexibility, ensuring they can progress confidently into local Swiss schools, international schools, or universities around the world.
Our mission
High-quality academics combined with social and emotional development, helping students become confident, capable and well-rounded young people.
A flexible pathway to university for every student, without restrictive streaming.
A continuation of the ELABasel experience, with warm relationships, strong community, and expert teachers who know and support each student.
Develop global-minded, bilingual learners with strong English and German skills and an understanding of the wider world.
Build essential skills for the future – critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and digital confidence – so students are ready for life beyond school.
Expanding to secondary
2026 – 2027 | Year 8 and Year 9 |
2027 – 2028 | Year 10 (first year of IGCSE) Year 12 (first year of A levels) |
2028 – 2029 | Year 11 (second year of IGCSE) Year 13 (second year of A levels) All secondary school levels are now available |
Two pathways, endless possibilities
ELABasel Secondary School follows the Cambridge Curriculum & Bilinguale Sekundarstufe LP21.
Cambridge Curriculum
75% English and 25% German
- Recognised worldwide by universities and employers, including in Switzerland, Europe, the UK, and the US.
- Clear academic pathway from Lower Secondary to IGCSE and A Levels.
- High academic standards that build strong thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Flexible subject choices so students can follow their interests and keep future options open.
- Works well in a bilingual setting, supporting strong English and German development.
- Provisional Approval already granted to ELABasel from Cambridge
Lehrplan 21
70% German and 30% English,P and E streams
- Swiss national curriculum used across German-speaking Switzerland.
- Competency-based learning focused on skills and real-world application.
- Strong German language development for local integration.
- Broad, balanced subjects with clear progression.
- Flexible pathways after Year 8 to Gymnasium, Sekundarschule or vocational routes.
Enrichment programmes
Homework/academic support - private tutoring organised by ELA Basel
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Theatre school (Saturdays)
Specialised STEM offering
Private music lessons
Trips and experiences
Autumn Residential Trip - 3 days/2 nights
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Ski trip
Spring international trip
Our campus
Our Primary site at St. Alban-Vorstadt
The Secondary children from age 12+ 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.
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 350+ children and almost 100 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.
Our international community
At ELABasel, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, creating a vibrant multicultural community of families from over 35 nations.
We are very fortunate to have a very supportive parent association Friends of ELA (FELA), who are very active in organising social and community events. These activities support the community feel and enable the creation of very special bonds between families.
Our welcoming environment fosters strong parent partnerships, ensuring open communication and collaboration in your child’s early learning journey.
Furthermore, our staff organise regular community and family events, bringing families together to build meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
When you join us, you will become part of a family where cultural richness and shared experiences enhance every child’s growth and development.
ELABasel Tuition and Fees
Payment is due for each semester, but for a small premium you can split the fees into quarterly payments if you wish.
* For 19 of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (88% by population) compulsory education starts 1 August following a child’s fourth birthday, and lasts for 11 years.
A Swiss government map illustrating compulsory education in Switzerland by canton can be seen here (external site).
All tuition fees include BVB transport for local class trips and excursions, weekly swimming lessons with
qualified swim coaches, curriculum materials and a majority of excursions related to the curriculum.
Semester – 2 instalments | 1st child
| 2nd child | 3rd child + |
Reception and Year 1 | 11’662 | 8’747 | 5’831 |
Primary Year 2 to Year 7 | 13’132 | 9’849 | 6’566 |
Lower Secondary Year 8 and Year 9 | 14’112 | 10’584 | 7’056 |
From 2026-27 (just for Primary and Secondary):
- Sibling discounts: 25% second child, 50% third child and thereafter
Payments discounts:
- Standard payment – 10 monthly installments August to May
- Quarter payment – 4 installments with 1.5% discount
- Semester payment – 2 installments with 2% discount
- Annual payment – 1 installment with 5% discount (before May)
Frequently asked questions
How do children adapt to two languages?
Children naturally absorb languages in our immersive environment. Our experienced educators use age-appropriate techniques to support individual language development.
What if my child doesn't speak either German or English?
Our experienced team regularly welcomes children from diverse language backgrounds. We provide gentle, supportive integration using proven techniques for multilingual development.
How do you handle dietary requirements?
Our in-house chef accommodates all dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural preferences while maintaining our strict no-nut policy.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide daily updates through our digital journal, regular parent meetings, and immediate communication for important matters.
What are your health and safety protocols?
All staff are first-aid trained, and we maintain strict security measures. Our facilities are regularly inspected and meet all Swiss childcare regulations.
How do you handle illness?
We have clear health policies which are explained in detail in our Parent Manual and trained staff to ensure the wellbeing of all children. We maintain close communication with parents regarding any health concerns.