Boarding
Neighbourhood-style living that builds independence, responsibility, and life skills.
Boarding Programme · Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Rethinking boarding for ages 14-19: neighbourhood-style living, IB excellence, and global readiness in Switzerland
A boarding experience that blends academic excellence with real-world readiness, fostering independence, responsibility, and meaningful community connection.
100%
IBDP pass rate
44/45
Top IB score
40
Nationalities
IB
World School
Why ISSH?
More than a place to live. A place to grow.
The boarding programme at the International School of Schaffhausen is more than a place to live. It's a place to grow. Our innovative boarding programme brings together academic excellence and real-world readiness, fostering independence, personal responsibility, and creating meaningful connections with the local community.
- IB excellence with a 100% pass rate and above-global-average scores
- An innovative, skills-based boarding curriculum focusing on academic excellence and personal development
- A proven pathway to global top 100 universities
- Individual mentoring encouraging discipline, responsibility and independence
Boarding programme
Neighbourhood style boarding
Boarding at ISSH goes beyond accommodation. Our purpose-built programme offers unparalleled individual attention, guiding students towards independence and responsibility while offering an authentic Swiss experience.
- Skill development for university readiness
- Individualised pastoral care develops independence and responsibility
- Family-like accommodation and community integration
- An international environment fosters global-mindedness
School life + Academics
Our programmes
Guided by the IB philosophy, our programmes encourage academic excellence while developing ownership and autonomy. A rigorous academic curriculum encourages critical thinking and a global perspective, while a skills-based boarding programme prepares students for success at university and beyond.
Diploma-prep
Focused preparation for IB success, building study skills, confidence, and academic habits.
IB Diploma Programme
Globally recognised IB education with strong university pathways and personalised support.
Wellbeing & Safety
Where every student is seen and supported
ISSH takes a holistic approach to students' growth, considering academic, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing. Wellbeing is integrated into daily boarding life, with guidance and structure that helps students build healthy routines, manage stress, and develop independence.
- Qualified care professionals in healthcare, nutrition, and pedagogy
- Continuous supervision after school, overnight, and mornings
- Balanced nutrition, healthy sleep habits, and regular activity
- Proactive digital safety and media literacy guidance
- Safeguarding policies and regular wellbeing check-ins
Boarding Team
Experienced, caring, and highly qualified
Our boarding team includes specialists across healthcare, nutrition, pedagogy, and pastoral care. Students are supported by a multidisciplinary team committed to wellbeing, safety, and personal growth.
- Qualified professionals with international experience
- 24/7 supervision and consistent adult support
- Guidance in routines, wellbeing, and independence
- Close collaboration with families and academic staff
A Day at ISSH Boarding
Structure meets independence
Daily routines provide the framework students need to thrive academically while fostering confidence and responsibility. No two students share the exact same schedule — everyone enjoys freedom to structure their free time.
Morning
Rise & prepare
Students wake, have breakfast, and prepare for the school day. The boarding team ensures everyone is ready and on time for classes.
School day
Academic programme
A full day of IB learning with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and personalised attention at the ISSH campus.
Afternoon
Activities & study
Free time for sports, clubs, local activities, or supervised study. Students can explore Schaffhausen or relax at the boarding house.
Evening
Community time
Shared dinner, socialising, personal time, and preparation for the next day. Caregivers stay overnight for continuous support.
Our community
Our city is your campus
Located in the north of Switzerland, Schaffhausen is a bustling, cosmopolitan community of 40,000 people. Conveniently located 40 minutes from Zurich, Schaffhausen offers all the amenities of a big city in a charming, neighbourhood-like environment. Boarding students can explore the city on foot, make connections with local students, and gain an authentically Swiss experience.
Small town, big possibilities
With a wide array of clubs, teams, festivals, and events, Schaffhausen offers a rich cultural experience.
Discover Switzerland
From Alpabfahrt to Zibelemaerit, boarding students discover Swiss culture and tradition.
Global outlook
Cultural exchange and Swiss diplomacy prepare students for success in an interconnected world.
Independence & Growth
Skills for university and life
The ISSH boarding programme is designed around a structured yet flexible framework that allows students to naturally develop personal responsibility through real-life experience rather than strict regulations.
- Cooking, budgeting, and household management
- Communication, problem-solving, and self-advocacy
- Weekly house meetings with team-building activities
- Community service and weekend activity planning
- Preparation for independent university life
Admissions
Start the conversation
Is ISSH boarding right for your family? Our admissions team is here to help you. Let's start the conversation and see where independence leads.
Enquire now