Bilingual Kindergarten in Zurich

4 to 6 years

At Tandem IMS Kindergarten Zurich, children aged 4 to 6 years explore the world through bilingual, enquiry-based learning that builds curiosity, confidence, and creativity. Our bilingual kindergarten combines the best of the Swiss Kindergarten and international early learning philosophies, encouraging every child to ask questions, make discoveries, and express ideas freely in English and German. Through projects, storytelling, and play, children learn how to think independently while developing the academic and social foundations needed for Primary School.

A Caring and Stimulating Environment

Located in Zurich-Seefeld, our Kindergarten provides a bright, welcoming space where children learn, create, and grow in a safe, family-like atmosphere.
Each class is guided by 1–2 qualified teachers (one English-speaking, one German-speaking) with a maximum of 12 children per class.

Day Care: Morning from 07:30 · Evening until 18:30

Attendance:

1st Kindergarten: Minimum 3.5 days (Monday–Thursday, Wednesday afternoon off)

  • 2nd Kindergarten: Minimum 4 days (Monday–Thursday)

(Families can also make use of the Tandem School Bus, which connects Zurich with other Tandem IMS campuses.)

Our Curriculum

The Tandem IMS Kindergarten Curriculum prepares children for lifelong learning and a smooth transition to Primary School. It follows the guidelines of the Canton of Zurich, enriched with international early years practices and our distinctive enquiry-based learning approach.

Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore topics, and make predictions. Teachers guide them to find answers, sparking new curiosity and deeper understanding.

Our key learning areas include:

  • Social and emotional growth: empathy, cooperation, and confidence

  • Language and communication: English and German every day

  • Early literacy: reading and writing in English and German

  • Mathematics: numbers, patterns, and problem-solving

  • Creativity and discovery: art, music, IT, and nature-based learning

By the end of Kindergarten, most children can read and write in both languages and are well-prepared for bilingual primary education.

Our literacy and mathematics objectives exceed the expectations of the Swiss public Kindergarten.

Languages of Instruction

English & German

Each class is co-taught by one native English-speaking and one native German-speaking teacher.

This team-teaching model provides children with natural exposure to both languages throughout the day.

Optional French (Fridays)

Children may also choose French as an additional language on Fridays. A playful introduction through songs, games, and storytelling that supports early trilingualism.

 

Our translanguaging approach allows children to connect ideas across languages, strengthening comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence. Through role-play, group discussions, and creative projects, they learn to express themselves comfortably in both English and German.

Enquiry-Based Learning in Action

Children in our Kindergarten investigate, experiment, and create.
They learn by exploring real-life themes  from nature and community to art and science  and present their findings through projects, performances, or storytelling.

This approach helps them to:

  • think critically and independently

  • collaborate with others

  • communicate ideas in two languages

  • build curiosity, creativity, and resilience

A Day at Tandem IMS Kindergarten Zurich

8-30 08:30
Welcome time
8-50 08:50
Circle time
Morning  Activities
8-50 Morning
Enquiry projects, free play, and outdoor time
11-30 11:30

Lunch and outdoor break

12-45 12:45

“Golden Götti Time” – small group mentoring

Afternoon
Thematic activities, creative learning, snack
15-40 15:40

School day ends

16:00-18:30

Optional Late Care or After-School Club

Beyond the Classroom

Children at Tandem IMS enjoy excursions, nature walks, project weeks, and specialist lessons in music, art, IT, and physical education.
Learning extends beyond the classroom, connecting play, creativity, and curiosity to the world around them.
Families can also take advantage of our After-School Clubs and Holiday Camps, which provide fun, themed activities during school breaks.
 

YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS

Ms. Majer
Ms. Majer
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Zueger
Ms. Zueger
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Sean
Ms. Sean
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Maier
Ms. Maier
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Muskat
Ms. Muskat
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Hill
Ms. Hill
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Reza
French Teacher
Mr. Londono Carvajal
Mr. Londono Carvajal
French Teacher
Ms. Schmid
Art Teacher
Ms. Sousa Andre
Ms. André
Classroom- and Supervision Assistant
Ms. Mead
Ms. Mead
Classroom- and Supervision Assistant
Load More

INTERESTING TO KNOW

Bus Image

School Bus

We have established our own bus service to and from our school in Zurich.

After School Clubs

Extra Curricular

Find out more about our After School Clubs and Holiday Camps.

Tuition Fees-1

Tuition Fees

Get all the information you need regarding tuition fees.

FAQS

What is enquiry-based learning and what are its benefits?

 It’s a hands-on learning method where children ask questions, explore, and experiment to find answers. It builds independence, curiosity, and confidence.

How often are there two qualified teachers with the classes?

Each Kindergarten class has both an English-speaking and a German-speaking teacher co-teaching for about half of the week.

Are your teachers native speakers?

Yes. All Tandem IMS teachers are native speakers of the language they teach, ensuring authentic communication and pronunciation.

Is it possible to book Early or Late Care for only one or two times per week?

Unfortunately our Early and Late Care needs to be booked as packages.  Children in Kindergarten are able to come from 07:30 in the morning each day if they have the Early Care Package. If they are enrolled for Late Care, they can stay until 18:30. 

Alternatively, if care is required on only one particular day, an After School Club may be an attractive option. In emergency situations, an individual Early or Late Care can be booked in advance and invoiced according to our fee schedule.

Can I book Early or Late Care for specific days?

Our before- and after-school care can only be booked as a full package. Children may come to school from 07:30 every morning if they are registered for the Early Care package. With the Late Care package, they may stay until 18:30.

If care is only needed on a specific day, the After School Club might be an alternative. In emergencies, an Early or Late Care spot can be reserved in advance. This will then be charged on the next invoice.

 

What happens during school holidays?

We follow Zurich’s holiday calendar but close for only four weeks per year (two in summer, two at Christmas).
During other holidays, children can join our Holiday Camps for exciting, themed learning experiences.

Visit Us in Zurich

The Tandem IMS Kindergarten Zurich is located at:
📍 Seefeldstrasse 111, 8008 Zürich

We warmly invite you to visit our classrooms and discover how children learn, play, and thrive in our bilingual kindergarten in Zurich.

✉️ info@tandem-ims.ch

📞 +41 43 500 10 30

Contact us · Book a visit

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS

Our daughter Milla started in Kindergarten 1 and finished in grade 6. We are so thankful to all the teachers, management and administration for the great work they do with the children. Tandem IMS offers a friendly environment and the warmth of a family. Milla had a lot of fun but she also learned a lot. She is not only academically strong in English and German and advanced in French but she developed as an individual who loves and respects people, who is independent and confident, who is free to express her opinion, who knows how to organize her daily life and work under pressure. As she said in her graduation speech: «Here in Tandem I had the best time of my life! I am looking forward to the future because I know I am well prepared for the next step of my life.» 

Milla and her family
Kindergarten and Primary School

Our son Philip attended Tandem from Primary 1 through 6. What convinced us of this school were the multilingual education, the enquiry-based learning approach, and the excellent after-school care programme. The teachers we met over the years were all highly qualified and very motivated. The community spirit at the school is exceptional: fifth graders play with first graders, mixed age groups at Sports Day, and loyal alumni to the school. Philip also attended the preparation course for the Gymi exam offered at Tandem. The level of detailed preparation by his teacher was outstanding. It was integrated seamlessly into the school routine. The learning journey at Tandem gave Philip a head start for his secondary education. I can highly recommend Tandem to all families looking for a multilingual primary education.

Philip
Primary School

Our experience at Tandem Erlenbach has been wonderful and totally recommendable. Sara has been happy at Tandem IMS Erlenbach each and every day of the almost three years she has spent there. Tandem's educational method allows each child to progress in an individual and personalised way, but at the same time creates strong bonds with the rest of the children in each group. The diverse atmosphere and the values of Tandem IMS (tolerance, team spirit, kindness, respect…) are something that all schools should promote and that we truly appreciated.

Sara and her family
Early Years and Pre-School

Neven started in Kiga 1 and stayed until the end of Primary 6, a total of 8 years. He is a very active and lively boy. All the different teachers he had at Tandem IMS were able to motivate and interest him through all these years. They recognised his strengths and supported him when needed. Neven successfully passed the Gymiprüfung and also in Gymnasium it shows how well he is prepared for learning in a demanding environment. As we’re both working parents we always felt understood and supported by Tandem IMS. If we would start again with a younger child we would choose Tandem IMS again.

Neven and his mum
Primary School

Tandem IMS's sense of community and the depth of care and dedication teachers and staff bring to the school, is what makes it so special. At Tandem IMS, teachers get to know each child individually and take time to understand the best ways to help them learn and grow. Children learn to treat each other with respect, work together, and to appreciate differences of background, identity, and perspective. Both socially and academically, our son greatly benefitted from Tandem IMS's nurturing learning environment.

Viggo and his parents
Kindergarten

After relocating to Uetikon, our two children attended Uetikon/Erlenbach. We greatly appreciated the stability of the teaching team, which comprised individuals from various nationalities, including true native English speakers spanning various age groups. It was evident that they were all dedicated to playing a role in our children's education. The facilities, diverse classrooms, group dynamics, and educational curriculum were truly exceptional. Tandem IMS will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are forever thankful that our little boys had the opportunity to be part of it!

Léandre and Aurèle
Early Years and Pre-School

We experienced Tandem IMS as a happy place to learn and to prepare students in many fields of life, not just school subjects but also social skills and community spirit. The teaching style and the multicultural environment is nurturing a growth mindset and lifelong learning which are so important in these times of constant changes. Our son Francesco has spent his whole primary school time at Tandem IMS and graduated after 6th Grade well prepared for the next step (Sek A, Küsnacht). He had a fantastic start there with many advantages already in French, English and an independent and self-organized homework attitude. His brother Lorenzo is still enjoying Tandem Primary school and will graduate in a couple of years.

Francesco and his mum
Primary School

We are incredibly grateful for the time our daughter Alisa spent at Tandem IMS. The teachers and administrators were exceptional—always attentive, nurturing, and genuinely invested in Alisa's well-being and development. Their warmth and professionalism made all the difference, giving us peace of mind every day. In the two years she was there, we saw remarkable growth in Alisa’s social skills, confidence, and love for learning. She also made remarkable progress towards her language skills in English and German. It was such a joy to see her excited to go to Tandem each morning and come home with new knowledge and stories to share. We couldn't have asked for a better foundation for her, and for that, we are eternally thankful to the amazing team at Tandem IMS.

Alisa
Early Years and Pre-School

Seeing our children becoming less and less happy attending public school, we felt compelled to look for a better alternative that could meet their needs.  What we found turned out to be so much more than expected: an inspiring culture, motivating teachers, and an exciting multilingual spirit.  While learning is never easy and often demanding, for our children, it suddenly became a fun and productive experience.  The depth and breadth of the learning opportunity offered by this school is nothing short of great!

Luca and his dad
Primary School

At Tandem IMS, I really felt that the children were growing their knowledge and improving their language skills in both, English and German. Caspar entered at the age of 4 into kindergarten 1 and stayed for 2 years. He could not speak one word of English and German when he joined, since we speak Italian and Russian at home. When he finished kindergarten 2 at the age of 6, he could communicate very well in both English and German and we were very proud of him.

Caspar and his dad
Kindergarten

Tandem IMS was the best choice and the best investment for our child. Tandem IMS makes parents confident that their child is in the best hands. The experience, the education and the engagement level of the teachers is set at the highest standards. And as a bonus, our little son was taught in 2 languages, so that for the Kindergarten he is well prepared and speaks, without any difficulties, German and English on top of Russian. Without any hesitations, our younger little baby was also enrolled at Tandem IMS.

Andrew and his family
Early Years and Pre-School

We were impressed how quickly Cédric settled in which was also due to the warm and caring atmosphere that welcomed him. Cédric loved to go to Tandem IMS as he found an environment that adapted to his needs and gave him brain food (he is a very curious boy). We felt that the excellent teachers recognize the strengths of each child individually and support children to develop further. During his time at Tandem IMS, Cédric progressed impressively and he always felt very safe and was very eager to go to Tandem IMS.

Cédric and his mum
Pre-School

Valentina and Mateo both started attending the nursery at 6 months old, followed by preschool. It was amazing to witness how quickly they picked up English and how effortlessly they can now switch between German, English, and Spanish. Valentina and Mateo always felt comfortable, and as parents, the open communication with the team consistently reassured us that our children were in the best hands. We are very grateful to Tandem IMS for the valuable chapter in our children's lives.

Valentina, Mateo and their parents
Early Years and Pre-School

Emma enjoyed the inspiring environment, the caring teachers and the super interesting curriculum. Each day was different and the children learned a lot by going through the various subjects that were spread throughout the year. A lot of effort also goes into organising special events through which the children can discover the entire world. Emma benefited a lot from Tandem and was now ready to go to kindergarten. We are very grateful for the great time Emma spent at Tandem IMS and are missing the team a lot!

Emma and her mum
Early Years and Pre-School

Massi grew up in the translanguaging environment of Tandem IMS, becoming fluent in both English and German from an early age. The enquiry-based learning allowed him to be himself, learning easily by asking questions constantly. We are grateful to all the teachers that accompanied him since he was two years old. Thank you for your patience, professionalism, creativity, and engagement. Tandem IMS and its teachers are putting a lot of effort in recognising each child's needs, adapting to their rhythm, their curiosity, making everyone feel unique. 

Massi and his parents
Early Years, Pre-School, Kindergarten

It was an incredible journey for the last 6 years and we will be missing every single day of this experience. Dedicated teachers truly loving the kids and the daily job they do, dedicated educational team, and outstanding curriculum to make sure kids are not only prepared for day-to-day life, but also for the school after. But more importantly, are the social skills which Arthur and Andrew watched and learned every day. Something, one can’t buy for money but have it in your heart.

Arthur, Andrew and their mum
Early Years and Pre-School

Mariana thrived in the familiar atmosphere of Tandem IMS. The bilingual education prepared her well for further language study, and the teachers were very professional, committed and caring of my child’s needs. After leaving Tandem IMS, Mariana settled exceptionally well in her new school and was academically well prepared for the new demands. Thank you, Tandem IMS!

Mariana and her mum
Primary School

Thank you for your interest in our school

We recognize that your choice of school will be one of the most important decisions you face. As a first step please fill out the Enquiry Form. A member of our admissions team will then contact you to arrange a visit as this is most certainly the best way to get to know us.