École Riviera vs Saint Dominic Savio School

	É École Riviera Lausanne, Switzerland	S Saint Dominic Savio School Lausanne, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 9,600 - 20,800	Fees / year CHF 18,000 - 20,000
Age range	Age range 0 - 16 years	Age range 2 - 8 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Reggio Emilia Approach, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum, Singapore Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 130	Pupils 45
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 11
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French
Opened	Opened 2002	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Montreux, Switzerland (centre of Montreux, in the canton of Vaud)	Location Saint Dominique Savio School is located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is an international Catholic institution offering French education.
Stages	Stages Nursery (creche La Marelle) through 11th grade (ages 3 months to 16 years); Maternelle, Classe enfantine, Classe primaire, Classe secondaire	Stages Kindergarten - Early Years (from 30 months to 4 years). Kindergarten - The Middle Section (1P Harmos) (from 4 to 5). Kindergarten - Higher Section (2P) (from 5 to 6). 1st Elementary (3P) from 6 to 7.
School type	School type Private bilingual day school (French/English)	School type Private international Catholic school in Lausanne offering French education.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Individualized support tailored to each student's needs	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Catholic
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Registration / Application fee - Administrative (registration) fee: CHF 490, billed once and non‑refundable. Payment of this fee secures the pupil's place and must be paid to the school bank account (IBAN: CH38 0076 7000 Z549 8365 4). Tuition fees (annual amounts) and equivalent per‑term / per‑installment figures Note on billing formats used by the school: parents may choose monthly, quarterly (three instalments) or annual billing. Annual payments are eligible for a 2% discount; monthly invoices are issued in 10 instalments (11 instalments for Maternelle/Preschool). Per‑term amounts below use the quarterly option (annual ÷ 3). Per‑month amounts use the stated number of instalments. - Preschool (3–4 years), full time (Mon–Fri 07:30–12:00 / 14:00–16:00): - Annual: CHF 20,800. - Per term (quarterly / three instalments): CHF 6,933.33. - Per instalment if billed monthly in 11 instalments (Maternelle): CHF 1,890.91. - Preschool 2‑days minimum per week (same hours): - Annual: CHF 9,600. - Per term: CHF 3,200. - Per instalment if billed in 11 instalments: CHF 872.73. - Additional half‑day (Preschool): - Morning half‑day (07:30–12:00): CHF 2,800 per year (per term CHF 933.33). - Afternoon half‑day (14:00–16:00): CHF 1,600 per year (per term CHF 533.33). - Year 1–2 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30): - Annual: CHF 16,200. Per term: CHF 5,400. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,620. - Year 3–4 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30): - Annual: CHF 16,900. Per term: CHF 5,633.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,690. - Year 5–6 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30): - Annual: CHF 17,500. Per term: CHF 5,833.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,750. - Year 7–8 (full time 08:10–12:45 / 13:45–15:30): - Annual: CHF 18,400. Per term: CHF 6,133.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,840. - Year 9–11 (full time 08:10–12:45 / 13:45–15:30): - Annual: CHF 18,800. Per term: CHF 6,266.67. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,880. Optional / additional annual fees and one‑off charges - Afternoon care (1× per week, 16:00–18:00): CHF 600 per year. - Hot meal and care (1× per week, 12:00–14:00): CHF 600 per year. - Morning care (from Year 1) (1× per week, 07:30–08:25): CHF 200 per year. - Midday meal and supervision (1× per week): CHF 600 per year. - Supervised homework (from Year 3) (1× per week 15:45–17:00): CHF 600 per year. - Wednesday afternoon with meal (38 weeks, 13:00–18:00): CHF 1,800 per year. - School transport (morning and evening, 5 days/week): - Zone 1 (≤ 5 km): CHF 1,300 per year. - Zone 2 (≤ 10 km): CHF 1,900 per year. - Zone 3 (> 10 km): CHF 2,600 per year. - Cambridge exam registration fees (one‑off): PET CHF 190; KET CHF 290; B2 CHF 405. - Per‑use one‑off charges (examples shown): - Wednesday afternoon per session (13:00–18:00): CHF 65. - Morning care per morning (07:30–08:15): CHF 10. - Afternoon care per afternoon (15:40–18:00): CHF 20. - One‑off meal with supervision per meal (11:45–13:45): CHF 20. - Holiday care (Year 1 and 2) per day with meal (07:45–18:00): CHF 100. What is included and what is billed separately - Tuition is billed as an "all‑inclusive" fee: school supplies and compulsory excursions are included in the annual tuition. Parents are, however, required to provide a small list of personal items (examples: apron and slippers for Maternelle; basic stationery and calculator/geometry set for older pupils). - Items billed separately include exam registration fees, clubs and extra support classes, language‑for‑beginners classes, and one‑off options and per‑use services (meals, childcare when used one‑time). Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing options: monthly, quarterly (three instalments) or annual. The chosen invoicing frequency must be indicated on the registration form. Annual payments receive a 2% discount if paid within 30 days of the invoice date. If the annual payment term is not respected, the school may cancel the discount and switch to quarterly invoicing. Late payment reminders: first reminder free; after the second reminder a CHF 50 processing fee is added. Sibling and sponsorship discounts - Sibling discount: 10% discount on the total school fees for two enrolled children; 35% discount for three or more enrolled children. - Sponsorship discount: a family already enrolled who sponsors a new student (named on the registration) and the new family each receive a 10% discount valid for 12 months. Withdrawal and refund rules - The registration/administrative fee (CHF 490) is non‑refundable. Withdrawal rules and charges are applied as follows and must be sent by registered letter (post stamp is evidence): - Withdrawal before 30 March (prior to the school year): no charge. - Withdrawal between 1 April and 30 June: one month of tuition is due. - Withdrawal between 1 July and the first day of school: two months of tuition are due. - Any withdrawal during the school year requires two months' notice to take effect at the end of the current quarterly billing period; deadlines for termly billing are specified (e.g., for the first billing trimester, notice by 31 October for termination effective 31 December). No refund is made for non‑participation in mandatory activities or excursions. Specific expulsion/contract‑termination scenarios carry other invoicing rules as set out in the general terms. Boarding - The school operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision listed among the school's services. Transport is offered as a day‑service option for commuting pupils. Fee payment methods and invoicing details - Bank transfer: invoices and the registration fee are payable to the school bank account (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, IBAN CH38 0076 7000 Z549 8365 4). Payment is expected by the dates shown on the payment slips. Annual payment must be made within 30 days to qualify for the 2% discount. The school issues invoices and payment slips according to the chosen billing frequency. No explicit public listing of credit‑card acceptance is provided in the school's terms and invoicing documentation. Other practical notes on fees - Mandatory activities (recreational, cultural, sporting outings, ski camp) are covered by the all‑inclusive tuition; there is no refund for non‑participation. Parents remain responsible for personal items (pocket money, picnic, optional sports equipment). Specific optional activities, clubs and exam registration fees are charged in addition to tuition. Late refunds or discounts are governed by the withdrawal and billing rules above.	Fee details Application / enrolment fees - Enrolment or re‑enrolment fees are waived for families who complete registration before 1 March 2025. - No fixed public amount for an application/enrolment fee is published; families receive an enrolment charge (if any) as part of the personalised rate provided by the school. Contact the school to obtain the exact enrolment fee for your situation. Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - The school operates early-years and primary sections (TPS / PS / MS / GS / CP / 1st Elementary) for children from 30 months to 7 years. Specific tuition amounts per term or per academic year for each year group are not published publicly. Families are provided with an individualised fee schedule when enquiring about admission. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual payment option: a 3% discount is applied to school fees when annual payment is made before 1 September. - Sibling discount: a 20% discount applies to school and canteen fees from the second child onwards. - Financial aid: a means‑tested Savio grant is available; families must apply to be considered. - The school provides rates adapted to each family's situation; detailed billing cycles (monthly, per term, or other) and the exact payment schedule are supplied with the personalised fee offer. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school is an early‑years / primary day school for children aged approximately 30 months to 7 years. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and typical additional fees - Canteen / meal costs: canteen fees exist (subject to the sibling discount noted above); specific meal prices are not published in the public fee information. - Extracurricular / holiday camps: camps and short programmes are charged separately; recent published camp prices include examples such as CHF 420, CHF 450, and CHF 520 for specific weeks (prices vary by programme and week). These camp fees are in addition to regular school fees. - Uniforms, school supplies, excursions and special activities may incur additional charges; no comprehensive public price list for these items is published. Refund information - No public, detailed refund policy for tuition, enrolment fees, or extra activities is published. Refunds and cancellation terms (if any) are handled according to the school's individual billing and admissions terms and should be confirmed directly with the school. Fee payment options - Specific permitted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit, etc.) are not published in the publicly available fee information. Payment methods and invoicing details are provided with the personalised fee offer and invoice. Parents should contact the school to confirm accepted payment methods. Brief summary of findings - The school publishes its educational sections, age range, discounts (20% sibling discount; 3% early annual payment discount), availability of means‑tested grants, and separate charges for holiday camps, but does not publish a public, line‑by‑line fee schedule showing tuition amounts per term or per academic year for each year group. For an exact per‑term or per‑year tuition figure, the school issues a personalised rate and billing schedule on request.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Meals are provided through the local catering service, offering balanced daily meals for students and staff, with a daily salad buffet and bread; in winter, soup is offered two days a week and a fruit basket is always available after meals. A vegetarian option, pork-free option, and gluten-free option are available on request at enrollment. For allergy-related dietary needs, a medical certificate is required and a meeting with parents is arranged to discuss how best to meet the needs.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership École Riviera was founded in 2002 and is located in the centre of Montreux. The school is led by a Director.	Governance and ownership The school is managed and run by a team of passionate and professional educators. Savio Education branding is used on the site, indicating an association with Savio Education.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ecole Riviera is in Montreux and was founded in 2002. It offers bilingual French-English teaching with the benefits of an international education for ages 3 months to 16 years. Progress is tracked rigorously and each pupil receives tailored support. Pre-School is a French-English bilingual program with development across language, numeracy, environment, art and physical development. Infant School uses a 50/50 bilingual program with immersion to support language acquisition. Primary School teaches in French and English, adds German from Year 5, and provides a modern computer room and study trips; Secondary School is bilingual, with the 11th year preparing for the baccalaureate and Cambridge English and Goethe German Examinations.	Curriculum details The school follows an integral education project that builds the foundations for lifelong learning through reading, writing, and counting in French. Reading and writing are developed from kindergarten with focus on French language acquisition; pupils are addressed as "vous" to promote oral language. Foreign language instruction plays a prominent role: 6 hours per week are dedicated to English from kindergarten, representing about 30% of the weekly teaching time (23.5 hours total). Mandarin classes are offered weekly to all pupils from nursery level upwards. The school fosters a Salesian Christian educational approach, emphasizing affection, trust, and formation of character, and organizes school life to provide safe, sensory, motor, relational, and cognitive experiences.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 11th Year prepares pupils for the baccalaureate examinations, with a pass rate of 90-100%. Language qualifications are pursued through Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations. Regular learning assessments monitor progress in a bilingual curriculum.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 11th Year is the gateway to baccalaureate and higher education. It prepares students to continue their studies in university and higher education institutions. Language qualifications support progression, including Cambridge English and Goethe German examinations.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning École Riviera provides a rounded intellectual, physical, emotional and social education and works with parents and partners to develop the whole child. Pupils are encouraged to develop self‑confidence, independence and personal relationships with family, peers and teachers, and to treat others with respect. The curriculum deliberately supports empathy, responsibility and social skills, including building positive relationships and a secure learning environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. The school emphasises the development of human qualities alongside academic knowledge, and small class sizes help foster harmonious relationships within the school community.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Infant School offers individualised teaching and personalised monitoring for every pupil. Primary School provides remedial courses in small groups for mathematics, French and English to support progress and learning needs. The school emphasises targeted support to help pupils progress at their own pace within a bilingual program and broader curriculum.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language A bilingual French‑English programme runs from early years. Pre‑School is French‑English bilingual; Infant School provides 50% of lessons in French and 50% in English; Primary School teaches in French and English with German introduced from Year 5. The Riviera Advantage highlights a bilingual curriculum and German as a third language; Secondary School offers language qualifications and prepares pupils for Cambridge English and Goethe German examinations.	English as an additional language The school teaches English as a foreign language, with six hours per week starting in kindergarten, representing 30% of the total weekly teaching time (23.5 hours). Weekly Mandarin classes are offered to all pupils from nursery level upwards.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school places well-being at the center of learning through a safe, secure environment and supportive relationships. Values and philosophy emphasise emotional and social development, self‑confidence, respect for others and empathy, and learning themes in the early years include personal, social and emotional development to foster autonomy and enjoyment of learning.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding École Riviera is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. Staff undergo safeguarding and related checks as part of ensuring a safe and secure school environment.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview From age 3, pupils begin the bilingual program. The school provides a secure environment tailored to pupils' needs. Pupils have access to the library, classroom computers, an art and crafts room, a music and theatre room, a school canteen, and a well-equipped playground. All classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard, and older pupils use mobile computing devices.	Facilities overview Located in the Montchoisi district of Lausanne, the school sits on green space spanning over 1 hectare. It features numerous, spacious, bright classrooms that support a holistic school life. The campus emphasizes outdoor activities and play as part of daily life. Digital technology is used by teaching staff to enhance learning while maintaining children's attention and concentration. Childcare is available all week on demand.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports activities take place in external sports halls. The swimming lessons take place at the local swimming pool in Montreux. When the weather is suitable, sports lessons take place on outdoor sports fields. Pupils take the school bus for sports lessons outside of the grounds.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school library is available to pupils. Classroom computers are provided throughout the school. All classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard. Older pupils use mobile computing devices as part of learning.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a rich and varied extracurricular program for all pupils from kindergarten to 8th grade. Pupils have opportunities to develop artistic talents, social skills, and physical abilities while enjoying activities organized by qualified teachers in a warm environment. After‑school care, supervised homework, meals, and clubs are optional and can be tailored to each childs interests and family schedules. The program is organized for Kindergarten, Infant class, Primary class, and Secondary class, with clubs available across year groups.	Extra curricular facilities Festive events include school fetes, open days, and celebrations; rituals and practices of benevolence and fraternal charity (‘guardian angels') are part of school life; conferences and discussions on educational topics are held.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 2002, École Riviera is located in the heart of Montreux. It offers bilingual French/English instruction as an alternative to the public Vaud school while combining the benefits of international schooling. Admissions are open to students of all nationalities, cultures and religions throughout the year. Through La Marelle nursery, the kindergarten, and the classes from the 1st to the 11th year, the school provides education from 3 months to 16 years, with age-appropriate supervision at each stage.	History Saint Dominique Savio is an inclusive International Catholic School that opened its doors in September 2023. It is located in the Montchoisi district in the heart of Lausanne, on a green site of over 1 hectare with spacious, bright classrooms, enabling a holistic school life. The school is managed and run by a team of passionate and professional educators chosen for their recognised skills with French, Swiss and international families. The Christian educational project aims at the complete formation of the child, with the spiritual and moral values of the Gospel encouraged through daily prayer times, important liturgical feasts, and by following the life of Dominic Savio, the patron saint. Childcare is available all week on demand.
Community	Community It serves children from 3 to 16 years old. Riviera Advantage states that the school is dedicated to inspiring individual growth, academic excellence and global citizenship. It integrates international students, offers a bilingual curriculum, and supports an easy transition. German is taught as a third language and the learning approach is Reggio Emilia-inspired. It maintains a safe, secure and intimate family atmosphere, and the small size fosters harmonious relationships between pupils and their families. The faculty are highly qualified to guide balanced development and the curriculum emphasizes life skills, respect and empathy as well as academics.	Community There is a relationship of trust with families, with reassurance that children flourish and integrate into a welcoming group of friends, and with alignment of educational principles and accessible teachers. There is well-established communication between the school and families. Conviviality within the school community includes festive events such as fetes, open days and celebrations, rituals and practices of benevolence and fraternal charity ('guardian angels'), and conferences on educational topics. Starting an international curriculum at an early age, bilingual teaching from the age of 2 and a half with 30% of the French curriculum taught in English (6 hours per week).
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual An added, varied programme of extra-curricular activities is offered to all students, from Infant School to Year 11. Students have the opportunity and time to develop their intellectual skills through activities organised by qualified teachers. The activities also support students' artistic and social development, enriching learning beyond the classroom. Participation is voluntary and flexible, matching each child's interests and family schedule.	Academic & intellectual The school teaches a French education with 30% of instruction in English in kindergarten and first grade. The fundamental knowledge essential for intellectual development is taught in French, focusing on reading, writing and counting. English instruction totals six hours per week from kindergarten, and Mandarin classes are offered weekly from nursery level. The program emphasizes multilingualism and supports language development through rich oral language and exposure to native languages.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Students have opportunities to develop artistic talents through activities organized by qualified teachers. The programme nurtures creativity within a warm and supportive environment. Participation is optional and can be tailored to each child's interests.	Arts & creative Weekly creative arts and crafts workshops develop fine motor skills and imagination. Guided play-based activities and nature outings complement the learning experience.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Riviera Advantage emphasizes global citizenship. The bilingual curriculum and integration of international students support language development and cultural awareness.	Cultural & language English is taught for six hours per week from kindergarten, representing 30% of the weekly teaching time. Mandarin classes are offered weekly from nursery level. The school values multilingualism and supports language development through exposure to English, Mandarin and native languages.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students have opportunities to develop social skills through activities organized by qualified teachers. The programme fosters collaboration and social engagement through clubs and group activities. Participation in after-school activities is designed to be socially enriching.	Social & hobbies There are weekly creative workshops and a variety of activities that foster social learning. An annual school fête brings together families and staff, and Christian celebrations are observed. A week of Club Savio activities during holidays combines creativity, games and mutual aid.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Life at the school includes community events and family involvement, reinforcing belonging. There are festive and faith-based activities that involve the whole school community and strengthen ties among pupils, families and staff.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Movement and wellbeing are central to learning: psychomotor sessions are led by a specialist. Movement is seen as essential to forming neural connections and to literacy and speech development. The school organizes daily rhythms that include reception, recess, rest and hygiene to provide secure reference points.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are taught as core languages through a bilingual program from pre-school onward. German is taught in the Y9–Y11 years, with Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations prepared. Italian is optional in Y9–Y11. From primary level, language qualifications are available in English and German.	Language provision The school provides French-language education and welcomes children from 30 months to 7 years old. Reading and writing are taught in French, with emphasis on language development and literacy. English is taught as a foreign language, with six hours per week starting in kindergarten, representing about 30% of total weekly teaching time (23.5 hours). Mandarin is offered weekly to all pupils from nursery level upwards.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual French-English teaching across the age range. The Pre-School is a French-English bilingual programme for children aged 3–4. In the Infant School, 50% of lessons are taught in French and 50% in English, with one day in one language and the next day in the other. Language qualifications in English and German are available from primary level, including Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Immersion is a key method for language learning at École Riviera. In the Infant School, 50% of lessons are in French and 50% in English, with daily language switching. The Pre-School is a French-English bilingual programme. Immersion is described as one of the keys to success in learning a foreign language.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Complete the form to book a visit. The form asks for name and family name, e-mail, contact number, name and family name of your child, date of birth, and current school and grade. Options include 'Book a visit', 'Contact me', or 'Other request'. Please read and accept the privacy policy; you may choose to be kept up to date on the latest news. 2. ADMISSIONS PROCESS. Fill out and submit the Riviera or Blancpain application after reading the General Terms and Conditions. Attach copies of a recent passport photo; a copy of the pupil's identity card or passport; a copy of health/accident insurance; and the previous year's school report. The school secretary will confirm receipt of the documents and the pupil will be placed on the list of applicants. The inscription is reserved upon reception of the admission fees; the tuition invoice will follow your payment within one week and will serve as confirmation.	Admissions Admission process: Fill in the information request form online; phone or video call; school visit; submission of forms; admission guaranteed upon payment of the admission fee.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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