Haut-Lac International Bilingual School vs International School Lausanne

	H Haut-Lac International Bilingual School Lausanne, Switzerland	I International School Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 21,800 - 88,000	Fees / year CHF 28,200 - 38,990
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 620	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The school sits in the hills above Vevey with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It is about an hour's drive from Geneva Airport and just 10 minutes from the Lake Geneva shoreline.	Location The International School of Lausanne is located at Chemin de la Grangette 2, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus sits in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne just north of Lausanne. A TL Route 18 bus stop is directly in front of the school, linking to Lausanne city centre, with connections from Lausanne-Riponne and other stops along the route. The school also operates a daily external bus service with stops chosen for safety and convenience.
Stages	Stages Les Marronniers Nursery (18 months–3 years); Praz-Dagoud Campus (3–12 years); Roches Grises Campus (13–18 years). A Boarding House accommodates 11–18-year-olds.	Stages Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).
School type	School type International bilingual day and boarding school with two day campuses and a boarding house in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz.	School type The school is not-for-profit and an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Student Support Services coordinate learning support to meet individual needs. Types of support include Progress Plans, Individualised Education Plans, and 1:1 support, with well-being counselling. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps students developing English language skills.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The school day runs from 8:00 to 15:30 (16:20 for Upper Secondary) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday (13:05 in Lower Secondary and 13:45 in Upper Secondary). Breakfast Club is available from 7:15; after-school supervision and clubs are offered.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Seven daily bus routes to the Praz-Dagoud campus cover areas up to 30 km away, plus a Vevey train-station shuttle; local transport via train and bus stops within walking distance to both Roches Grises and Praz-Dagoud campuses. Airport pick-up is available for boarding students on scheduled transfer days.	Bus service details ISL uses external bus companies to operate a daily bus service for Reception 4 to Year 13; the service is not door-to-door; stops are chosen for safety, location, and convenience. Public transport is also available, with a TL Route 18 bus stop directly in front of the school linking to Lausanne city centre. Transport inquiries: transport@isl.ch; School Bus Service document available.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Acceptance fee - A non-refundable acceptance (enrolment) fee of CHF 3,500 is charged when the Enrolment Confirmation is signed; this payment secures the place and is not credited against tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual totals and fixed charges) - E1 (half‑day): Annual tuition CHF 21,650; fixed charges CHF 150; total CHF 21,800. (E1 full‑day option: annual tuition CHF 27,150; total CHF 27,300). - E2: Annual tuition CHF 27,300; fixed charges CHF 200; total CHF 27,500. - E3: Annual tuition CHF 28,200; fixed charges CHF 350; total CHF 28,550. - P1–P2: Annual tuition CHF 28,200; fixed charges CHF 750; total CHF 28,950. - P3: Annual tuition CHF 28,900; fixed charges CHF 800; total CHF 29,700. - P4: Annual tuition CHF 29,000; fixed charges CHF 850; total CHF 29,850. - P5: Annual tuition CHF 29,650; fixed charges CHF 850; total CHF 30,500. - MYP1–MYP2: Annual tuition CHF 33,900; fixed charges CHF 900; total CHF 34,800. - MYP3: Annual tuition CHF 35,400; fixed charges CHF 800; total CHF 36,200. - MYP4: Annual tuition CHF 37,000; fixed charges CHF 800; total CHF 37,800. - MYP5: Annual tuition CHF 37,500; fixed charges CHF 650; total CHF 38,150. - IB1–IB2: Annual tuition CHF 40,000–40,300; fixed charges CHF 600; total approx. CHF 40,600. These annual totals include compulsory fixed charges (for example certain outings, ski days and standard consumables) which vary by year and are shown above as the fixed charge component. Per‑term and instalment breakdowns (billing schedule and payment terms) - Standard term split: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%. Bi‑annual billing (two equal invoices) is also available (Sept–Jan / Feb–June). Specific due dates are published with each year's fees (examples historically: Term 1 due end of July, Term 2 mid‑December, Term 3 mid‑March). Fixed charges are billed with the first tuition invoice and must be paid in one lump sum. - Instalment options: annual payment, bi‑annual, termly (three payments using the 40/30/30 split), or monthly in 10 equal instalments (tuition billed two months in advance). A monthly instalment plan carries an administrative surcharge (≈ +1% applied to the published annual fee); a single annual payment typically attracts an early‑payment discount (historically 2% when paid by the stated deadline). Changes to payment option after invoicing may result in a CHF 50 administration surcharge. Late payment reminders and fees apply according to the school's invoicing terms. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered from age 11 with weekly and full (7‑day) boarding options. Boarding fees are all‑inclusive (tuition, accommodation, supervision, most meals, laundry and most local activities). For the 2025–26 academic year boarding costs range approximately between CHF 68,000 and CHF 88,000 per year depending on the student's year group and boarding type. Other mandatory and optional costs - Fixed annual charges (listed above per year group) cover standard consumables, some trips and mandatory activities (for example ski days where applicable). Day students pay for school lunches separately (boarding students' meals are included in boarding fees). Bus routes and transport are charged separately based on route and usage. External specialist clubs, private music tuition, specialist sports coaching, optional trips and certain programme‑specific costs (e.g. examination fees, some residential trips) are charged in addition to tuition. Uniforms and some optional excursions are billed separately. A 5% sibling discount (second child) and 10% (third child onwards) may apply in certain circumstances; limited financial aid is available in line with published policies. Refund and cancellation terms - The acceptance (enrolment) fee is non‑refundable and is not credited against tuition. No reductions or refunds are made for short periods of absence (illness or other) for a term already started. Mid‑year enrolment and mid‑year departures are subject to the published invoicing and notice rules (for example mid‑year enrolments generally require payment for the full term in progress; failure to respect contract notice periods may result in fees due for the notice period). Specific refund, cancellation and notice provisions are set out in the school's Fees & Conditions and apply to placements and nursery contracts. Fee payment methods and surcharges - Preferred payment methods include bank transfer or standing order. Credit card acceptance is available in specific circumstances (historically credit cards were accepted for smaller payments under CHF 1,000); cheques are not accepted. Payment by credit card or instalment plan may attract a convenience or administrative surcharge as noted under the billing/options section. Invoices include the school's banking and billing contact details for arranging payment. Important payment notes - The first year of enrolment carries one‑time fees (the acceptance fee and any entry charges) in addition to the published annual tuition; parents should allow for those one‑time charges in the first invoice. Fixed charges must be paid with the first tuition invoice. Failure to settle invoices on time can trigger reminders, surcharges and collection procedures as set out in the school's terms.	Fee details Application / Acceptance fees - There is no application fee. A one-off, non-refundable acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 is payable at the time a place is confirmed for students entering Year 1 to Year 13. Students entering Reception 3 or Reception 4 are not charged this acceptance fee. Tuition fees (annual and per-term) — academic year 2025/2026 Notes: ISL invoices tuition per term (three terms per academic year) and, except for Reception 3 where fees are paid monthly, the standard payment pattern is termly. The per-term figures shown below are the annual fee divided by three and are presented to two decimal places. The amounts are shown in Swiss francs (CHF). - Reception 3 (Early Childhood): fees are paid monthly; programme options vary by number of sessions per week (monthly and annual rates vary with the chosen weekly sessions). (See Billing schedule and Reception 3 note below for payment timing.). - Reception 4 (equivalent to full-time kindergarten): Annual CHF 28,200 — Per term CHF 9,400.00. - Year 1 to Year 5: Annual CHF 29,010 — Per term CHF 9,670.00. - Year 6 to Year 8: Annual CHF 33,290 — Per term CHF 11,096.67. - Year 9 to Year 10: Annual CHF 36,190 — Per term CHF 12,063.33. - Year 11 to Year 13: Annual CHF 38,990 — Per term CHF 12,996.67. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard invoicing and due dates: Autumn term (August–December) is invoiced in June and payable in August; Winter term (January–March) is invoiced in November and payable in December; Spring term (April–June) is invoiced in February and payable in March. For students in Reception 3, fees are payable monthly from September to June. Optional services (transportation, meals, private lessons, optional trips) are invoiced separately each term a few weeks after mandatory fees. - Initial payments: when a place is offered prior to 31 March, the acceptance fee (if applicable) and the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees must be paid within ten working days to secure the place; if the offer is made after 31 March the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees are due within ten working days of the offer. Invoices are generally payable within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice. Boarding fees - ISL operates as a day school; boarding provision is not applicable. Other academic-related costs and optional services - Curriculum-related and other academic-related fees vary by year group and by term. Typical additional academic-related charges (field trips, curriculum visits, ski/ice-skating programmes, course-related visits) can range from CHF 0 up to approximately CHF 2,500 per school year depending on year group and activities. Specific components such as transport, school meals, private lessons, and optional school trips are invoiced separately on a term-by-term basis. The school's published schedule of other academic-related fees gives detailed term-by-term examples by year group. - Uniforms and school-shop items: ISL does not require a compulsory uniform; purchases from the school shop or recommended items are optional and would be charged separately if bought. Discounts - Sibling discount: 5% for the third child, 10% for the fourth child, and 15% for the fifth child and above. Discounts are applied in descending order by year level. - Annual upfront payment discount: Families invoiced directly by the school who pay the full annual tuition before the start of the academic year receive a 1.5% discount on the full annual tuition. Employer-sponsored invoicing arrangements are supported where a company signs an agreement to be invoiced directly. Refund and withdrawal (key points) - Acceptance fee: non-refundable. - New enrolments cancelled before the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for a term: only the acceptance fee is due. If cancellation occurs after the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for the relevant term, tuition and other academic-related fees for that term become payable in full. The school publishes explicit notification deadlines by term (for example: to leave at the end of the Autumn term, notification must be received by 30 September; to leave at the end of the Winter term, notification must be received by 15 January; to leave at the end of the school year, notification must be received by 31 March). Fees for a term that has started are payable in full. Temporary withdrawal rules and conditions for holding a place are set out in the school's terms and conditions. Fee payment options and invoicing details - Initial enrolment payments (acceptance fee and first term fees) are to be paid by bank transfer using the school's provided banking details. Invoices for subsequent fees are issued termly and are payable within the stated invoice terms (generally within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice). Employer-sponsored invoicing is available under specific agreement. Optional service charges such as transport or meals are invoiced separately at the beginning of each term. Summary (practical points for parents) - Expect a one-off acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 on confirmation of a place for Year 1–13 students; Reception 3 and Reception 4 are exempt from that acceptance fee. - Annual tuition by year group (2025/26): Reception 4 CHF 28,200; Years 1–5 CHF 29,010; Years 6–8 CHF 33,290; Years 9–10 CHF 36,190; Years 11–13 CHF 38,990 — with standard termly billing (one third of the annual amount) except Reception 3 (monthly). - Additional academic-related charges and optional services (transport, meals, trips, private lessons) are invoiced separately by term and can add up to a few thousand francs depending on year group and participation. (End of fees overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered as 7-day or 5-day arrangements for students aged 11–18. The Haut-Lac boarding house opened in September 2022 and can accommodate up to 30 boarders. It sits near Vevey and Montreux, within walking distance of the main campuses, and rooms are typically twin bedrooms with en‑suite facilities (IB1/IB2 boarders may have single rooms if available). Boarders follow a structured daily routine with supervised study, meals, and weekend enrichment trips.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. Infant and Primary students wear a white polo shirt, a green Haut-Lac sweatshirt and plain black trousers, shorts or skirts. Secondary students wear a white polo shirt and a navy blue Haut-Lac sweatshirt with plain black trousers, shorts or skirts. Uniform articles available in the School Shop include hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, and sport shirts, with NEXT items used for plain black trousers/skirts and some items ordered online.	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform. Students dress in their own style.
Food options	Food options Healthy lunches are provided for all students, including meals for allergies. School meals are designed according to the Swiss Fourchette Verte label, and weekly menus are published.	Food options Students can bring packed lunches or have optional hot meals provided by Eldora. The secondary school uses a cafeteria card to purchase from three menus—Vitality, Escale, and Natura/Mediterraneo—with a vegetarian option and a salad buffet; a take-away South Building Café is available for Years 12 and 13.
House system	House system All Haut-Lac students are assigned to one of four Houses named after Swiss cantons: Bern Bears (blue), Fribourg Falcons (red), Jura Jaguars (green) and Valais Vipers (yellow). Houses foster competition across sport, arts and academics, and feature student leaders such as Captains and Ambassadors.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Haut-Lac is governed by its Founding Directors: Anne-Marie Harwood (Managing Director, Secondary Academics), Neil Harwood (Managing Director, Marketing & Campus), Grainne Dubler (Managing Director, Infant & Primary Academics) and Jean-Louis Dubler (Managing Director, Administration & Finance). The founding directors' vision frames the school as a family-oriented private institution.	Governance and ownership The ISL Board, composed of eight to twelve members representing the community, acts as the guardian of the School and monitors its progress in fulfilling its mission. The Board and the School Director work in partnership to set policies and ensure the necessary conditions for ISL's aims.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Haut-Lac offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for ages 11-15 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. The school runs from preschool through secondary, culminating in IBMYP and IBDP. IBMYP provides fully bilingual, English-only or predominantly French pathways, with language instruction in English and French and subject work across both languages. IBMYP uses eight subject groups: Studies in Language & Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals & Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Design; and Physical Education. The IBDP offers a choice of English Diploma, Bilingual Diploma, Advanced Bilingual Diploma, or French Diploma, with about 30 academic subject options across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. The IBDP core components and assessment are complemented by language support and Higher Education guidance to prepare students for university study in Switzerland and worldwide.	Curriculum details The International School Lausanne is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). A CASEL-based well-being curriculum supports students' social and emotional development. PYP serves ages 3–11, emphasizing developing the whole child as an inquirer and fostering international-mindedness and personal values. MYP serves ages 11–16, helping students build knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills to participate actively in a changing world. DP serves ages 16–18, providing a broad range of subjects with depth to prepare for higher education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Classes are small. The school lists over 30 academic staff for roughly 600 students aged 3 to 18.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IBMYP graduates have achieved a 97% pass rate with an average of 44/56, and 14 of 29 students earned bilingual English-French IBMYP certificates. The IBDP Class of 2025 earned a 100% pass rate with an average of 35 points (world average 30.8); historically Haut-Lac reports an average IBDP pass rate around 95%.	Exam results IB Diploma results for the Class of 2025 show an average score of 35.7 out of 45. 99% of graduates obtained the IB Diploma. 24% scored 40–45 points, and 39% earned a bilingual Diploma. University destinations are listed for graduates pursuing higher education worldwide.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates have gone on to universities worldwide, including EPFL (Switzerland), University of Cambridge (UK) and MIT (USA). Haut-Lac also highlights graduate destinations among its alumni and ongoing higher education guidance.	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
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 Student well-being is at the heart of Haut-Lac's educational approach; staff and parents collaborate to promote social, emotional, academic and multicultural competencies in a safe and stimulating environment. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. Student mental health is a vital part of the school's philosophy, and emotional well-being is linked to student success. A student-designed mental health resources site is available for information and guidance. The Buddy Programme pairs new students aged 3 to 18 with an existing student to help them settle in, learn routines, and translate when needed. The House system promotes belonging and cross-age interaction, with leaders and ambassadors helping organize activities and the Secondary Student Council coordinating events.	Social & emotional learning Counselling promotes holistic development and well-being for every student. The well-being programme is built on CASEL's five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. Counsellors work with classroom teachers, school leadership, and the Student Support Services team to identify and meet individual needs. The service includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions when needed, as well as regular classes focused on psychosocial development and awareness. The approach supports students to become confident, independent learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Educational Support Department works with classroom teachers to identify each child's strengths and challenges, helping them succeed academically and personally. Support includes targeted literacy and numeracy interventions. Personalised learning strategies are used for diverse learning profiles. Specialist guidance for neurodivergent students is available. Collaborative planning with families and external professionals supports ongoing progress. Mother tongue support is provided to reinforce language development.	Special educational needs (SEN) ISL provides learning support for mild to mild-to-moderate needs through a progression that includes Progress Plan, Individualised Education Plan, and 1:1 support. These supports are planned from data collected by classroom teachers and, when needed, external evaluations, and are delivered by the Student Support Services Coordinator. Support is designed to enable independent learning and to allow students to participate in mainstream classes. Costs for 1:1 support are in addition to standard ISL fees.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Haut-Lac has specialist teachers for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLA) to help students develop proficiency. The language support team develops Individual Language Support Plans, with classroom-based support and, when necessary, small-group or one-to-one sessions outside class used sparingly to maintain social integration. Language development is supported by mother tongue education, including clubs and resources. A full 50/50 bilingual pathway exists, alongside an English pathway with daily French language lessons. German from P3 and Spanish from MYP1 are offered as additional languages, with language clubs supporting ongoing practice.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support addresses the needs of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds who are developing interpersonal and academic English. The EAL department provides a range of direct and indirect support, including individual instruction, small-group instruction, in-class support, co-teaching with homeroom or subject-specific teachers, and provision of modifications to help students access the mainstream curriculum. The flexible programme allows support to be tailored to each student's needs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student mental health is a vital part of Haut-Lac's philosophy and is linked to student success. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. The school provides mental health resources, including a website designed by a student with mental health facts and resources. Boarding students have access to the school counsellor for confidential support. Boarding and day programmes include sessions on mental well-being, healthy eating, and emotional development as part of tutor programmes and awareness campaigns.	Mental wellbeing Counselling supports mental well-being and personal growth for every student. The well-being programme includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions and regular classes on psychosocial development. It is grounded in CASEL's five competencies, and the well-being team collaborates with teachers, leadership, and other ISL specialists to address individual needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Haut-Lac is recognised as a Child Safeguarding School. The primary social & emotional well-being program creates a safe environment where every 6- to 11-year-old feels secure, valued and ready to learn. The school prioritises emotional, physical and mental safety within both boarding and day programmes. Staff and the school counsellor are available to listen to and support students, including confidential conversations. Boarding staff engage in mental well-being sessions and related awareness campaigns as part of their care and safeguarding responsibilities.	Safeguarding Keeping children safe is the responsibility of the whole school community and safeguarding is woven into every aspect of school life. Designated Safeguarding Leads are in place across the school sections, supported by counsellors and nurses who respond to concerns. A confidential safeguarding reporting channel is available via a reporting form and directly to the designated leads. The school maintains safeguarding policies, documents, and access to external services as needed.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Vevey campus includes a Les Marronniers Nursery for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Classrooms are equipped with the latest educational technology. Specialist art and music rooms, a library, a school shop, a teaching kitchen, and an administrative quarter support daily school life. Two smaller buildings adjacent to the main school provide space for language lessons and individual study, while a design technology lab with CAD technology, a research library, and a study room serve older students. First-class sports facilities include a sports hall, an outdoor multisport pitch, and two full-sized outdoor football pitches.	Facilities overview One campus, four buildings. The campus is close to nature and the city and built to support student well-being. The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. A 400-seat auditorium is used for music and drama. The South building opened in 2015. The campus includes three gym halls, four tennis courts, a full-sized Astroturf football pitch, a basketball playground, and a fitness centre, plus a maker space and a recording studio.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a sports hall that meets international competition standards, an outdoor multisport pitch, and two full-sized outdoor football pitches.	Sports facilities There are three gym halls. There are four tennis courts. There is a full-sized Astroturf football pitch. There is a basketball playground. There is a fitness centre.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has classrooms equipped with the latest educational technology, a design technology lab equipped with CAD, a research library, and a study room for older students.	Academic facilities The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. An Early Childhood building is purpose-built for 3 to 5 year olds. A maker space supports hands-on learning. A recording studio supports music and media projects. The North building sits in nature and forms part of the school's state-of-the-art facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school has a robust sports programme and is accredited by the World Academy of Sport as an athlete-friendly education centre.	Extra curricular facilities The After-School Activities (ASA) programme offers more than 125 activities to choose from, and more than 80% of students take part in at least one activity each week. Most activities are included in the school fees. The activity list includes art porcelain painting, chess club, coding, concert band, drama, robotics, beekeeping, football, tennis, cross country, netball, choir, and many more. The arts programme hosts student art and photography exhibitions and drama productions, with music practice rooms and ensembles such as concert band, choir, and string ensemble. The Impact Hub provides an innovation-focused space with projects and competitions such as the Earth Prize and collaborations with EPFL.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Opened in Vevey in 1993 with 13 students by two bilingual teaching couples to bring bilingual, international education to Vevey. Today, Haut-Lac serves 600+ students aged 3 to 18 from over 64 countries on two campuses in St-Légier-La Chiésaz and Vevey's Les Marronniers Nursery for toddlers. The founding directors' vision of a family-oriented school guides the team today. Haut-Lac received IBMYP authorisation, then IBDP authorisation, and is accredited by the Council of International Schools; it is recognised by the Fédération Suisse des Écoles Privées and celebrated its 30th anniversary.	History The English School of Lausanne opened with seven students in the rehearsal rooms of the Municipal Theatre in 1962. The following year it was renamed The Commonwealth-American School. Within five years it grew to over 100 students from nine countries. The school was renamed the International School of Lausanne (ISL) in 1997. We now welcome close to 1,000 students.
Community	Community The Haut-Lac community is international, with students from over 64 countries learning in a bilingual English-French setting. The House system promotes belonging and interaction across all ages. The Haut-Lac values champion Respect, Resilience and Open-mindedness, and the school emphasises global perspectives, digital innovation and environmental issues. As an IB World School, Haut-Lac is accredited by CIS, AVDEP and WAoS.	Community ISL is an IB World School with a diverse community of students and staff united by a commitment to well-being and innovative learning rooted in strong values. Core values include honesty, equity, self-control, respect, and care, and learners are encouraged to be knowledgeable, open-minded, caring, and courageous while building meaningful connections within a multicultural environment. The school offers programs that strengthen the community, including The Impact Hub, Student Support Services, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA is a very active and dynamic part of ISL life. The PTA has two main goals—welcoming new families, and enhancing the lines of communication within the school through its executive committee. It brings the community together through ongoing social and cultural events—coffee mornings, Lausanne city events, the yearly Spring Fair, and more. Parent clubs include hiking, netball, photography, and unihockey, and International Day is one of the PTA activities. The PTA has organised events such as Welcome Coffee, Back to School Brunch, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations enables students aged 14-18 to develop diplomacy, leadership and critical thinking through weekly debates on environmental and political topics. IB2 students run beginner and advanced level clubs to prepare members for Haut-Lac's MUN conference and other inter-school conferences in Switzerland and Europe. Haut-Lac offers innovation and STEM-focused clubs that extend learning beyond the curriculum with coding, science experiments and engineering challenges, plus creative problem-solving. The International Award (Duke of Edinburgh) provides an all-round challenge from Bronze to Gold, including mountain hikes in Switzerland.	Academic & intellectual ISL offers after-school activities that strengthen academic and intellectual growth. Debating, math, computer coding, robotics, and SciTech build analytical and problem-solving skills. Model United Nations provides opportunities for research, argumentation, and policy analysis. LAMDA and other language-informed activities support communication and presentation skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Private music lessons are available: students can sign up for 30-minute lessons in piano, guitar, cello, drums or singing with Haut-Lac Music School teachers, and showcase their talent at biannual musical evenings. LAMDA drama is offered as part of the performing arts program.	Arts & creative The arts program provides a large variety of arts activities and hosts student art and photography exhibitions each school year. Primary and secondary students perform drama productions such as The Jungle Book and Romeo and Juliet. A wide range of music is offered with practice rooms, concert band, choir, and string ensembles.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mother tongue language clubs help students maintain and develop their home languages; the specific languages offered vary according to student interest and teacher availability.	Cultural & language ISL offers language and culture-related activities in the after-school programme. Ateliers de cuisine / French provide French language cooking activities, and Knitting in French supports language practice. LAMDA is offered for language-based performance skills. Model United Nations fosters international understanding and cross-cultural communication.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Haut-Lac offers more than 150 after-school clubs organized by age group and school section. Clubs include leisure and sport activities and language, music and drama offerings; the school also trains teams for inter-school competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, netball, golf, badminton, gymnastics, athletics, swimming and skiing. The ski team trains weekly and participates in inter-school events, and Ski Zenit provides a dedicated Ski Race Academy for serious racers aged 11–18.	Social & hobbies ISL's after-school activities include many social and hobby clubs: Chess club, Beekeeping, Comic book drawing, LEGO building, Life drawing, Mahjong, Film-making, Creative writing, Paper arts, Recording studio, Live band, and more. Debating and Model United Nations also provide forums for discussion and teamwork. There are 46 non-sport activities highlighted as part of the ASA.
Community & service	Community & service The Environmental Committee & Eco-Leaders promote eco-friendly initiatives and raise awareness; members organise waste-reduction projects and collaborate with local groups to improve sustainability across the school.	Community & service ISL's service learning is central to a holistic education and connects curriculum to local and global initiatives. The program is guided by five Service Learning Pillars and supports partnerships with EVAM, Caritas, Cartons du Coeur, Cerebral, and La Soupe Populaire. Students can engage with advocacy groups such as the Gender Equity Group and the Eco Society. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award also includes a community service component.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Primary and Secondary Student Councils give students a voice and develop public speaking, listening, teamwork and problem-solving. House Leader Roles provide formal leadership opportunities within four Houses. The Villars Institute runs the Villars Fellows program (a Systems Thinking experience) for selected students, including an online course and a week of workshops with global experts. The MUN and Diplomacy & Debate clubs build diplomacy, leadership and critical thinking, while the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award offers a progression from Bronze to Gold through physical activity, volunteering and leadership.	Leadership & professional ISL supports leadership and professional development through student governance and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Student Council provides opportunities for student leadership and decision-making. The Award offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels with components including service, skills, physical recreation, and journeys.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school offers a wide range of competitive and leisure sport teams, including football, basketball, volleyball, netball, golf, badminton, gymnastics, athletics, swimming and skiing. The Haut-Lac ski team trains on Wednesday afternoons and all day Saturday for inter-school races, with Ski Zenit providing a Ski Race Academy for serious racers aged 11–18. The International Award emphasizes fitness and outdoor activity and includes 2- to 4-day Swiss mountain hikes as part of its Bronze–Gold progression.	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISL emphasizes wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The ASA offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities, and ISL competes in around 200 competitions annually. Activities include yoga, Pilates, indoor climbing, and other wellness offerings alongside team sports such as football, basketball, netball, and swimming.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English and French and offers an English–French bilingual education within the IB framework. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLA) specialists provide language support with Individual Language Support Plans to help students access the curriculum. The school provides two bilingual pathways (Fully Bilingual and Progressive bilingual) and also maintains English- and French-language streams, along with dedicated language-learning resources and ongoing teacher professional development. Haut-Lac is an international bilingual school with a community of students from over 60 nationalities.	Language provision ISL delivers instruction primarily in English. The Primary School offers a bilingual programme (Years 3–6) with co-teaching in English and French. French is taught across Early Childhood, Primary, and Middle Years, with 40% of Reception 4 to Year 2 spent in French integration. In the Middle Years Programme, Language Acquisition options include French, Spanish, or German, and Language and Literature is taught in English and French.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has a dual English-French language programme. Kindergarten and Primary bilingual students study in English and French on alternating days, with two full days in English and two full days in French each week, and a Wednesday morning language switch every nine weeks to ensure equal access to the curriculum in both languages. In Secondary, students may follow a Fully Bilingual Route (MYP1-3 study all standard subjects in English and French, alternating the tuition language each semester; MYP4 selects which language to study for each subject and commits to that choice through IB2) or a Progressive Bilingual Route (start with all subjects in English alongside French language lessons and gradually add other subjects in French as proficiency grows).	Bilingual teaching Two classroom teachers, speaking English and French, co-teach the Primary Years Programme through a Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach (CLIL). The bilingual programme is for Year 3 to Year 6.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs All traditional academic subjects are taught in both English and French, with immersion in both languages outside the classroom. ICT, sport and the arts are mainly taught in English, with French-language support available from specialist teachers as needed. Haut-Lac monitors language exposure and uses translanguaging strategies to deepen understanding across the curriculum.	Immersion programs Early Childhood immerses children into an English setting with daily French activities. Reception 3 class is bilingual. From Reception 4 to Year 2, students spend 40% of their time with a French teacher co-teaching with the homeroom teacher, developing French skills through core curriculum and French lessons. Each class will have at least seven hours of French integration per week.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School; NEASC accredited; CIS Accredited
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Entry Points by Age & Programme: Early Years (Ages 3–6): play-based bilingual or English programmes. Primary (Grades 1–5): bilingual or English programme with a strong literacy and numeracy focus. Middle School (Grades 6–10): IBMYP programme with or without the Swiss option. High School (Grades 11–12): IBDP, IBCP or US High School Diploma pathways to universities worldwide. Admissions open all year round. Steps: submit an inquiry; visit the campus; arrange an interview; apply online. After an initial conversation, complete the online application form and upload your child's last two school reports and references. Tuition & Fees: Day students CHF 21,800–40,600; Boarding students CHF 68,000–88,000 per year. There are no hidden fees; for a detailed breakdown contact admissions. Boarding: boutique boarding house accommodates up to 32 students with personalised care, structured study time and enriching weekend activities. Admissions team: Alessia Ferrara (Admissions Officer); Magdalena Drag (Admissions Head). Haut-Lac is located in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland.	Admissions Step 1: Start the process by submitting an inquiry or beginning an online application. The Admissions team provides guidance throughout the process. You can request to be contacted via an inquiry form, and you can return to an in-progress application via the Admissions portal at any time. There is no charge at the application stage. Step 2: Gather all requested documents as outlined in the admissions materials. Useful documents include Age equivalence, Admissions policy, Terms and Conditions, FAQ Admissions, and the High School Profile; prepare copies and translations as needed. These materials cover the information you need to complete the application process. Step 3: The next steps after we receive your application: Your child's application is added to our waiting list. The waiting list is used until a place becomes available, and you will be informed as soon as a space opens. Step 4: As soon as a place becomes available you will be informed. The Admissions team will notify you when a space arises and you can proceed with the enrollment steps. Step 5: Our principals will assess your child's application. The assessment determines eligibility for admission based on the program requirements and your child's profile. Step 6: Upon successful assessment, an offer of a place will be made. If offered, you will be invited to proceed with enrollment steps and formalities. Step 7: You will be asked to sign the enrollment contract and pay the acceptance and the first term's fees. This confirms the placement and initiates the payment obligations for enrollment. Step 8: You will receive confirmation of your child's enrolment. Final enrollment is completed when the contract is signed and payments are settled.
Scholarships	Scholarships Haut-Lac does not offer scholarships. Local families residing in Switzerland without employer school benefits may request financial aid on the fees for children enrolled at Haut-Lac.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Yes. There may be waiting lists for certain grades, particularly in the bilingual stream. When this happens, a place may be offered in the English stream until a bilingual spot becomes available.	Waitlist ISL uses a waiting list system. After submitting an application, the child's application is added to the waiting list. When a place becomes available, you will be informed and the enrollment process continues with the formal assessment and potential offer.
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