Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and Lemania College are both in Lausanne, about 20 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Swiss programmes. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School also offers IBCP, and Lemania College also offers Bespoke and French. Published annual fees are CHF 21,800 - 88,000 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and CHF 20,700 - 105,080 at Lemania College, which puts Lemania College roughly 15% higher. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and Lemania College from 11 to 20. Lemania College is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to Haut-Lac International Bilingual School's 620. Typical class sizes are 15 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and 12 at Lemania College.
|
H
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Lausanne, Switzerland
|
L
Lemania College
Lausanne, Switzerland
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
|
Fees / year
|
Fees / year CHF 21,800 - 88,000 | Fees / year CHF 20,700 - 105,080 |
|
Age range
|
Age range 1½ - 18 years | Age range 11 - 20 years |
|
Type
|
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding) | Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding) |
|
Curriculum
|
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Swiss Curriculum | Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum |
|
Pupils
|
Pupils 620 | Pupils 1,100 |
|
Typical class size
|
Typical class size 15 | Typical class size 12 |
|
Instruction language
|
Instruction language English, French | Instruction language French, English |
|
Opened
|
Opened 1993 | Opened 1908 |
|
Bus service
|
Bus service Yes | Bus service No |
| 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 Located in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus address is Chemin de Préville 3, 1003 Lausanne. Lausanne Central Station is a 5-minute walk from the campus. |
|
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 General Education at secondary level includes Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate. Professional Training is available, with courses offered during the day or evening. The school provides the International Baccalaureate experience and pre-IB (9–10) pathways. |
|
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 Private international school in Lausanne with day and boarding options. |
|
Pupil nationality mix
|
Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
|
Additional learning support
|
Additional learning support — | Additional learning support — |
|
Country affiliation
|
Country affiliation Switzerland | Country affiliation Switzerland |
|
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 — |
| 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 and registration fees - Application fee (non‑refundable): CHF 1,500. - Administration fee (annual, non‑refundable): CHF 500. - Alumni fee: CHF 500. - CAS trip fee: CHF 500. - Deposit (refundable): CHF 6,000 for boarding students; CHF 1,000 for day students. The refundable boarding deposit must be paid before arrival and will be returned on request after accounts are settled (refund processed within three months after the end of the academic course). Tuition fees by year group (academic year 2025/26) - Grade 9 (Prep Year 1): CHF 25,000 per academic year. Per semester (if invoiced semi‑annually): CHF 12,500. Per quarter (if invoiced quarterly): CHF 6,250. - Grade 10 (Prep Year 2): CHF 28,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 14,000. Per quarter: CHF 7,000. - Grade 11 (IB1): CHF 36,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 18,000. Per quarter: CHF 9,000. - Grade 12 (IB2): CHF 36,000 per academic year. Per semester: CHF 18,000. Per quarter: CHF 9,000. Boarding fees (grades 9–12; room + full board) All boarding fees below are given as annual amounts. The school offers 7‑day (full week) and 5‑day options and three room categories (Standard, Comfort, Comfort+). - Standard (double room): 7‑day CHF 39,220; per semester CHF 19,610; per quarter CHF 9,805. 5‑day CHF 28,490; per semester CHF 14,245; per quarter CHF 7,123. - Standard (single room): 7‑day CHF 66,230; per semester CHF 33,115; per quarter CHF 16,558. 5‑day CHF 47,730; per semester CHF 23,865; per quarter CHF 11,933. - Comfort (double room): 7‑day CHF 49,580; per semester CHF 24,790; per quarter CHF 12,395. 5‑day CHF 33,250; per semester CHF 16,625; per quarter CHF 8,313. - Comfort (single room): 7‑day CHF 85,470; per semester CHF 42,735; per quarter CHF 21,368. 5‑day CHF 60,310; per semester CHF 30,155; per quarter CHF 15,078. - Comfort + (double room): 7‑day CHF 58,830; per semester CHF 29,415; per quarter CHF 14,708. 5‑day CHF 49,920; per semester CHF 24,960; per quarter CHF 12,480. - Comfort + (single room): 7‑day CHF 105,080; per semester CHF 52,540; per quarter CHF 26,270. 5‑day CHF 74,000; per semester CHF 37,000; per quarter CHF 18,500. Included in the boarding fee: full board (three meals per day and continuous snacks), daily housekeeping, weekly laundry and ironing, supply of bed linen and towels, unlimited Wi‑Fi, educational supervision and evening study support, sport/fitness and some leisure, cultural and weekend activities. For day students the tuition fee includes tuition and books. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency options: per quarter, per semester (semi‑annual) or per year; if no option is selected on the application the school will invoice by term. Payments are required in advance according to the invoice deadlines. The student's place is reserved only after receipt of the first installment indicated on the acceptance invoice. - Currency and bank details: all payments must be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Bank transfer details (IBAN/SWIFT) are provided on school invoices. - Credit card and PayPal: payment by credit card incurs a 3% service charge; payment via PayPal incurs a 3% fee. Any bank transfer, exchange or intermediary bank fees are charged to the payer. Refunds of credit card payments are made back to the same card. - Late payment: interest at 1% per month plus reminder fees is applied from the second reminder; repeated or cumulative non‑payment may lead to immediate expulsion from courses and from boarding until accounts are settled. Other costs and optional fees - Examination fees (diplomas, certificates) are charged separately and are not included in tuition. - Optional/ancillary fees that may apply: study visa letter (Swiss side) CHF 450 for non‑EU students (where applicable), express mail for visa documents CHF 120, airport limousine transfers (one‑way/round trip) at published rates, and additional charges for extra boarding days outside the academic year (Christmas, winter, Easter, etc.). Extra activities, certain language subjects and external examination costs may carry additional charges. Refunds and cancellation / early‑departure charges - Cancellation before the course: if cancellation occurs 30 days before the start of the course, only the registration fee is due. Cancellation 14–30 days before the course results in penalties of CHF 1,000 for tuition and CHF 2,500 for boarding. Cancellation less than 14 days before the course requires payment of the first calendar quarter. - Early departure during studies: in the event of early departure or cancellation during the course, parents/guardians or the student must pay the tuition and boarding fees for the current calendar quarter and the following calendar quarter, plus any other costs incurred. A letter of credit may be issued in exceptional circumstances to cover outstanding study periods; such credit can only be used against future tuition. The refundable boarding deposit is returned on request after final account settlement (within three months). If the deposit is not reclaimed within one year after final departure it may be transferred to the Paul Du Pasquier Foundation. Fee payment options - Accepted primary methods: bank transfer (IBAN provided on invoices). - Other methods accepted with additional charges: credit card (Visa, AmEx, Mastercard, Diners; 3% service charge) and PayPal (3% fee). Direct payment at the school office is possible within stated deadlines. All payments must include the student's name as payment reference. |
| 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 Boarding is available for girls and boys from age 15. The boarding house provides a serene and comfortable living environment, supervised by qualified in-house teachers who support studies and personal development. Catering is available on-site for both boarders and day students, with meals prepared in the on-site kitchens under the supervision of a dedicated chef. |
|
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 — |
|
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 Catering is provided on-site for both boarding and day students, with meals prepared daily in the school's kitchens under the supervision of a dedicated chef. The boarding meals carry the 'Fourchette Verte' label and the menus accommodate dietary needs and preferences. |
|
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 Lemania is part of the Lemania Swiss Group of Schools (LSGS), a network that brings together member and partner schools in Western Switzerland. The group lists member and partner schools and serves around 5,000 pupils per year with around 120,000 graduates to date. |
| 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 school offers Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate diplomas; IB Diploma and Prep Year are available. |
|
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 — |
|
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 may pursue specialised universities (HES) or Swiss universities for bachelor's degrees, with preparation for required entrance exams and maturity exams. |
|
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 The school nurtures the whole individual and encourages each student to uncover and develop their unique potential. Students build resilience, empathy, and problem‑solving skills through experiences inside and outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities in sports, arts, technology, and social service cultivate leadership, teamwork, creativity, and a sense of responsibility towards others. The daily school life reflects a culture of excellence and tolerance that supports personal growth. |
|
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) — |
|
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 The school offers diplomas in both French and English. A program focused on a full English-language education covers all essential language skills. Intensive English for Youth is offered (15 hours per week) for learners aged 15 to 25, with additional intensive English and practical English courses available in morning sessions. Courses are available in French and English for all levels, with international exams such as DELF, DALF, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and B2 First to certify language proficiency. |
|
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 The boarding environment is serene and comfortable, conducive to concentration and well‑being. In-house teachers supervise boarders and support their studies and personal development. The emphasis on resilience, empathy, and problem‑solving contributes to students' holistic well‑being. The campus in Lausanne and its activities provide varied experiences that support personal and intellectual growth. |
|
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 — |
|
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 The Lemania campus covers approximately 5500 square metres and includes 47 classrooms, a science laboratory, male and female dormitories, a cafeteria, gardens, and coworking spaces. Classrooms are modern, with spacious layouts, natural light, and integrated technology. The science laboratory is state‑of‑the‑art and equipped for hands‑on experiments. Boarding facilities provide personalised support and comfortable accommodation, with meals prepared in on‑site kitchens under the supervision of a dedicated chef. The dining room serves meals to all students, with boarding residents having dinner in the boarding house, and gardens and coworking spaces support relaxation, hands‑on learning, collaboration, and entrepreneurial activities. |
|
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 — |
|
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 There are 47 classrooms with spacious layouts, natural light and integrated technology to support a modern learning environment. The state‑of‑the‑art science laboratory enables hands‑on experimentation. Coworking spaces provide collaborative environments for students to engage in innovative projects and teamwork. Gardens offer opportunities for relaxation and hands‑on learning about nature and sustainability. |
|
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 From sports to arts, technology, and social service, Lemania's programmes include extracurricular activities designed to build leadership, teamwork, creativity, and responsibility. Summer Courses and a Summer Camp are offered in Lausanne, with options including English and French language instruction plus activity programs. Language Day Classes are available in French and English. The Lausanne location provides access to museums, theatres, and other cultural experiences to complement activities. |
| 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 Lemania College is a family-run non-profit organisation founded more than a century ago and was established in 1908. Jean-Pierre Du Pasquier is the President and CEO, representing the third generation of the Du Pasquier family at the helm. The school has a multicultural body of teaching staff and students, reflecting its international outlook. Since its foundation, more than 100,000 pupils and students have passed through the school. |
|
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 The campus is located in the heart of Lausanne, a dynamic city with easy access to cultural amenities and the lake. The school has a multicultural community with more than 80 nationalities represented among pupils and staff. Regular open days show parental engagement and provide a concrete view of the educational project. The school offers a broad program of cultural and sporting activities on campus and organizes excursions to explore the region. |
|
Parent teacher association
|
Parent teacher association — | Parent teacher association Regular open days demonstrate the school's engagement with parents. Acknowledging parental involvement, the internat page notes that regular open days reflect commitment to parents. A contact form on the site includes a 'Parent' option to facilitate parent inquiries. Enrollment materials include sections for general information about parents/guardians. The life of the internat and campus emphasizes a family atmosphere and ongoing parental communication. Open days and parent-focused communications are part of Lemania's approach to involving families in the educational journey. |
| 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 Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate are offered. A revision class and Language Day Classes in French and English are available. |
|
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 Art education is an integral part of the curriculum. Private music lessons, photography, graphic and visual arts, and attendance at cultural events on or off campus are available. |
|
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 Language Day Classes are offered in French and English. An International Camp and Language Courses program is available. |
|
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 Sports and arts are included in the program; extra-curricular sports and artistic events are available; excursions and trips are organized on weekends and during school vacations. |
|
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 Social service is included as part of extracurricular activities. |
|
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 Lemania Lab fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. It hosts Incub&Co, Lemania Music, and Institut Domi; the space emphasizes learning by doing and cross-unit collaboration. |
|
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 Sports and culture activities are integrated into life at Lemania; the campus includes a boarding house with separate male and female dormitories and a dining room serving healthy meals. Gardens, a science lab, and coworking spaces support well-being and practical learning. The school runs weekend and vacation trips (e.g., Geneva Lake cruises and Paris) and winter activities (sled dogs, skiing, Lavey thermal baths). |
| 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 French and English are the languages of instruction. Language Day Classes (Fr & Eng) and Languages courses (day) provide language study options. A wide choice of diplomas is offered in both French and English, including Swiss Maturity, French Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate. |
|
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 The school offers education in both French and English. A wide range of diplomas is offered in French and English. Year-round French & English instruction is available, with Language Day Classes (Fr & Eng). |
|
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 — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
|
Awards
|
Awards — | Awards — |
|
Accreditations
|
Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| 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 1. Interview and application initiation. The interview with the programme director can be on campus or online. We confirm receipt within 24 hours and inform you of the next steps. 2. Download the application form and begin the process. The application form is available to download here and the steps to follow are given below. 3. School records and language information. Send copies of your school transcripts, in English, for the last two years. If you do not have these available please let us know when they will be available. 4. Language proficiency. If English is your mother tongue or if you have studied in an English speaking curriculum for over 4 years, a test will not be required. A copy of an official English test, IELTS, TOEFL or other, should be sent with the application form. If you haven't taken one, contact us to take an online evaluation. 5. Supplementary documents. A passport sized photo; A copy of your passport; A copy of your resident permit if you are not a Swiss national. 6. Next steps. Any missing documents may be sent later but please indicate when they are likely to be available. 7. When to apply and visa information. The best time to apply to Ecole Lemania is as soon as possible, but most applications are received from November to March. There are several reasons for applying early: you can reserve your boarding room preference, you have time to obtain your visa, and your place is reserved. EU/EEA or UK passport holders do not need a student visa; all other nationalities require a visa, and the visa process takes 6–10 weeks. All students must register as a foreign resident within 14 days of arrival. 8. Arriving in Switzerland and induction. After arrival, you may be met at the airport if arranged in advance. Boarding students should arrive the Sunday before classes start; day students arrive on the first day of term and will take part in an induction programme with teachers and new and returning students. Boarding and induction details are provided on arrival. |
|
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 The Paul Du Pasquier Foundation provides scholarships to help cover part of Lemania School tuition. The decision to grant a scholarship is based on merit and the student's financial need, and each scholarship is renewable if the criteria set by Lemania are met. The selection considers motivation, academic results, talents and excellence, as well as the ability to follow the chosen program. Parents must provide information about their financial situation for the scholarship assessment, and the amount awarded is determined from that information. Recipients are treated the same as other students, and information about awards remains confidential. A Scholarship Application Form is available for applicants. |
|
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 — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
Comparing more schools, or want notes and ratings of your own? Build your own compare board.