Institut Florimont and Montessori Rive Gauche are both in Geneva, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes. Institut Florimont also offers IB and French, and Montessori Rive Gauche also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are CHF 19,300 - 29,500 at Institut Florimont and CHF 15,700 - 20,700 at Montessori Rive Gauche, which puts Institut Florimont roughly 34% higher. Institut Florimont takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Montessori Rive Gauche from 3 to 12. Institut Florimont is the larger school, with around 1,600 pupils to Montessori Rive Gauche's 110. Typical class sizes are 20 at Institut Florimont and 25 at Montessori Rive Gauche.
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Institut Florimont
Geneva, Switzerland
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Montessori Rive Gauche
Geneva, Switzerland
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year CHF 19,300 - 29,500 | Fees / year CHF 15,700 - 20,700 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 12 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (DP), French Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum | Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,600 | Pupils 110 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 20 | Typical class size 25 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language French, English | Instruction language French, English |
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Opened
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Opened 1905 | Opened 2011 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Geneva, Petit-Lancy, Switzerland. Located in the Petit-Lancy district of Geneva. | Location Montessori Rive Gauche is located in Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz at 15 Chemin des Gotettes. Five classrooms and administration are spread over four houses in nearly 3,000 m² of wooded grounds. Car access is straightforward with parking for drop-offs, and Bus G stops in front of the school at Petray. |
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Stages
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Stages Maternelle (Kindergarten); Primaire (Primary); Lower Secondary (Cycle) – three years with French or bilingual (French/English); Upper Secondary (Secondaire 2) – Swiss Matura, French Baccalaureate, or International Baccalaureate (IB). | Stages Mixed-age classrooms for 3-6 y.o., 6-9 y.o., and 9-12 y.o. |
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School type
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School type Private school offering francophone or bilingual programmes. | School type Private Montessori school |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Individualised support provided by dedicated teaching teams that tailor to each student's pace and goals. | Additional learning support Therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are on site to support pupils. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Switzerland | Country affiliation Switzerland |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Catholic | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure 3-6 years: part-time until 1:30 pm or full-time until 3:30 pm, with lunch at the school; 6-12 years: full-time. After-school activities are available on site (e.g., piano, robotics, woodwork, music, mindfulness). |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details Florimont bus service is offered to students living in the Geneva region, the canton of Vaud and neighbouring France. Places are limited; registration is valid for the academic year. The service depends on applications received and deadlines, previous registrations, requests for return journeys, distance between home and school, and journey time. Parents are not allowed to accompany their children on the first day of school. | Bus service details Bus line G stops in front of the school (Petray stop). |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and registration fees - Registration fee (all year groups): CHF 500. - Re‑entry fee (all year groups): CHF 300. - An enrolment/re‑enrolment deposit is collected at the time of the first invoice in the first quarter. Registration and re‑entry fees are non‑refundable. Tuition fees by year group (per quarter and per year — academic year 2025–2026) - Primary (11th–10th common core): Quarter 1 CHF 8,285; Quarter 2 CHF 6,470; Quarter 3 CHF 5,445; Year CHF 20,200. - Primary (9th–7th): Quarter 1 CHF 8,305; Quarter 2 CHF 6,485; Quarter 3 CHF 5,460; Year CHF 20,250. - Middle School (6th–5th): Quarter 1 CHF 8,980; Quarter 2 CHF 7,015; Quarter 3 CHF 5,905; Year CHF 21,900. - Middle School (4th): Quarter 1 CHF 9,640; Quarter 2 CHF 7,525; Quarter 3 CHF 6,335; Year CHF 23,500. - French Baccalauréat (3ème): Quarter 1 CHF 9,720; Quarter 2 CHF 7,590; Quarter 3 CHF 6,390; Year CHF 23,700. - French Baccalauréat (2nde): Quarter 1 CHF 10,295; Quarter 2 CHF 8,040; Quarter 3 CHF 6,765; Year CHF 25,100. - French Baccalauréat (1ère): Quarter 1 CHF 10,825; Quarter 2 CHF 8,455; Quarter 3 CHF 7,120; Year CHF 26,400. - French Baccalauréat (Terminale): Quarter 1 CHF 11,260; Quarter 2 CHF 8,790; Quarter 3 CHF 7,400; Year CHF 27,450. - Swiss Maturité (3e): Quarter 1 CHF 9,845; Quarter 2 CHF 7,685; Quarter 3 CHF 6,470; Year CHF 24,000. - Swiss Maturité (2nde): Quarter 1 CHF 10,415; Quarter 2 CHF 8,135; Quarter 3 CHF 6,850; Year CHF 25,400. - Swiss Maturité (1re Matu): Quarter 1 CHF 10,725; Quarter 2 CHF 8,375; Quarter 3 CHF 7,050; Year CHF 26,150. - Swiss Maturité (Terminale Matu): Quarter 1 CHF 11,195; Quarter 2 CHF 8,745; Quarter 3 CHF 7,360; Year CHF 27,300. - Middle School Art/Sport (6th–5th): Quarter 1 CHF 9,350; Quarter 2 CHF 7,300; Quarter 3 CHF 6,150; Year CHF 22,800. - Middle School Art/Sport (4th): Quarter 1 CHF 9,820; Quarter 2 CHF 7,670; Quarter 3 CHF 6,460; Year CHF 23,950. - Bilingual Kindergarten and Primary (pré‑bilingue 14e): Quarter 1 CHF 7,915; Quarter 2 CHF 6,180; Quarter 3 CHF 5,205; Year CHF 19,300. - Bilingual Primary (13e–12e): Quarter 1 CHF 8,160; Quarter 2 CHF 6,375; Quarter 3 CHF 5,365; Year CHF 19,900. - Bilingual Primary (11e–10e common core): Quarter 1 CHF 8,285; Quarter 2 CHF 6,470; Quarter 3 CHF 5,445; Year CHF 20,200. - Bilingual Primary (9e–7e): Quarter 1 CHF 8,570; Quarter 2 CHF 6,695; Quarter 3 CHF 5,635; Year CHF 20,900. - Bilingual Middle School (6th–5th): Quarter 1 CHF 9,230; Quarter 2 CHF 7,205; Quarter 3 CHF 6,065; Year CHF 22,500. - Bilingual Middle School (4th): Quarter 1 CHF 9,720; Quarter 2 CHF 7,590; Quarter 3 CHF 6,390; Year CHF 23,700. - International Section (Pre‑IB / IB): - 3ème (Pre IB): Quarter 1 CHF 11,440; Quarter 2 CHF 8,935; Quarter 3 CHF 7,525; Year CHF 27,900. - 2nde (Pre IB): Quarter 1 CHF 11,690; Quarter 2 CHF 9,125; Quarter 3 CHF 7,685; Year CHF 28,500. - 1ère IB: Quarter 1 CHF 12,100; Quarter 2 CHF 9,445; Quarter 3 CHF 7,955; Year CHF 29,500. - Terminale IB: Quarter 1 CHF 12,100; Quarter 2 CHF 9,445; Quarter 3 CHF 7,955; Year CHF 29,500. - All tuition fees are quoted in Swiss francs (CHF), VAT included. Half‑board (school lunches) and related charges - Half‑board (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, including supervision): Quarter 1 CHF 1,150; Quarter 2 CHF 915; Quarter 3 CHF 735; Year CHF 2,800. The half‑board is optional and is invoiced with school fees. - School textbooks (all year groups): CHF 150 per year (charged separately). Other costs and optional charges - School transport (bus) is charged separately; places are limited and the bus service is organised and billed outside the tuition fee (registration for bus routes is required). - Language courses beyond the standard timetable, private lessons, after‑school care, supervised study beyond standard hours, optional sports and extra‑curricular activities, pedagogical outings and multi‑day trips, medical/infirmary costs, damages caused by pupils, exam registration fees and fees for university application dossiers are not included in tuition and are charged separately. - Private lesson example rate (indicative internal rate shown in the Guide for Parents): CHF 85 per 45‑minute lesson with an Institut Florimont teacher (rates for student teachers differ). Private lessons are invoiced separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and half‑board are invoiced at the start of each quarter and are payable within 10 days of the invoice. If an invoice is unpaid after 10 days, a formal notice is issued allowing a further 10 days; reminder fees apply (CHF 50 for the first reminder, CHF 100 for the second). Interest is charged at 5% after the second reminder and the school may suspend services or terminate the tuition contract for non‑payment. - In the event of a pupil leaving during a term, tuition and half‑board for the current term (vacations excluded) remain payable in full. Discounts and reductions - Sibling discounts on tuition: third child 25% reduction; fourth child 50% reduction. Children of former students receive a 20% reduction on tuition for their first year. Boarding (residential) provision - Institut Florimont does not publish a full boarding (internat) fee; the school offers an optional half‑board (meals) service billed separately and school transport is available as a separate service. No full‑time boarding fees are listed. Refunds and cancellation rules - Cancellation / refund schedule for a confirmed enrolment: - Cancellation up to 31 March: registration fee and deposit are non‑refundable. - Cancellation from 1 April to 31 May: registration fee and half of the first term tuition are payable. - Cancellation from 1 June onwards: registration fee and the full tuition for the first term are payable. - Registration/re‑entry fees are non‑refundable even if the pupil is not admitted. These provisions also apply to re‑registration. In case of departure during the academic year, the current term's fees remain due in full. Fee payment options and invoicing contact - Invoices specify the payment instructions to be used; tuition and optional services are billed by the school's Accounts department. For invoicing or payment enquiries, contact Accounts at compta@florimont.ch or Reception at reception@florimont.ch. | Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Yearly enrolment fee: CHF 250, payable at enrolment. - Guarantee (security deposit): CHF 4,000, payable at first enrolment; the guarantee is held as security against unpaid fees and is returned, free of interest, at the end of the pupil's time at the school provided the school's conditions are met. Payment for the guarantee is to be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (titulaire Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Re‑enrolment (renewal) fee: CHF 250, payable February 1 each year; this fee is not refundable if renewal is cancelled. Tuition fees by year group (per month, with trimester and annual totals) - Children House (3–6 years) — part‑time (monthly): CHF 1,570. - 1st trimester (Sept–Dec, 4 months): CHF 6,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (Jan–Mar, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (Apr–Jun, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, part‑time): CHF 15,700. - Children House (3–6 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,870. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,480 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, full‑time): CHF 18,700. - Primary I (6–9 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,970. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,880 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 19,700. - Primary II (9–12 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 2,070. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 8,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 20,700. - The tuition fees include tuition, the morning snack, and the organic midday meal certified “fourchette verte.” Extra costs for sports activities and outings (museums, shows, end‑of‑year trips, etc.) are not included and are charged separately. - Discounts: 1% discount for a single full‑year payment; 10% discount on the second child's tuition while siblings are enrolled; 15% discount on the third child's tuition while all three are enrolled. Discounts do not apply if a third party (employer/institution) pays the fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Tuition is billed and payable in advance by trimester — first trimester due May 31, second trimester due Nov 30, third trimester due Feb 28. The school may refuse entry or terminate enrolment if fees are not settled by the due dates. Tuition remains payable even if the child is absent. - Guarantee handling: The CHF 4,000 guarantee is payable at first enrolment; it may be used to cover unpaid re‑enrolment or tuition fees if the pupil is withdrawn or if agreed minimum attendance conditions (for 3–6 section) are not met; otherwise it is repaid at the end of schooling, without interest. Payments for the guarantee must be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Late payment: Reminder fees apply in the event of late payment. Parents signatories are jointly and severally liable for all fees. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school for children aged 3–12. There are no boarding fees. Other costs and extras - Sports activities, outings, museum/theatre visits and certain extracurricular activities are charged in addition to tuition. - No uniform fee is listed among the standard fees. Additional optional services (after‑school activities and external therapist consultations) are available on site and are separate from tuition; such services are charged in addition where applicable. Refund and withdrawal penalties - The CHF 250 enrolment fee is non‑refundable if the child's enrolment is cancelled after the school's confirmation of enrolment. - Withdrawal penalties: - Withdrawal after Feb 1 (concerning the following school year): re‑enrolment fee CHF 250 plus a CHF 4,000 penalty are due. - Withdrawal after Apr 30 (concerning the following school year): tuition fees for the first trimester of the following year and the enrolment fee are due. - Withdrawal after the start of the school year (including force majeure): the current trimester is due, plus the following trimester. - Exclusion from school does not entitle parents to reimbursement of tuition already paid. In case of temporary school closure for epidemic/pandemic or similar major events, distance teaching may be offered and certain costs (for example meals) may be refunded, but tuition fees are excluded from such reimbursements. Fee payment options - The school specifies payment by bank transfer to the school account (IBAN/account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V — Montessori Rive Gauche SA) for the guarantee and routine payments; a special agreement can be established if a third party (employer or institution) will pay all or part of the fees. No alternative payment methods (such as credit‑card payment) are specified in the school's terms. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Dress style rules apply. Clothing must cover the stomach and back; tops must have shoulder straps or sleeves; shorts/skirts must be at least mid-thigh; jeans with holes or rips are not permitted; flip-flops are not allowed. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options Restauration promotes healthy eating and carries the Fourchette Verte label, using seasonal, locally sourced, eco-labeled produce from Geneva and Switzerland. The menu includes protein options (meat, poultry, fish, crustaceans, eggs, tofu, cheese), one or two vegetables or fruits, starches, a dessert, and water as the beverage; fish appears twice weekly. Students with dietary restrictions must bring their own lunch, which can be heated on site. | Food options Lunch is taken at the school. |
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House system
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House system — | House system The school is spread over four houses. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Institut Florimont is a private Catholic school founded by the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales. It has been led by laypeople since 1995, with the steering committee maintaining close collaboration with the religious congregation. | Governance and ownership The management includes Nancy (founder and principal), Alexis (administrator), and Marie (administrative coordinator). The school is recognized by Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and is a member for both the 3-6 and 6-12 years old sections. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The curriculum runs from kindergarten to upper secondary. Maternelle (Kindergarten) lasts three years and prepares children for primary school. Primaire (Primary) supports pupils throughout, helping them increase knowledge and skills. Cycle (Middle School) provides a common core of three years, offered in French or in a bilingual French/English programme, and leads to the Swiss high school programme (Plan d'Étude Romand). Secondaire 2 (Upper Secondary) prepares pupils for three diplomas: Swiss Maturité, French Baccalauréat, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. There is a strong focus on language learning and a bilingual curriculum. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and Cambridge Examinations (CIE). | Curriculum details Montessori Rive Gauche uses the Montessori method with AMI-trained teachers. Classrooms are mixed-age for 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 years, with bilingual instruction in French and English and German taught from age 6. The school follows the Plan d'Études Romand (3P to 8P Harmos) and uses a Montessori curriculum for the 3-12 age range. It is a member of Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and adheres to AMI principles. Eco-Schools label since 2022. In the 3-6 year-old section, there are two bilingual classes, each taught by three teachers. In the 6-12 year-old section, six teachers teach the Montessori curriculum with bilingualism and the Plan d'Études Romand; a programme of educational outings is offered. After-school classes are available, and on-site therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are available. Arts, robotics, music, mindfulness, and other activities are offered as part of extra-curricular options. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results IB Diploma Programme: 2023 graduation class of 36; Florimont IB pass rate in 2023 is 95% (world average 79%); 69% of IB students achieved 32 points or more, 47% achieved 36+ points, and 14% achieved 40+ points. IB pass rates for 2019–2023 range around the mid-90s to 100% (2019: 95%, 2020: 97%, 2021: 100%, 2022: 96%, 2023: 95%). French Baccalauréat: 100% pass rate; 2023 honours rate 97% with an average of 15.46/20. Swiss Maturité: two language tracks (francophone and bilingual); pass mark 4/6; last year's average 4.9/6; 94% pass rate and 35% honours. Destinations for graduates include universities such as UNIGE (University of Geneva), UNIL (University of Lausanne), EPFL, Sciences Po Paris, and universities in the USA (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Brown, Columbia), the UK (Oxbridge), and other top institutions in Switzerland, Europe, Canada, and beyond. | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression Graduates pursue a wide range of higher education paths. Destinations include University of Geneva (UNIGE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), EPFL, Sciences Po Paris, and leading universities across the USA (Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Brown, Columbia, Penn), the United Kingdom (Oxford, Cambridge), Canada (University of Toronto, others), and other global institutions. The IB Diploma graduates and the French Baccalauréat and Swiss Maturité cohorts commonly progress to prestigious universities and selective programs worldwide. | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Challenging the Most Able: in Grades 11 and 12, the school selects its most talented mathematicians to participate in Athena, a university‑level mathematics programme organized with the University of Geneva. | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school develops key social and emotional skills, including communication, collaboration, independence and creative thinking, as part of its educational approach. | Social & emotional learning The school supports social and emotional development through mixed-age classrooms that bring children of different ages together to learn from each other. After-school options include mindfulness and other activities that promote wellbeing. Therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are on site to support students' needs and help families book appointments. Mindfulness, Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are part of daily life at Montessori Rive Gauche. The school is bilingual French/English and has an international staff, which fosters cross-language communication and social interaction. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides dedicated educational support for primary and secondary students via a committed vie scolaire team, with assistants to support teachers in kindergarten. Specific needs, such as learning disabilities or disabilities, are considered with reasonable accommodations. | Special educational needs (SEN) On-site therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are available to support children's needs. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English is taught as part of Florimont's bilingual curriculum. English is taught in four differentiated groups (Beginner, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Proficient). Sport, Arts and Music are taught in English for all pupils. From 9e onward, students can follow either the Francophone pathway or the Bilingual pathway; in the Bilingual pathway, History-Geography, Science and Digital Studies are taught in English. | English as an additional language The school is bilingual French/English; teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English; German is taught from the age of 6. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The Art/Sport programme includes partnerships that support mental health monitoring, including with Hôpital de La Tour for medical care and performance and mental health monitoring; partnerships with Djourou Elite provide mental coaching for athletes. | Mental wellbeing On-site therapists support mental wellbeing (psychologist and occupational therapist). Mindfulness is offered as an extracurricular activity. Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are part of daily life at the school. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The school has a Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy that supports the Convention on the Rights of the Child and promotes students' physical and mental wellbeing. The policy is reviewed annually and consists of four documents: Policy; Definitions and indicators; Designated child protection staff; Code of conduct. | Safeguarding — |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The campus offers modern, regularly renovated facilities. Science and robotics laboratories (STEAM) are available. Sports facilities are adapted to different age groups. The campus offers bilingual or francophone instruction from kindergarten through upper secondary. The educational approach combines academic discipline with attention to each student and openness to the world, developing solid foundations, critical thinking, and progressive autonomy in learning. The campus has evolved to reflect changing needs, including ongoing developments since its founding in 1905. | Facilities overview Montessori Rive Gauche is located at 15 Chemin des Gotettes, Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz. There are five classrooms plus administration spread over four houses, set in a nearly 3,000 sqm garden. The garden is fully fenced and invites nature exploration in safety, with gardening activities, physical exercises on a trampoline, agility games, and insect hunts, as well as opportunities to observe birds and squirrels among the trees. Parking is available in the school car park and a bus stop (Petray) is in front of the school. Lunch is taken at the school for 3- to 12-year-olds; part-time and full-time options are available. The school employs AMI Montessori-trained teachers in a bilingual French/English environment, with German taught from age six, and on-site therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) available. The school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and has Eco-Schools certification since 2022. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Sports facilities are adapted to different age groups. | Sports facilities The expansive outdoor garden (about 3,000 sqm) provides space for physical activities, including gardening, trampoline-based exercise, and agility games. These outdoor areas support daily movement and nature-based play as part of the curriculum. Daily routines and after-school offerings incorporate sport and physical activities within these spaces. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Science and robotics laboratories (STEAM) are part of the campus facilities. An Innovation Hub was established in 2024. | Academic facilities Classrooms are designed around Maria Montessori's principles, with every age group equipped with the complete official Montessori materials for 3-6 and 6-12 year olds to support autonomous learning. The school offers mixed-age environments (3-6, 6-9, 9-12) and bilingual instruction in French and English, with German taught from age six. AMI Montessori-trained teachers hold diplomas recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale, and the school follows the Romand Harmos program (3P to 8P) with planned educational outings. The school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) for both age groups, and Eco-Schools certification has been held since 2022. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities — | Extra curricular facilities Weekly extracurricular classes are run on-site by professionals and are open only to Montessori Rive Gauche students. Activities include Chess (from 5 years), Yoga (from 3), Kid's Pilates (from 3), Atelier Arts Plastiques (Ceramics, Painting and Wood) (4-8), Le petit atelier (Pottery, Painting, Creative games) (4-6), Wood Work and Ceramic (7-12), Choir (from 5), Theatre (from 7), Pifam and Confiance en soi workshops by EmoMind (from 7 and 6 respectively), Foot Reflexology (children and adults), and instrument lessons (piano, guitar, violin) or English language support. Language-related sessions include English (from 6), and French activities such as “Les mercredis avec Elsa” (from 4, no nap) and “Wednesday Club with Heather” (in English, 3-6). Registrations are limited by participant numbers and are first-come, first-served. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The Institut Florimont was founded in 1905 by the Congregation of Missionaries of Saint François de Sales and has been led by lay people since 1995, with the leadership board maintaining close collaboration with the religious congregation. In the early 20th century, Geneva's growth and international outlook shaped Florimont as Missionaries established the school on the Petit-Lancy plateau after being expelled from Evian and Mélan, with Father François Jeantet guiding and Joseph Rivollet serving as Florimont's first director. The campus expanded with new wings for primary in 1956 and for secondary in 1962, and science and robotics labs were added; a nursery opened in 2013, and sports facilities grew with the Florimont stadium in 1963, a sports building in 2010, and the Marcel Baechler gym in 2020. Florimont presented its first candidate for the Swiss Federal Maturity in 1943, and in 2014 the school opened the International Baccalaureate and the Cantonal Maturity pathways, offering Swiss Maturité, French Baccalauréat, and the International Baccalaureate. In 2025 Florimont marked 120 years since its founding, reflecting ongoing evolution to provide an education that combines local roots with international perspectives. | History Founded in 2011; located at 15 Chemin des Gotettes, Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz, Geneva. The school has 5 classrooms and administration spread over 4 houses, in a nearly 3,000 m2 garden. It is bilingual French/English, and German is taught from the age of 6. Teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English, and the school is a member of the Association Montessori Suisse for both 3-6 and 6-12 sections, following AMI principles. Eco-Schools label since 2022. |
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Community
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Community The Institut Florimont provides education in a bilingual French-English track or a francophone track from kindergarten through secondary 2, on a campus with modern facilities including science and robotics labs and ample sports installations. The culture program, Saison Culturelle 2025-2026, features events such as Animatou, the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Doudou-concerts, Petites oreilles, and Festival FILMAR, among others. The Florimont community participates in solidarity activities and service projects through Activités solidaires and community service initiatives. The school fosters parent involvement through a formal Florimont Parents' Association that serves as a conduit for community engagement and school life. | Community The community is international, with 14 teachers from Switzerland, France, Great Britain, USA, South Africa and Germany; they hold diplomas recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or equivalent. After-school offerings include piano, robotics, woodwork, music, mindfulness, and on-site therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) to support families. Educational outings are part of the program, and Brain Gym, RMT and IMP are practiced in daily life. The school carries the Eco-Schools label since 2022. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association APEF, the Association des Parents d'Élèves de Florimont, is an important point of contact within the Institut. It aims to maintain constant and constructive communication between parents, teaching staff and administration. APEF supports the Institut by using its expertise to organize extracurricular projects and to enhance offerings through social activities, conferences and other events. Its involvement strengthens the bonds of the Florimont community and upholds the school's core values. APEF coordinates parent representation via a network of parent representatives and maintains leadership through a president. The association also runs events such as the Florimont Christmas market. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Florimont offers Swiss Maturité, French Baccalauréat and the International Baccalaureate (IB) as three diploma options. The Maturité is approved by Swiss federal authorities and the DIP, Geneva's department of education; the French Baccalauréat is approved by the Académie de Grenoble and certified by the GESBF; the IB Diploma Programme is also offered. In 2024, 100% of students passed the Maturité, 100% passed the Baccalauréat, and 94% passed the IB diploma. The school emphasises intellectual curiosity, creativity and social responsibility across these diploma pathways. An Innovation Hub was established in 2024 to support innovative learning. | Academic & intellectual Montessori Rive Gauche uses the Montessori method in mixed-age classrooms for ages 3–6, 6–9, and 9–12. AMI-trained teachers are native speakers in French or English, and German is taught from age 6. The school is bilingual in French and English and follows the Plan d'Études Romand (PER) for the Swiss curriculum in the 6–12 program, with German lessons starting at 6 (beginners) and two to three classes per week from age 8; music, art and sport are integrated into the program. Education outings are offered as part of the program, and the five areas of the prepared environment—practical life, sensory, language, mathematics, and cultural studies—foster concentration, independence, and logical thinking. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Art/Sport programme launched in 2020 and now serves over 150 students. It is available for students who practice arts or sports at a high level or who want to work on related projects, with the specialization practiced in the afternoons (Mondays and Fridays reserved for homework or extra training). The programme benefits from partnerships with Djourou Elite for football, Servette, and Hôpital de La Tour to support medical care and performance monitoring; arts partners include MAMCO and Musée Ariana for exhibitions, while OSR, La Cité Bleue and Haute Ecole de Musique offer performance and collaboration experiences. | Arts & creative After-school classes and on-site extracurricular activities include piano, robotics, woodwork, music, and mindfulness. Extra-curricular activities comprise Art class (4–12), Montessori Sports (3–6), Chess (from 5), Wood Work (from 4), Yoga (from 3), Computer and Robotics Workshops (from 6), Creativity in English (Clay, Painting, Block print) (4–6), and Choir (from 4). Individual piano, guitar, and violin lessons are available through on-site instructors. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Institut Florimont offers francophone or bilingual programmes. Lower Secondary presents a three-year core either in French or in a bilingual programme (French/English) leading to the Swiss Plan d'Étude Romand. In maternelle, bilingual teaching provides equal time in French and English (two days per week in each language) with Wednesdays co-taught, and the programme follows the French National Curriculum in both languages. From 9e onward, students can follow either a Francophone Pathway or a Bilingual Pathway; the Bilingual Pathway teaches History-Geography, Science and Digital Studies in English. English is taught in Lower Secondary with two pathways, and students may earn internationally recognised language certifications such as DELF Prim, Cambridge exams, PET and Trinity tests. | Cultural & language All classes are bilingual English–French, with language material available in French and English. German lessons start at age 6 as beginners, and from age 8 there are classes two to three times per week. Wednesday Club in English and Les mercredis with Elsa in French are offered, and the school aims to participate in Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in Rome to provide a global-citizenship experience. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Exposure to both languages extends beyond academics to clubs (including theatre) and other extracurricular activities offered in both languages. Easter Camps feature multi-activity, ceramics, technology and entrepreneurship tracks for ages 4–18, with dates and registration listed on the campus pages. The cultural season and other student-led activities complement social life and personal development at Florimont. | Social & hobbies The school offers a broad range of after-school activities and clubs, including art, sports, music, chess, yoga, robotics, and language-centered options. The after-school childcare program runs from 3:30 pm to 6:15 pm for full-time students, with a healthy snack and supervision. Mindfulness is included among activities, and the school places emphasis on creativity and collaboration in a relaxed, learning-focused environment. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Solidarity and community engagement are core values. The Institute runs a major annual project for a local charity, with ongoing actions led by students or staff throughout the year. The Partage Foundation has been a focal point of activity, and Up'Cycle has donated bicycles to Geneva Hospice Général and supported refugee communities; other campaigns include clothing drives and school-wide fundraising, with many activities tied to CAS projects as part of the IB programme. | Community & service Solidarity and mutual aid are values the school strives to instill; pupils participate in sponsor walks to support various charitable causes. Projects have included First Children en Afrique du Sud (2024), Kaïcedra (2023), Northern Lights Aid (2022), Léman Hope (2021), Nourishing Minds au Malawi (2019), Tibetan Children's Village (2017), and Fondation Cédric Martin (2025). These experiences aim to cultivate empathy and social responsibility in students. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional The IB Diploma Programme includes Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), encouraging engagement in arts, sports and service projects. Florimont offers three diploma pathways—Swiss Maturité, French Baccalauréat and IB—to tailor pathways to each student's goals, supporting leadership development and preparation for university and beyond. | Leadership & professional The founder and principal lead the school with an experienced management team; the staff includes 14 teachers from diverse countries, all with diplomas recognized by AMI. The school emphasizes collaboration, group projects, and student responsibility, aligning with Montessori principles. The Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in Rome represents a key leadership and global-citizenship opportunity for pupils. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is central to student wellbeing, with a focus on physical education and access to sports facilities and partnerships with clubs such as Genève Servette and Djourou Elite for training and competitive experiences. The hospital partnership with Hôpital de La Tour supports high-quality medical care and mental health monitoring to ensure student wellbeing and rapid recovery from injuries. The school's culture emphasises balance between academics, sport, arts and social responsibility to support a holistic lifestyle. | Lifestyle & wellbeing The school grounds feature a nearly 3,000 m² fenced garden where children can garden, exercise on a trampoline, play agility games, and observe birds and squirrels. The campus supports physical activity and outdoor learning, including skating from age 4 and swimming from age 6. Mindfulness and wellbeing are integrated into the program, and therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are on site to support students' health and development. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision French and English are the main languages of instruction, with francophone and bilingual tracks available. Maternelle uses a balanced bilingual approach with equal time in French and English: two days per week in each language, co-taught Wednesdays, and projects carried out in both languages. Lower Secondary offers two pathways, Francophone Pathway (History, Geography, Science and Music in French) and Bilingual Pathway (these subjects in English), with English levels and placement tests. Language support includes additional English instruction in the Francophone Pathway, FLSco support in the Bilingual Pathway, language certifications such as DELF Prim, Cambridge, PET and Trinity, and a multilingualism coordinator with a Language Resource Centre. | Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction; German is taught from age 6 as a beginner's course and, from age 8, classes are held two to three times per week. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual education in French and English, with both languages as main instructional languages. In maternelle, teaching is split evenly between French and English: two days per week in each language, Wednesdays co-taught, and projects conducted in both languages. From 9e onward, students may choose between a Francophone Pathway (French instruction) and a Bilingual Pathway (English instruction for core subjects); in the Bilingual Pathway, History-Geography, Science and Digital Studies are taught in English. In Lower Secondary, two pathways exist: Francophone Pathway (History, Geography, Science and Music taught in French) and Bilingual Pathway (these subjects taught in English), with English levels and placement tests used to tailor instruction. | Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual in French and English. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs English immersion occurs through subjects taught in English in the Bilingual Pathway, including History-Geography, Science and Digital Studies in Lower Secondary. English is used for Sport, Arts and Music for all pupils in the 11e/10e pathway. Exposure to both languages extends beyond the classroom through school trips, clubs and projects offered in both languages. | Immersion programs — |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) school — German language diploma (DSD I) accredited by the German government. AEFE membership planned to begin September 2026. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — the school offers the IB Diploma Programme. Academica Dual Diploma™ — a dual diploma combining the French Baccalauréat and the American High School Diploma, starting September 2025; diplomas recognised by the French Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions Step 1: Parents have initial meeting with Brice Clerc, Head of Admissions, who handles all enquiries so he can get to know each child, their family and their personal circumstances. The initial meeting connects the family and child with the aims of the admissions process and clarifies personal circumstances to guide next steps. It sets the foundation for enrolment discussions. Step 2: Prospective pupil and parents are given a tour of the school. The tour allows the family to see the school environment and spaces. The tour complements the first step by providing a direct impression of how the school operates. The tour contributes to the decision-making process for enrolment. Step 3: You will be sent a letter confirming your child's enrolment. The letter is signed by the Director General. The enrolment letter confirms that the child has been accepted. This step finalizes the admissions process. What documents do we need from you? Please bring the following information to your initial meeting with Mr Brice Clerc: – Copy of official ID showing date of birth (identity card, passport) – Copy of end-of-year school reports for the last two academic years – Copy of school report for the current academic year Admission criteria: Children wishing to enter 14th (3-4 years) or 13th (4-5 years) must be toilet-trained before they start. – Previous school records. – Higher education plans. – Linguistic ability. – High-level practice of arts or sports discipline. You will receive a letter signed by the Director General confirming your child's enrolment. | Admissions Children may join at any time during the school year from age 3 to 11. The school offers mixed-age classes (3-6, 6-9, 9-12). All teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English; German is taught from age 6. The school is bilingual French/English and follows AMI principles as recognised by the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) for both the 3-6 and 6-12 sections. Prospective families can pre-register via the pre-registration template and contact the principal, Nancy Ramu, at 078 806 22 42 to arrange a visit. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
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