La Découverte School - Geneva Campus vs Swedish International School of Geneva
La Découverte School - Geneva Campus and Swedish International School of Geneva are both in Geneva, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes, and La Découverte School - Geneva Campus also offers Swiss. Published annual fees are CHF 16,470 - 18,950 at La Découverte School - Geneva Campus and CHF 11,800 - 19,800 at Swedish International School of Geneva, which puts La Découverte School - Geneva Campus roughly 12% higher. La Découverte School - Geneva Campus takes pupils from 3 to 12, and Swedish International School of Geneva from 1 to 12. The two are similar in size, at around 150 and 140 pupils.
Geneva Campus: Avenue de Sécheron 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Mies Campus: Chemin du Triangle 8-9, 1295 Mies, Switzerland.
Location
Esplanade des Récréations 9, 1217 Meyrin, Switzerland. SISOG is located at this address in Meyrin. The school offers instruction in English, Swedish and French.
Stages
Stages
ages 3 to 12
Stages
Preschool (ages 1-3); Pre-Primary (ages 3-4); Primary (ages 4-12). Swedish Language program is also part of SISOG offerings.
School type
School type
private bilingual French-English school
School type
private bilingual preschool and primary school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
SISOG classrooms are thoughtfully designed to meet diverse learning needs. Teachers provide extra support for those who need it and additional challenges for those ready to go further.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Sweden
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The day includes class time, lunch and extra-curricular activities; Geneva campus opening hours are 8:00–18:00 on most days (except Wednesday when closing earlier at 12:00); after-school care runs from 15:30 to 18:00.
School day structure
Opening hours: Preschool: 5 Days Full Time 8:00–18:30; 5 Days Part Time 8:00–15:00; 4 Days Full Time 8:00–18:30; 4 Days Part Time 8:00–15:00; Wednesday 8:00–18:30. Primary: 1P–4P Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 8:00–15:00; Wed 8:00–12:30. 5P–8P Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 8:00–16:00; Wed 8:00–12:30. After School: 1P–4P 3:00–6:30; 5P–8P 4:00–6:30; Wed 12:30–18:30. Holiday Camps: 8:00–18:30.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Registration / Application fee
- CHF 500 once, payable at registration (enrolment).
Tuition fees — Geneva Campus
- Children aged 3 years to 4th grade: CHF 16,470 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,647.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 15,647 per year; CHF 1,564.70 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,150 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,815.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 17,243 per year; CHF 1,724.30 per month).
Tuition fees — Mies Campus
- 1P to 4th grade: CHF 17,200 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,720.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 16,340 per year; CHF 1,634.00 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,950 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,895.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 18,003 per year; CHF 1,800.30 per month).
Meals, materials and compulsory activities
- School meals: CHF 1,990 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 199.00 per month).
- School materials: CHF 270 per year, payable in a single payment.
- Cultural outings and sports: CHF 320 per year, payable in a single payment. Trips and camps are part of the educational programme and are compulsory.
Extras and after‑school care (rates and billing frequency)
- Wednesday full after‑school (1:30–5:00 pm): CHF 160 per month; supervised picnic (12:00–1:30 pm) CHF 60 per month (where offered).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is invoiced as a 10‑month commitment; standard billing is spread over 10 monthly instalments. Many optional services are billed per quarter or as single payments as indicated above.
- Registration is confirmed when the signed enrolment contract and the required payments are received; enrolment requires payment of the registration fee and the first month's school fees at registration.
- A 2% discount on tuition applies for biannual or annual payments.
- The school treats the date on which payment is received in the school's bank account as the official payment date. In case of late payment, reminder fees apply: CHF 20 for the second reminder (15 days after the due date) and CHF 50 for the final notice (30 days after the due date). Continued non‑payment may lead to legal recovery procedures and refusal of class entry.
Boarding
- The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; boarding fees are therefore not applicable.
- Administrative or penalty fees may apply in the event of late payment or contract breaches as specified in the general conditions.
Refunds and cancellation penalties
- Written notification is required for any withdrawal or cancellation. Cancellation charges for the following school year are: - Withdrawal up to March 31: only the enrolment fee is due. - Withdrawal between April 1 and May 31: enrolment fee plus 10% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal between June 1 and June 30: enrolment fee plus 20% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from July 1 up to the day before the start of the school year: enrolment fee plus 30% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from the start of the school year: enrolment fee, completed/started months and 30% of annual tuition are due.
- Exceptions to the annual financial commitment and penalty fees may be made for death of the pupil's legal guardian or long‑term illness resulting in study suspension. Expulsion for serious reasons results in 30% of annual tuition being charged in addition to months already completed or started.
Fee payment options
- The school records the receipt date of payments on its bank account as the official payment date; payment by bank transfer to the school account is the documented method for establishing receipt. Other payment methods are not detailed in the published conditions.
Notes on billing frequency used above
- When a fee is stated as “payable over 10 months” the monthly instalment used above is the annual fee divided by 10.
Fee details
Application and Enrollment Fees
- Application fee: CHF 250 per child. - Enrollment fee: CHF 750 per child, payable before the school will reserve a place. Both the application fee and the enrollment fee are one-time charges, non-deductible and non-refundable. The admissions charges are separate from tuition.
Preschool (Crèche) — fees by age group and attendance pattern
- Preschool tuition is charged monthly, in advance; the annual price is divided into 12 monthly installments and invoices are issued twice a year (first tranche: August–January; second tranche: February–July). A child's absence does not give right to any deduction, refund or credit.
- 5 days full-time (Mon–Fri 08:00–18:20): - CHF 3,250 / month for 1–2 years group. - CHF 2,850 / month for 2+ years group.
- 5 days part-time (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08:00–15:00; Wed 08:00–12:30): - CHF 2,895 / month for 1–2 years group. - CHF 2,540 / month for 2+ years group.
- 4 days full-time (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08:00–18:20): - CHF 2,600 / month for 1–2 years group. - CHF 2,280 / month for 2+ years group.
- 4 days part-time (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 08:00–15:00): - CHF 2,315 / month for 1–2 years group. - CHF 2,030 / month for 2+ years group.
- Note on extras: nappies and powdered milk are not included in preschool tuition and must be provided/paid separately. Optional extra activities may incur additional charges.
Pre-Primary and Primary — fees by year group
- Pre-Primary (academic program, 5 days): CHF 26,845 / year. Additional All Round Care (5 days, school weeks and school holidays) is CHF 7,355 / year. Tuition covers educational fees plus lunch and snacks. Tuition for Pre-Primary is invoiced in 12 monthly installments in advance; invoices are issued twice a year covering six monthly payments each time. A child's absence does not entitle to deduction, refund or credit.
- Primary (1P–8P; ages 4–12): CHF 26,845 / year. Tuition covers educational fees plus lunch and snacks.
Primary — payment schedule (installments) and additional service fees
- Primary tuition (academic program) is payable in three advanced installments according to the following schedule: - 30% of the annual fee payable before June 30. - 40% payable before September 30. - 30% payable before January 31.
- Primary additional services (annual rates): - After School — 5 days: CHF 5,778 / year. - After School — 4 days (no Wednesday): CHF 4,625 / year. - Primary Wednesday Swedish classes (08:00–12:30): CHF 2,714 / year. - After School Wednesdays (12:30–18:20): CHF 1,153 / year.
- Holiday camps and optional after‑school activities may carry additional charges and may be billed separately. Some additional programs have their own payment schedules (for example, Swedish Language classes and after‑school/holiday‑camp full-year packages).
Swedish language courses (6+ years) — fees and payment schedule
- Swedish Language classes (small groups) payment schedule: 50% of the fee due before November 30 and 50% due before March 31. Enrollment in Swedish Language classes is binding for the full year.
Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties
- Preschool: tuition is paid monthly, in advance; invoices are issued twice yearly covering six monthly payments each tranche (Aug–Jan and Feb–Jul). For children admitted after year start, the number of installments is adjusted.
- Pre-Primary: tuition is paid in 12 monthly installments in advance; first installment due by July 31 and last by June 30 of the following calendar year; invoices are issued twice a year covering six months each.
- Primary: tuition is payable in three advanced installments (30% / 40% / 30%) with deadlines prior to June 30, September 30 and January 31 respectively.
- Administrative and late-payment fees: - For administrative billing services (non-standard bills or invoice modifications) a fee of CHF 30 applies. - Late payment notices carry fixed fees (current General Conditions show a first late-payment notice fee and a second notice fee; repeated non-payment may lead to collection proceedings).
Refund, withdrawal and notice terms
- Application and enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-deductible. Enrollment is binding.
- Withdrawal / termination consequences (amounts due depending on communication date): - If the withdrawal is communicated on or before February 28 (inclusive): no tuition due. - If communicated between March 1 and October 20 (inclusive): 50% of annual tuition is due (enrollment end date listed as December 31). - If communicated from October 21 through June 30 (following calendar year): 100% of annual tuition is due.
- Absences do not give entitlement to refund, reduction or credit; official holidays, scheduled closures, pedagogical days and adaptation periods are included in the fee calculation and are not refundable. In the event of breach of contract or withdrawal, fees related to scheduled days remain due and are not subject to deduction.
Boarding / residential provision
- The school provides preschool and primary education for children ages 1–12. There is no boarding provision; boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and optional charges
- Nappies and powdered milk for preschool are not included and must be provided/paid separately. Optional extracurricular activities, holiday‑camp weeks purchased individually, mother‑tongue lessons and certain optional after‑school activities may incur additional costs. Administrative billing modifications and certain optional services carry separate charges.
Fee payment options and banking details
- Payments are required by bank transfer as per the school's payment instructions. The school provides banking details for transfers (Beneficiary: Association de l'école suédoise de Genève / 1217 Meyrin Suisse). Sample banking fields provided by the school include: - Account number: 12 – 10403 – 9 - IBAN: CH46 0900 0000 1201 0403 9 - SWIFT/BIC: POFICHBEXXX - Financial institution: PostFinance (Clearing number 09000).
Summary statement
- Tuition and fees are charged according to the program and attendance pattern selected (monthly for preschool; annual with installment schedules for pre-primary and primary). One-time admission charges (application and enrollment fees) apply and are non-refundable. Payment schedules, late-payment penalties, notice periods and the treatment of absences are set out in the school's General Conditions; installments and due dates are specified above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
No residential boarding is provided. After School Care is available daily until 18:20, offering free play, structured activities, and indoor/outdoor experiences.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
Lunch is included in the school fees and all meals are provided with no additional charges. Meals are organized as pedagogical meals to support nutrition, language development and sustainability; a nut-free environment is maintained and special dietary needs are accommodated.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
SISOG is a private non-profit association governed by its statutes under Article 60ff. of the Swiss Civil Code. The General Assembly is the ultimate decision maker; the Board directs the school's activities and includes Chair Jonas Jacobsson, Vice-Chair Sinziana Sindrilaru, Secretary Stefan Roesler and Treasurer Christopher Finnegan.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Mies Campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach. Learning is organized around projects that connect disciplines and are driven by questions or problems. A class council meets weekly to coordinate group life, and a Grand Council Meeting is held monthly to discuss school-wide matters. Philosophy develops critical thinking and the ability to listen to others. Outdoor learning happens daily in all weathers, in a park or forest, to build resilience and environmental understanding. An open-space environment supports autonomous workshops and collaborative inquiry. Theatre activities develop oral expression and performance skills. Extras after school and after-school care are available.
Curriculum details
Swedish International School of Geneva provides education based on the Swedish Pedagogical Approach in a multilingual and multicultural setting. It is approved by the Geneva Department of Public Instruction (DIP) and follows a bespoke integrated curriculum based on the Swedish Academic Curriculum and on the PER – Plan d'études Romand introduced in 2011 in the canton of Geneva. Instruction is offered in English, Swedish and French. The curriculum includes Swedish Small Group Classes for students in Swiss, French or International schools, following the Swedish national curriculum. Swedish Online Courses are available for Middle School and Secondary School. The school offers Preschool, Pre-Primary and Primary programs and uses the Red Thread concept to connect learning across subjects.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Self-confidence is strengthened to enable children to question, inform themselves and explore the world in complete safety. Collaboration and socio-emotional skills are developed to create responsible and empathetic children. Projects based on children's interests deepen their passions and motivate learning.
Social & emotional learning
In SISOG, student well-being is central in a positive and inclusive environment. The school balances academic progress with emotional and social well-being and emphasizes equality, empathy, community, and a love of learning to support social-emotional development.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The SEN Department creates an inclusive learning environment and works with teachers, support staff and families to provide individualized support to foster holistic development. It focuses on smooth transitions, opportunities for self-expression and collaboration, and tailored academic progress. When needed, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) are implemented with goals co-created by teachers and parents, and in more specialized cases families may be responsible for costs associated with personal assistance. Families considering SISOG for a child with identified needs are invited to meet with the SEN coordinator to discuss effective support.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
A bilingual immersion environment is set up to help students express themselves, read and write clearly and confidently in French and English.
English as an additional language
The school offers instruction in English, Swedish and French, with bilingual programs in Swedish-French or English-French. The bilingual model uses two native-speaking teachers per class, one per language, following a one teacher, one language approach.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Self-confidence growth and collaboration support mental wellbeing by enabling children to explore and express themselves in a safe environment.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integral to the school's approach, with a emphasis on healthy balance between academics and wellbeing, and a holistic view of student development that includes social, emotional and physical aspects. The school promotes outdoor time and a caring, collaborative learning environment to support overall well-being.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school states that a child's wellbeing and safety are core, with a commitment to a discrimination-free environment and inclusive practices. Daily outdoor activities, a caring atmosphere, and emphasis on respect for diversity support safeguarding of students.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Campus Mies offers a stimulating learning environment with dedicated teachers and supportive infrastructures. Children spend every day outdoors in all weather, in parks or forests, to develop resilience and explore scientific topics. An open-space approach provides autonomous workshops and cross-age collaboration, while theatre engages students from age seven and helps develop memory, diction, and presence on stage. The campus provides after-school daycare until 18:00 and meals prepared on-site guided by a quality charter that emphasizes balanced, healthy, and sustainable menus.
Facilities overview
The school's classrooms are thoughtfully designed to meet diverse learning needs. Teachers provide extra support for those who need it and additional challenges for those ready to go further. Small classes enable highly personalised teaching and dynamic, flexible lessons. Students have daily outdoor time for learning and play. Every term, parents are invited to individual development talks.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic learning emphasizes project-based pedagogy that integrates disciplines and gives context to learning. Projects emerge from children's questions or problems and aim to motivate and deepen understanding. Philosophy develops critical and creative thinking, listening, and debate, and fosters autonomous, free, and responsible individuals. Outdoor learning is practiced daily, in all weather, to connect students with nature and science. An open environment supports autonomous workshops where students of different ages collaborate to solve problems.
Academic facilities
Teaching methodology focuses on curiosity and a love of learning, with strong teacher–pupil relationships and a positive ethos. Small classes enable highly personalised teaching and dynamic, flexible lessons, supporting pupils and teachers to set and achieve academic goals. A formative feedback approach is used for student evaluations, with teachers holding individual discussions with pupils about what they are doing well and which areas need more work. Every term, parents are invited to individual development talks.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Capoeira; Art; Robotics; Football
Extra curricular facilities
After School Care runs daily until 18:20 and offers free play, structured activities, and outdoor and indoor experiences. After School Activities include music, art, football, violin, and language courses. Holiday Camps run during school holidays for children aged 4–12, are based on the Meyrin site with some daily travel, and are staffed by the SISOG after-school team, following Swedish pedagogy. Camp offerings include baking pastries, museum visits and excursions around Geneva, music and arts and crafts, circus, and sports; details express schedule up to 18:20 and include language options on select weeks.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
La Découverte was founded in the early 1990s by a group of teachers, education specialists, psychologists and parents who sought a different approach to schooling. Their aim was to implement a teaching method that keeps children active in their learning and enables them to search for answers and solutions themselves. La Découverte offers a personalised and family learning environment using active teaching methods. Over thirty years, the number of children in La Découverte private school has grown from 13 to 340 pupils, reflecting growing demand for this approach.
History
Founded in autumn 1972 by Bo Mårsäter and his wife Ulla as a non-profit association. From the start, parents and staff have worked hand-in-hand to make SISOG a place for children to learn. Initially 27 Swedish-speaking students; maths and English classes were held outside regular school hours at the Collège de Budé in Vernier, and a primary class of 12 students opened at the Collège des Coudriers. In January 1974 SISOG relocated to Meyrin near CERN and other international organisations; a group of 30 parents decorated the interior before the opening, and the official inauguration in June 1974 was attended by Swedish Ambassador Sven-Eric Nilsson among others. By the mid-1980s, the school offered preschool, primary and distance-learning secondary, growing to about 60 students and 10 teachers. SISOG is a private bilingual preschool and primary school for children ages 1–12 offering instruction in English, Swedish, French.
Community
Community
La Découverte is based in Geneva and Mies and serves children aged 3 to 12. It provides a bilingual French-English learning environment and uses project-based learning to develop self-confidence, inquiry, collaboration and socio-emotional skills. Extra-curricular activities and after-school care are available daily and on Wednesdays, and the program welcomes children from outside the school. Holiday camps offer sports, creative and cultural activities year-round, with summer camps also open to children from outside the school.
Community
SISOG is guided by five values: Equality, Empathy, Love of Learning, Community and Commitment. Community is described as a collective guided by trust, cooperation and solidarity to create a supportive and unified environment. The Student Council empowers students to voice opinions on school policies and class projects. Daily outdoor time links learning with physical well-being and outdoor experiences.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
SISOG is a non-profit association governed by its statutes, with a General Assembly, a Board and Auditors; the Board consults with school management, parents and PTA to define the vision and goals of the school.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school is a bilingual French-English school that uses active teaching methods. Projects based on children's interests deepen motivation and learning. Self-confidence, collaboration and socio-emotional skills are developed so students can question, inform themselves and explore the world in safety. The bilingual immersion environment helps students express themselves, read and write in French and English, contributing to academic success and a love of learning.
Academic & intellectual
Student-centered learning drives SISOG's approach. Students embark on projects fueled by their passions, with teachers inspiring discovery and creativity. They tackle real-world challenges such as environmental sustainability or community issues, developing teamwork, problem-solving and strategic thinking. The Student Council empowers students to voice opinions on school policies and class projects, fostering skills essential for thriving in a democratic society.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Extras include arts activities as part of the after-school program. After-school care runs daily and on Wednesdays, with extras in sports, arts and games. During school holidays, camps offer creative and cultural activities, and summer camps are open to children from outside the school.
Arts & creative
After School Activities include music, art, football, violin and language courses. The After School program offers free play, structured activities, and outdoor and indoor experiences. After School is a community which enables children to find a harmonious life balance between school and family.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school runs a bilingual French-English immersion program. The immersion environment helps students express themselves, read and write in French and English. The Geneva and Mies campuses support this bilingual approach.
Cultural & language
Preschool offers Swedish and French bilingual groups for ages 1-4. Primary offers Swedish and French bilingual primary program for ages 4-12. Wednesday morning Swedish academic lessons are available for ages 4-12, and there is a Wednesday after-school Swedish program. Wednesday Afternoon Language Lessons provide 90-minute Swedish language lessons.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Extras include sports and games as part of after-school offerings. After-school care and optional activities run on school days and on Wednesdays. Holiday camps provide opportunities for social and recreational activities.
Social & hobbies
The Red Thread connects activities across preschool and primary, linking drawing and cooking in preschool to math and art in primary. Daily outdoor time is embraced, offering opportunities for learning and play. The school fosters open dialogue and celebrates diverse perspectives through democratic values and through the Student Council.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Student leadership is nurtured through the Student Council, which empowers students to voice opinions on school policies and class projects. Student-centered learning and collaborative problem-solving build leadership and professional skills. These practices foster ownership of the learning journey, developing initiative and responsibility.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports and games are included in extras and after-school activities, supporting physical activity. The program fosters self-confidence, collaboration and socio-emotional development as part of its learning approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Balance academic success with emotional and social well-being guides SISOG's approach. Daily outdoor time is integrated into learning. The After School program runs until 18:20, offering free play, structured activities, and outdoor and indoor experiences. These elements support a healthy life balance for families.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
French and English are taught; the school serves children aged 3 to 12.
Language provision
The school teaches in English, Swedish and French.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school is a bilingual French-English school.
Bilingual teaching
The school has Swedish–French bilingual groups in Preschool (ages 1-4) and a Swedish–French bilingual primary program for ages 4-12.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
A bilingual immersion environment is in place to help students express themselves, read and write in French and English.
Immersion programs
Swedish–French bilingual groups are offered in Preschool, and a Swedish–French bilingual primary program is available for ages 4-12. Swedish Academic Lessons are offered on Wednesdays in the morning for ages 4-12. Swedish language lessons on Wednesdays in the afternoon are 90 minutes long for ages 6-12. After School Swedish language care is available on Wednesdays for ages 4-12.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Online pre-registration puts your child on the waiting list free of charge; collective visits occur twice a year; if there is availability, a meeting with the Head teacher and a visit to the school are arranged.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
The waiting list is joined via an online form, which is free of charge.
