La Garenne International School and Lemania College are both in Lausanne, about 40 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. La Garenne International School also offers IPC and IMYC, and Lemania College also offers Bespoke, French and Swiss. Published annual fees are CHF 36,000 - 115,000 at La Garenne International School and CHF 20,700 - 105,080 at Lemania College, which puts La Garenne International School roughly 20% higher. La Garenne International School takes pupils from 5 to 18, and Lemania College from 11 to 20. Lemania College is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to La Garenne International School's 150. Both keep typical class sizes around 12.
|
L
La Garenne International School
Lausanne, Switzerland
|
L
Lemania College
Lausanne, Switzerland
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
|
Fees / year
|
Fees / year CHF 36,000 - 115,000 | Fees / year CHF 20,700 - 105,080 |
|
Age range
|
Age range 5 - 18 years | Age range 11 - 20 years |
|
Type
|
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding) | Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding) |
|
Curriculum
|
Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) | Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum |
|
Pupils
|
Pupils 150 | Pupils 1,100 |
|
Typical class size
|
Typical class size 12 | Typical class size 12 |
|
Instruction language
|
Instruction language English | Instruction language French, English |
|
Opened
|
Opened 1947 | Opened 1908 |
|
Bus service
|
Bus service Yes | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
|
Location
|
Location The school is in the alpine village of Chesières, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. It is located at Chemin des Chavasses 23, 1885 Chesières. The alpine setting provides a mountain environment for boarding and day students. | 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 The school serves ages 3 to 18, with Reception (early years), Primary School, Secondary School, IB Diploma Programme, and High School Programme. | 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 The school is an international boarding school offering boarding and day programmes. | 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 The school has a Head of Learning Support and offers Personalised Learning and Intensive English. | Additional learning support — |
|
Country affiliation
|
Country affiliation Switzerland | Country affiliation Switzerland |
|
Religious affiliation
|
Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
|
School day structure
|
School day structure — | School day structure — |
|
Bus service details
|
Bus service details — | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
|
Fee details
|
Fee details Application fees - Application fee (new students): CHF 1,500. It is payable by credit card or bank transfer. Enrolment deposit and one-off contributions - Enrolment deposit (boarders): CHF 10,000. - Enrolment deposit (day students): CHF 2,000. - Campus Enhancement Fund contribution: CHF 5,000 (one-off). - Swiss student residence permit (B permit) fee for new non‑European boarding students: CHF 2,100 (non‑refundable). - Health insurance charge (new and returning): CHF 2,200 (billed as a general fee). Tuition fees by year group (annual) - Years 1 to 6 (Primary) - Boarder: CHF 84,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 46,000 per year. - Middle Years Programme 1 to 3 (Years 7 to 9) - Boarder: CHF 94,500 per year. - Day student*: CHF 61,000 per year. - Middle Years Programme 4 & 5 (Years 10 & 11) - Boarder: CHF 116,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 83,000 per year. - Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13) - Boarder: CHF 126,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 92,000 per year. *Special local conditions apply for day students whose parent(s) work within the local community; the school verifies addresses to confirm eligibility. Per‑term amounts (calculated) - The school operates three terms (Terms 1, 2 and 3). The published annual tuition above has been divided by three to produce per‑term figures below (this is a calculated per‑term breakdown based on the annual fee). Example per‑term amounts (annual ÷ 3): - Years 1–6 boarder: CHF 28,000 per term (CHF 84,000 ÷ 3). - Years 1–6 day student: CHF 15,333 per term (CHF 46,000 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 boarder: CHF 31,500 per term (CHF 94,500 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 day student: CHF 20,333 per term (CHF 61,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 boarder: CHF 38,667 per term (CHF 116,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 day student: CHF 27,667 per term (CHF 83,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 boarder: CHF 42,000 per term (CHF 126,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 day student: CHF 30,667 per term (CHF 92,000 ÷ 3). Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual fees are invoiced in two invoices except for Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13), where the full amount is payable in advance. The first invoice covers Terms 1 and 2 plus general fees; the second invoice covers Term 3. Payment deadlines: first invoice must be settled by 1 June at the latest; the Term 3 invoice must be settled before 1 December. For new enrolments there are specific advance payment rules tied to the date of enrolment (e.g., required deposits and minimum advance percentages). New enrolment deposits are required before a place is guaranteed. A refundable deposit is held to cover unpaid supplementary expenses (see deposit amounts above). - For new enrolments before 1 May the school requests at least 15% of the first invoice and the CHF 5,000 Campus Enhancement Fund contribution to guarantee the place. For enrolments after 1 June full payment of the first invoice is required within 15 days. For enrolments after 15 August or during the school year, payment of the first invoice is required before the student can start. All extras are billed separately at the end of each term and must be paid within 30 days. Boarding fees and what is included - Boarding fees are the boarder tuition figures listed above (annual). Boarding provision and charges are included within those boarder fees. The published boarding fee includes full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, loan of textbooks and some class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, use of school laundry for boarders, library and computer network use, sports and cultural activities and short Swiss expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and transport to/from Geneva Airport within the school's published dates and times, plus applicable taxes/VAT. Other costs and extras (not included in published tuition) - Health and accident insurance and medication (the school bills health insurance as a general fee separately). - Private lessons, learning support, university application fees, non‑mainstream IB languages or any IB subject not provided in the curriculum. - Extracurricular after‑school clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, official external exam fees (e.g., Cambridge, DELF), pocket money, personal and digital photo packages, complementary health packages, personal expenses (hairdresser, dentist, dry cleaning, postage), mandatory school trips. For day students specifically: ski pass, day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance are excluded from the day tuition and billed separately. - Pocket money for new students is collected in advance on the first invoice; older students may be provided with a debit card arrangement managed by the school. Refund, cancellation and withdrawal terms - If a new student cancels enrolment for Term 1 before 1 June, school fees already paid (excluding the Application Fee, Enrolment Deposit and Swiss B permit fee) are reimbursed in full. If cancellation occurs after 1 June or for certain mid‑year enrolments, the school may retain or collect all of the first fees invoice; variable costs such as uniform, school meals and health insurance are fully reimbursed. A deposit is fully reimbursed within 120 days of a student leaving provided all accounts are settled. No fee reimbursement is made for absence from school due to sickness, injury or other reasons. If a student is permanently excluded or withdrawn during the academic year, fees for the current and following term remain due. Change of boarding status during the academic year does not entitle parents to a refund. Late payment interest and reminder charges apply for overdue invoices. Discounts and family benefits - Sibling discount for boarders: 10% for the second child, 15% for the third child, 20% for the fourth and any additional children (applied to tuition only). Payment methods and banking details - Accepted payment methods: credit card and bank transfer for application fees; school accepts payments by bank transfer, and offers an online international payment option via Flywire to allow secure payments from most countries and to reduce bank fees and poor exchange rates. Contact the school accountant for bank details; Flywire is available for international payments. The school cannot accept payments or transfers from banks or individuals on certain sanctions lists. Late payment and penalties - Reminders and late payments incur charges: the school may apply late payment interest (annualised rate 10% in accordance with Swiss law) and charge reminder fees; outstanding fees may lead to withholding of reports, certificates, or the student being prevented from returning until accounts are settled. A deposit is retained to cover unpaid supplementary expenses and will be reimbursed within 120 days after departure once accounts are settled. Notes on what the annual tuition covers and does not cover - Included in the published annual tuition for boarders: full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, certain textbooks and class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, school laundry (boarders), library/computer network access, sports and cultural activities, short local expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and scheduled airport transfers. - Not included: health and accident insurance (billed separately as a general fee), private lessons, elective external IB/Cambridge exam fees not in the curriculum, optional extracurricular clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, pocket money, personal expenses, and mandatory school trips where noted. Day student fees exclude items such as the ski pass, some day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance. (End of fees overview.) | 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 for ages 3 to 18. La Garenne has two campuses that are a five‑minute walk apart: the Primary/Middle School Campus (Chalet La Garenne for younger boarders and Chalet Beau Site for ages 11–13), plus the Millennium building (Early Years) and Academia (Years 4–9). The Secondary Campus, Le Roc, houses senior students near the Villars ski lift. La Garenne is a family‑run boarding and day school run by the Méan family for decades. | 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 — | Uniform requirement — |
|
Food options
|
Food options Students enjoy three meals a day with snacks, shared in dining areas supervised by staff. Catering is provided by Eldora, with meals cooked in our own kitchens to control quality and support local sourcing where possible. Special menus are available for celebrations, and there is a Cooking Club for students interested in food. | 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 La Garenne has a House System. Students join one of four Houses: Bouquetin (Alpine ibex), Buse (buzzard), Cerf (deer), and Lynx (mountain cat). Each House has an equal number of students of all ages and competes in events to earn points. Points are updated weekly and the end‑of‑year prize is a mystery reward; the House system fosters teamwork, cross‑age mentoring, and a sense of belonging. | House system — |
|
Governance and ownership
|
Governance and ownership La Garenne is a family‑run boarding and day school owned and operated by the Méan family for decades. | 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 The school follows an international curriculum across divisions. In Early Years, the EYFS framework is used; Primary School teaches the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In Secondary School, students undertake the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IGCSE, before choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD) in Years 12 and 13. French is compulsory and the French Language Diploma (DELF) is offered from Year 5 with a 100% pass rate among the youngest participants in Vaud. Cambridge English Qualifications provide a CEFR-aligned pathway from A1 to C2. Small class sizes and personalised learning support students, and a Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance. | 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 Small class sizes. | Student teacher ratio — |
|
Exam results
|
Exam results DELF is offered from Year 5 onward. The school reports that DELF participants are among the youngest in the canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% pass rate. | Exam results — |
|
Higher education progression
|
Higher education progression From early in Secondary School, Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance. University Guidance Specialists assist with programme selection, university applications, personal statements, and interview preparation. They support admissions to universities worldwide, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. | 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 Social and emotional development is integrated into La Garenne's approach. Students grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically as part of their education. Outdoor Forest School activities build confidence and resilience, and the House System and pastoral staff support belonging and personal growth. | 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 team includes a psychologist and special needs and disability specialists to support students with additional needs. | Special educational needs (SEN) — |
|
English as an additional language
|
English as an additional language Intensive English Programme provides focused English support for students who need it, with the aim of reaching at least B1. The programme offers tailored short-term English development, potentially postponing other subjects as needed. | 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 Well-being is a central focus. In-school counselling is available to all students, with a confidential service led by a team that includes a psychologist. Regular training in child, teenager, and young adult psychology and well-being supports staff in safeguarding students' mental health. | 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 La Garenne maintains a safeguarding policy with a child-centred, coordinated approach. All staff understand safeguarding responsibilities; new staff undergo enhanced pre-employment checks; the policy is reviewed annually. Safety and reporting concerns are reinforced through PSHE, E-Safety, and assemblies. | Safeguarding — |
|
Safeguarding policy
|
Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
|
Facilities overview
|
Facilities overview Boarding life is housed across Chalet La Garenne for younger students, Beau Site for middle school, and Le Roc for older students. Chalet La Garenne is a Swiss chalet with playgrounds, indoor learning spaces, and large lounges. Beau Site offers a vast outdoor playground, a music room, an art room, a game room, two living rooms, a Bubble Lounge, and reading facilities. Le Roc provides bright classrooms with modern technology, a multilingual library, a dance and music studio, a spacious dining room, and comfortable social areas, with separate floors for boys and girls. Outdoor learning is integrated through Forest School activities, with sports, hikes, and winter ski lessons shaping a hands-on, nature-connected culture. | 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 Beau Site supports a wide Activities and Sports programme, with options such as swimming, football, horse riding, boxing, skiing, or golf. In addition to sports, students join music, art, theatre, or dance clubs. Le Roc features a fully equipped gym and bright classrooms. Outdoor spaces and proximity to the Villars ski area facilitate skiing and other winter sports. Every student is enrolled in at least two extracurricular activities and sports. | Sports facilities — |
|
Academic facilities
|
Academic facilities Le Roc provides bright classrooms with modern technology and a multilingual library. A dance and music studio is available to support performing arts. A spacious dining room and other social areas support daily life and learning. Facilities are designed to support contemporary teaching across the senior school. | 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 Every student is enrolled in at least two extracurricular activities and sports. Options include swimming, football, horse riding, boxing, skiing, and golf. The school also offers music, visual arts, performing arts, theatre, and dance clubs. Weekend trips and educational expeditions broaden horizons with cultural visits and hands-on projects. | 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 La Garenne International School was founded in 1947 as a home for children in the Swiss Alps near Villars-sur-Ollon. From ages 4 to 18, it serves boarding and day students, guided by the Méan family leadership. Grégory Méan is General Director, Céline Méan works in HR, Gavin Williams is Principal, and Danielle Allard heads the Primary School. Milestones include La Garenne's 70th anniversary in 2017 and the 75th anniversary in 2022; Le Roc and the IB Programme were introduced in 2019; Chalet Beau Site opened in 2015 and Chalet Académia opened in 2012; two plots were purchased in 2010; and a new sports centre was announced for 2025 to celebrate the 80th birthday in 2027. | 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 La Garenne has an international community with over 40 nationalities. The boarding community focuses on care and belonging, supported by House Parents in each house and a four-house system that fosters mentorship and teamwork. Mealtimes are shared in dining areas and celebrations mark cultural diversity with festive meals. Educational trips take students to destinations across Asia, Africa, America and Europe to broaden learning. | 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 The school's early years are guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Primary School follows the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In Secondary, La Garenne offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9, followed by IGCSE in Years 10–11, and a choice between the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD) in Years 12–13. Personalised learning uses baseline assessments to tailor each student's programme, with Intensive English support and language qualifications such as DELF and Cambridge English. | 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 Specialist teachers lead engaging lessons in French, Art, Music and Sport in the Primary years. Expressive Arts and Design are part of the EYFS seven learning areas. A hands-on film-making class gives students opportunities to act, direct, and produce short films, which are shared with the school community. | 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 La Garenne is located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, providing immersion in French language in a natural setting. French is compulsory for every student until age 16 and plays a central role in daily life at school and in the community. The school is officially certified to offer the DELF/DALF language diplomas, and Cambridge English Qualifications are available along a CEFR-aligned path. | Cultural & language Language Day Classes are offered in French and English. An International Camp and Language Courses program is available. |
|
Social & hobbies
|
Social & hobbies Every student participates in at least two extracurricular activities, with options in sports and the arts. A hands-on film-making class is available, letting students act, produce and direct short films to share on the school YouTube channel. Model United Nations courses and events develop public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking. The school also offers dog-walking with friendly dogs in the alpine setting and activities like Homework Club. | 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 — | Community & service Social service is included as part of extracurricular activities. |
|
Leadership & professional
|
Leadership & professional After completing IGCSE, students choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the High School Diploma (HSD). The IBDP includes core components such as Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge. The school provides Higher Education and Futures support with University Guidance Specialists to assist with university applications in Europe, the UK, the USA and beyond. | 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 Forest School outdoor learning is integral from the early years, with regular outdoor lessons in the Alpine environment. The programme uses outdoor experiences year-round to build confidence, resilience and a connection with nature. Expeditions include mountain hikes, rafting, cave exploration, and visits to mines, many of which are curriculum-linked. The Ski Academy and other alpine activities provide opportunities for physical activity and wellness. | 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 English is the main language of instruction. The Primary curriculum follows ENC and IPC. French language study leads to DELF certification. Students typically develop proficiency in multiple languages, including French. | 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 English is the main language of instruction. French language study is offered and leads to DELF certification. The Primary School follows the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Many La Garenne graduates speak multiple languages, including French. | 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 — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
|
Awards
|
Awards — | Awards — |
|
Accreditations
|
Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
|
Admissions
|
Admissions 4 Easy Steps to Apply: 1. Contact our Admissions Team to start the process. 2. Complete the admissions form and send us all the necessary documents. 3. After a positive evaluation, you will receive an offer to be accepted. 4. Formally accept the offer and fulfil all the financial obligations. Fees and costs: Application fee CHF 1'800. Full-Year Boarding CHF 85'000 to CHF 129'000. Full-Year Day School CHF 47'000 to CHF 94'000. Local Students CHF 19'800. Enquiries: The Admissions Team will support and guide you through every step of the process via the enquiry form and contact channels. Scholarships: The school does not offer scholarships. | 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 The school does not offer scholarships. | 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 — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
Comparing more schools, or want notes and ratings of your own? Build your own compare board.