Léman International Academy vs Montessori Rive Gauche

	L Léman International Academy Geneva, Switzerland	M Montessori Rive Gauche Geneva, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 16,500 - 16,950	Fees / year CHF 15,700 - 20,700
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 3 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 38	Pupils 110
Typical class size	Typical class size 9	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 2010	Opened 2011
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Geneva, Switzerland. Léman International Academy is located on the left bank near Route de la Capite, at 120 Route de la Capite inside the Institut Biblique de Genève (IBG) complex. It is accessible by public transport, next to the Rippaz bus stop on line A, with additional stops on lines 33 (Rive ↔ Présinge) and 38 (Hermance-Village ↔ Place Favre) within about a 10-minute walk at the Vandoeuvres stop. Parking is available for visitors. The school is permanently closed.	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.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Mixed-age classrooms for 3-6 y.o., 6-9 y.o., and 9-12 y.o.
School type	School type The school is a bilingual Christian school.	School type Private Montessori school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are on site to support pupils.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	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).
Bus service details	Bus service details School transportation can be organised from the right bank on request.	Bus service details Bus line G stops in front of the school (Petray stop).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Status - Léman International Academy is permanently closed and is not enrolling students. Application / Registration fee - Registration fee (first year only): CHF 400. Offered for definite enrollments by the stated enrollment deadline. Tuition fees by year group (published schedules) - Pre‑K to Grade 6 (full time): CHF 16,250 per year. Stated equivalent: CHF 1,625 per month (amount shown as a 10‑month billing basis). - Grades 7 & 8: CHF 16,700 per year. Stated equivalent: CHF 1,670 per month (amount shown as a 10‑month billing basis). - Part‑time Pre‑K: fee listed as available on request (no fixed amount published). Other mandatory or recurring school charges - Paper / books: - Pre‑K to Kindergarten: CHF 180 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 6: CHF 250 per year (paper supply and book fee). - Grade 7 & Grade 8: CHF 220 per year (paper supply and book fee). - School outings (day trips, no overnight): - Pre‑K to Kindergarten: CHF 80 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 6: CHF 100 per year. - Grades 7 & 8: CHF 100 per year. - Lunch / break supervision: - Break supervision: CHF 130 per month (10 months). - Break supervision + meals: CHF 230 per month (10 months). - Additional lunch (occasional): CHF 14 (picnic lunch) or CHF 22 (school meals). Optional / after‑school and ancillary service fees - Early morning supervision (regular): CHF 100 per month (10 months). Occasional early morning supervision: CHF 10 per day. - After‑school supervision / activities (monthly regular rates; per child): - From 15:45 to 16:45: 1×/week CHF 38; 2×/week CHF 75; 3×/week CHF 113; 4×/week CHF 150 (monthly; 10 months). - From 15:45 to 17:45: 1×/week CHF 75; 2×/week CHF 150; 3×/week CHF 225; 4×/week CHF 300 (monthly; 10 months). - Occasional after‑school supervision (per day): until 16:45 CHF 15; until 17:45 CHF 30. - Shuttle / transport service: fee stated as variable and charged based on users; no fixed tariff published. - Family discounts on ancillary services: families enrolling three or more children receive a 20% discount on these services. Sibling discounts (tuition) - Second child: 15% discount on yearly tuition. - Third child: 30% discount on yearly tuition. - Fourth child: 50% discount on yearly tuition. - Sibling discounts do not apply when an employer or another institution is paying the school fees. Billing schedule and payment terms (as published in fee schedules) - Published tuition figures are presented as annual amounts with an equivalent monthly figure based on a 10‑month billing basis. - Enrollment required a signed financial contract and a down payment on tuition by the stated enrollment deadline (example provided: down payment due by March 31 prior to the school year). Specific deadlines were tied to the enrollment year shown on each published schedule. Boarding - No boarding program or boarding fees are listed in the published fee schedules; listed charges relate only to day‑school services (meals, supervision, after‑school activities, transport). No boarding tariffs are published. Refund information - The published fee tables and enrollment forms include the requirement for a signed financial contract and a tuition down payment but do not contain an explicit, detailed refund or cancellation policy in the fee documents located with the schedules. No specific refundable/non‑refundable breakdown for the registration fee or down payment is published in those fee tables. Fee payment options - The fee schedules and enrollment forms that list amounts and deadlines do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee tables. No payment‑method details are listed in the fee documents located with the schedules. Summary of what is available - The most recent published fee tables available for the school list registration, annual tuition (with a 10‑month equivalent), supply and outing fees, meal/supervision rates, after‑school service rates, shuttle as variable, sibling discounts, and published enrollment deadlines requiring a contract and down payment. However, Léman International Academy is now stated as permanently closed and is not enrolling; the published fee schedules remain the only available numeric fee detail in the school's public materials.	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
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is taken at the school.
House system	House system —	House system The school is spread over four houses.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a member school of instruire.ch and is permanently closed.	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
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The program is based on the Swiss PER (Plan d'Étude Romand) and the North American program (Common Core USA). French-language subjects (French language, mathematics in French and other subjects) follow the PER but use French textbooks. English-language subjects (English, mathematics in English and other subjects) follow the North American program but use British textbooks. German is taught from age 7 as required by the Swiss curriculum. Computer science is taught to all students and used as a learning tool by the end of primary. History and geography are adapted to an international audience. A weekly Bible time introduces biblical knowledge and values, and the program integrates a biblical worldview with opportunities for outdoor learning and cross-disciplinary exploration.	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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression At the end of primary schooling, students can move toward the Geneva cycle d'orientation, an international curriculum, or an anglophone or bilingual (English/French) secondary school.	Higher education progression —
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 The school prioritises the individual and holistic development of each student, focusing on character and social skills to help students manage their own emotions. The approach seeks to involve students as vital members of the school community. The teaching staff recognise progress, offer next steps, and support each student's growth. The school takes a holistic view of intellect, emotions, and spirit functioning in harmony. The environment is safe, encouraging, and supportive of personal growth.	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.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A new student will typically be placed in the group corresponding to their age. However, if necessary for the child's well-being, the school may place them in the group best suited to their academic abilities and maturity.	Special educational needs (SEN) On-site therapists (psychologist and occupational therapist) are available to support children's needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language A dominant and partner languages concept guides instruction, offering each child the appropriate level of French and English. A new student is typically placed in the age-appropriate group, but for the child's well-being the school may place them in the group best suited to their abilities and maturity.	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.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The pedagogy seeks the overall healthy development of the child, emphasizing strong character and social skills that enable a child to manage their own emotions. The entire faculty is committed to ensuring every student participates as a vital member of the school community. The school considers each child from a holistic perspective, aiming for harmony between intellect, emotions, and spirit.	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.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Léman International Academy is located in a park-like setting near downtown Geneva. The campus is easily accessible by car and parking is available for parents. Bus A stops in front of the Rippaz school stop. Students have a pleasant outdoor area for recess, and school events are held in the hall adjacent to LIA.	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.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus has a grassy football pitch for outdoor sport. From November to April, during the winter season, the gymnasium of the commune of Vandoeuvres is rented to provide space for gymnastics and team sports such as basketball and badminton. Quality sporting equipment is available all year round.	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.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Students have access to high-performance IT equipment, including All-In-One stations and laptops. Older students with classroom computers learn to master search engines, word processing, and document management. Computers are used as a supplementary teaching tool to support learning.	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.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Recreational activities vary by season and include leaf pile contests, sledding, sandpits, igloo building, football, and table tennis. School events take place in the hall adjacent to LIA.	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
History	History Opened in September 2010. The school opened with TeachBeyond authorization by the Department of Public Instruction. Rachel Sanchez joined LIA in 2010 right at the start of the project. The school describes itself as a bilingual Christian school in Geneva. Léman International Academy is now permanently closed.	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.
Community	Community Small class sizes and a family-like school community create a safe, encouraging environment. The campus features park-like landscaping and bright classrooms that foster a sense of belonging. The schedule includes class hours, break times, and extracurricular activities. Articles and events reflect ongoing community engagement and reflections.	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.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	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.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	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.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	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.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	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.
Community & service	Community & service —	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.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	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
Language provision	Language provision The school is a bilingual institution in Geneva, Switzerland.	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.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers immersive bilingual education.	Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual in French and English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Immersion in a bilingual environment is part of instruction.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	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.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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