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École Riviera

Switzerland, Lausanne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees CHF 9,600 - 20,800
Ages 0 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 130
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Reggio Emilia Approach, Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, German, Italian, Latin
Typical class size 12
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

École Riviera is a bilingual day school in Montreux, founded in 2002. It delivers the Swiss curriculum in French and English for pupils from 3 months to 16 years, with tailored support and rigorous progress tracking. From pre-school to Secondary, it offers increasing bilingual immersion and, from Year 5, German in Primary and a bilingual Secondary with the 11th year preparing students for the baccalaureate and Cambridge English and Goethe German Examinations. The school provides a secure environment and supervision. Facilities include a library, interactive whiteboards in every classroom, classroom computers, an art and crafts room, a music and theatre room, a canteen and a playground; older pupils use mobile devices. Sports take place in external halls; swimming is at the local pool; outdoor fields are used when possible. An extracurricular program runs from Kindergarten to Year 11, including academic, arts, and cultural/language clubs, after-school care, and clubs.

Av. des Planches 25, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

The Essentials

École Riviera has 130 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in French, English.

Location

Montreux, Switzerland (centre of Montreux, in the canton of Vaud)

Stages

Nursery (creche La Marelle) through 11th grade (ages 3 months to 16 years); Maternelle, Classe enfantine, Classe primaire, Classe secondaire

Type

Private bilingual day school (French/English)

Additional learning support

Individualized support tailored to each student's needs
Diving Deeper

Food Options

Meals are provided through the local catering service, offering balanced daily meals for students and staff, with a daily salad buffet and bread; in winter, soup is offered two days a week and a fruit basket is always available after meals. A vegetarian option, pork-free option, and gluten-free option are available on request at enrollment. For allergy-related dietary needs, a medical certificate is required and a meeting with parents is arranged to discuss how best to meet the needs.

Governance and Ownership

École Riviera was founded in 2002 and is located in the centre of Montreux. The school is led by a Director.
Fees

Annual tuition at École Riviera ranges from CHF 9,600 to CHF 20,800 for 2026/27.

Registration / Application fee

- Administrative (registration) fee: CHF 490, billed once and non‑refundable. Payment of this fee secures the pupil's place and must be paid to the school bank account (IBAN: CH38 0076 7000 Z549 8365 4).

Tuition fees (annual amounts) and equivalent per‑term / per‑installment figures

Note on billing formats used by the school: parents may choose monthly, quarterly (three instalments) or annual billing. Annual payments are eligible for a 2% discount; monthly invoices are issued in 10 instalments (11 instalments for Maternelle/Preschool). Per‑term amounts below use the quarterly option (annual ÷ 3). Per‑month amounts use the stated number of instalments.

- Preschool (3–4 years), full time (Mon–Fri 07:30–12:00 / 14:00–16:00):
- Annual: CHF 20,800.
- Per term (quarterly / three instalments): CHF 6,933.33.
- Per instalment if billed monthly in 11 instalments (Maternelle): CHF 1,890.91.

- Preschool 2‑days minimum per week (same hours):
- Annual: CHF 9,600.
- Per term: CHF 3,200.
- Per instalment if billed in 11 instalments: CHF 872.73.

- Additional half‑day (Preschool):
- Morning half‑day (07:30–12:00): CHF 2,800 per year (per term CHF 933.33).
- Afternoon half‑day (14:00–16:00): CHF 1,600 per year (per term CHF 533.33).

- Year 1–2 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30):
- Annual: CHF 16,200. Per term: CHF 5,400. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,620.

- Year 3–4 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30):
- Annual: CHF 16,900. Per term: CHF 5,633.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,690.

- Year 5–6 (full time 08:25–12:15 / 13:15–15:30):
- Annual: CHF 17,500. Per term: CHF 5,833.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,750.

- Year 7–8 (full time 08:10–12:45 / 13:45–15:30):
- Annual: CHF 18,400. Per term: CHF 6,133.33. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,840.

- Year 9–11 (full time 08:10–12:45 / 13:45–15:30):
- Annual: CHF 18,800. Per term: CHF 6,266.67. Per month (10 instalments): CHF 1,880.

Optional / additional annual fees and one‑off charges

- Afternoon care (1× per week, 16:00–18:00): CHF 600 per year.
- Hot meal and care (1× per week, 12:00–14:00): CHF 600 per year.
- Morning care (from Year 1) (1× per week, 07:30–08:25): CHF 200 per year.
- Midday meal and supervision (1× per week): CHF 600 per year.
- Supervised homework (from Year 3) (1× per week 15:45–17:00): CHF 600 per year.
- Wednesday afternoon with meal (38 weeks, 13:00–18:00): CHF 1,800 per year.
- School transport (morning and evening, 5 days/week):
- Zone 1 (≤ 5 km): CHF 1,300 per year.
- Zone 2 (≤ 10 km): CHF 1,900 per year.
- Zone 3 (> 10 km): CHF 2,600 per year.

- Cambridge exam registration fees (one‑off): PET CHF 190; KET CHF 290; B2 CHF 405.

- Per‑use one‑off charges (examples shown):
- Wednesday afternoon per session (13:00–18:00): CHF 65.
- Morning care per morning (07:30–08:15): CHF 10.
- Afternoon care per afternoon (15:40–18:00): CHF 20.
- One‑off meal with supervision per meal (11:45–13:45): CHF 20.
- Holiday care (Year 1 and 2) per day with meal (07:45–18:00): CHF 100.

What is included and what is billed separately

- Tuition is billed as an "all‑inclusive" fee: school supplies and compulsory excursions are included in the annual tuition. Parents are, however, required to provide a small list of personal items (examples: apron and slippers for Maternelle; basic stationery and calculator/geometry set for older pupils).

- Items billed separately include exam registration fees, clubs and extra support classes, language‑for‑beginners classes, and one‑off options and per‑use services (meals, childcare when used one‑time).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing options: monthly, quarterly (three instalments) or annual. The chosen invoicing frequency must be indicated on the registration form. Annual payments receive a 2% discount if paid within 30 days of the invoice date. If the annual payment term is not respected, the school may cancel the discount and switch to quarterly invoicing. Late payment reminders: first reminder free; after the second reminder a CHF 50 processing fee is added.

Sibling and sponsorship discounts

- Sibling discount: 10% discount on the total school fees for two enrolled children; 35% discount for three or more enrolled children.

- Sponsorship discount: a family already enrolled who sponsors a new student (named on the registration) and the new family each receive a 10% discount valid for 12 months.

Withdrawal and refund rules

- The registration/administrative fee (CHF 490) is non‑refundable. Withdrawal rules and charges are applied as follows and must be sent by registered letter (post stamp is evidence):
- Withdrawal before 30 March (prior to the school year): no charge.
- Withdrawal between 1 April and 30 June: one month of tuition is due.
- Withdrawal between 1 July and the first day of school: two months of tuition are due.
- Any withdrawal during the school year requires two months' notice to take effect at the end of the current quarterly billing period; deadlines for termly billing are specified (e.g., for the first billing trimester, notice by 31 October for termination effective 31 December). No refund is made for non‑participation in mandatory activities or excursions. Specific expulsion/contract‑termination scenarios carry other invoicing rules as set out in the general terms.

Boarding

- The school operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision listed among the school's services. Transport is offered as a day‑service option for commuting pupils.

Fee payment methods and invoicing details

- Bank transfer: invoices and the registration fee are payable to the school bank account (Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, IBAN CH38 0076 7000 Z549 8365 4). Payment is expected by the dates shown on the payment slips. Annual payment must be made within 30 days to qualify for the 2% discount. The school issues invoices and payment slips according to the chosen billing frequency. No explicit public listing of credit‑card acceptance is provided in the school's terms and invoicing documentation.

Other practical notes on fees

- Mandatory activities (recreational, cultural, sporting outings, ski camp) are covered by the all‑inclusive tuition; there is no refund for non‑participation. Parents remain responsible for personal items (pocket money, picnic, optional sports equipment). Specific optional activities, clubs and exam registration fees are charged in addition to tuition. Late refunds or discounts are governed by the withdrawal and billing rules above.
Academics

École Riviera teaches Reggio Emilia Approach, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 0 to 16.

Curriculum

Ecole Riviera is in Montreux and was founded in 2002. It offers bilingual French-English teaching with the benefits of an international education for ages 3 months to 16 years. Progress is tracked rigorously and each pupil receives tailored support. Pre-School is a French-English bilingual program with development across language, numeracy, environment, art and physical development. Infant School uses a 50/50 bilingual program with immersion to support language acquisition. Primary School teaches in French and English, adds German from Year 5, and provides a modern computer room and study trips; Secondary School is bilingual, with the 11th year preparing for the baccalaureate and Cambridge English and Goethe German Examinations.

Exam Results

11th Year prepares pupils for the baccalaureate examinations, with a pass rate of 90-100%. Language qualifications are pursued through Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations. Regular learning assessments monitor progress in a bilingual curriculum.

Higher Education Progression

11th Year is the gateway to baccalaureate and higher education. It prepares students to continue their studies in university and higher education institutions. Language qualifications support progression, including Cambridge English and Goethe German examinations.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

École Riviera provides a rounded intellectual, physical, emotional and social education and works with parents and partners to develop the whole child. Pupils are encouraged to develop self‑confidence, independence and personal relationships with family, peers and teachers, and to treat others with respect. The curriculum deliberately supports empathy, responsibility and social skills, including building positive relationships and a secure learning environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. The school emphasises the development of human qualities alongside academic knowledge, and small class sizes help foster harmonious relationships within the school community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Infant School offers individualised teaching and personalised monitoring for every pupil. Primary School provides remedial courses in small groups for mathematics, French and English to support progress and learning needs. The school emphasises targeted support to help pupils progress at their own pace within a bilingual program and broader curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

A bilingual French‑English programme runs from early years. Pre‑School is French‑English bilingual; Infant School provides 50% of lessons in French and 50% in English; Primary School teaches in French and English with German introduced from Year 5. The Riviera Advantage highlights a bilingual curriculum and German as a third language; Secondary School offers language qualifications and prepares pupils for Cambridge English and Goethe German examinations.

Mental Wellbeing

The school places well-being at the center of learning through a safe, secure environment and supportive relationships. Values and philosophy emphasise emotional and social development, self‑confidence, respect for others and empathy, and learning themes in the early years include personal, social and emotional development to foster autonomy and enjoyment of learning.

Safeguarding

École Riviera is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. Staff undergo safeguarding and related checks as part of ensuring a safe and secure school environment.
Parent Experience

History

Founded in 2002, École Riviera is located in the heart of Montreux. It offers bilingual French/English instruction as an alternative to the public Vaud school while combining the benefits of international schooling. Admissions are open to students of all nationalities, cultures and religions throughout the year. Through La Marelle nursery, the kindergarten, and the classes from the 1st to the 11th year, the school provides education from 3 months to 16 years, with age-appropriate supervision at each stage.

Community

It serves children from 3 to 16 years old. Riviera Advantage states that the school is dedicated to inspiring individual growth, academic excellence and global citizenship. It integrates international students, offers a bilingual curriculum, and supports an easy transition. German is taught as a third language and the learning approach is Reggio Emilia-inspired. It maintains a safe, secure and intimate family atmosphere, and the small size fosters harmonious relationships between pupils and their families. The faculty are highly qualified to guide balanced development and the curriculum emphasizes life skills, respect and empathy as well as academics.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

From age 3, pupils begin the bilingual program. The school provides a secure environment tailored to pupils' needs. Pupils have access to the library, classroom computers, an art and crafts room, a music and theatre room, a school canteen, and a well-equipped playground. All classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard, and older pupils use mobile computing devices.

Sports Facilities

Sports activities take place in external sports halls. The swimming lessons take place at the local swimming pool in Montreux. When the weather is suitable, sports lessons take place on outdoor sports fields. Pupils take the school bus for sports lessons outside of the grounds.

Academic Facilities

The school library is available to pupils. Classroom computers are provided throughout the school. All classrooms are equipped with an interactive whiteboard. Older pupils use mobile computing devices as part of learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers a rich and varied extracurricular program for all pupils from kindergarten to 8th grade. Pupils have opportunities to develop artistic talents, social skills, and physical abilities while enjoying activities organized by qualified teachers in a warm environment. After‑school care, supervised homework, meals, and clubs are optional and can be tailored to each childs interests and family schedules. The program is organized for Kindergarten, Infant class, Primary class, and Secondary class, with clubs available across year groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

An added, varied programme of extra-curricular activities is offered to all students, from Infant School to Year 11. Students have the opportunity and time to develop their intellectual skills through activities organised by qualified teachers. The activities also support students' artistic and social development, enriching learning beyond the classroom. Participation is voluntary and flexible, matching each child's interests and family schedule.

Arts & Creative

Students have opportunities to develop artistic talents through activities organized by qualified teachers. The programme nurtures creativity within a warm and supportive environment. Participation is optional and can be tailored to each child's interests.

Cultural & Language

The Riviera Advantage emphasizes global citizenship. The bilingual curriculum and integration of international students support language development and cultural awareness.

Social & Hobbies

Students have opportunities to develop social skills through activities organized by qualified teachers. The programme fosters collaboration and social engagement through clubs and group activities. Participation in after-school activities is designed to be socially enriching.
Languages

Language Provision

French and English are taught as core languages through a bilingual program from pre-school onward. German is taught in the Y9–Y11 years, with Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations prepared. Italian is optional in Y9–Y11. From primary level, language qualifications are available in English and German.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers bilingual French-English teaching across the age range. The Pre-School is a French-English bilingual programme for children aged 3–4. In the Infant School, 50% of lessons are taught in French and 50% in English, with one day in one language and the next day in the other. Language qualifications in English and German are available from primary level, including Cambridge English Examinations and Goethe German Examinations.

Immersion Programs

Immersion is a key method for language learning at École Riviera. In the Infant School, 50% of lessons are in French and 50% in English, with daily language switching. The Pre-School is a French-English bilingual programme. Immersion is described as one of the keys to success in learning a foreign language.
Admissions

Admissions

1. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Complete the form to book a visit. The form asks for name and family name, e-mail, contact number, name and family name of your child, date of birth, and current school and grade. Options include 'Book a visit', 'Contact me', or 'Other request'. Please read and accept the privacy policy; you may choose to be kept up to date on the latest news.

2. ADMISSIONS PROCESS. Fill out and submit the Riviera or Blancpain application after reading the General Terms and Conditions. Attach copies of a recent passport photo; a copy of the pupil's identity card or passport; a copy of health/accident insurance; and the previous year's school report. The school secretary will confirm receipt of the documents and the pupil will be placed on the list of applicants. The inscription is reserved upon reception of the admission fees; the tuition invoice will follow your payment within one week and will serve as confirmation.
School Events
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