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International School Lausanne

Switzerland, Lausanne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CHF 28,200 - 38,990
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 900
Type Co-educational
Opened 1962
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School Lausanne (ISL) is a not-for-profit IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, alongside an American curriculum. The school serves students aged 3 to 18 on a campus of four buildings, set close to nature yet near the city. PYP develops the whole child through inquiry, international-mindedness and personal values; MYP builds knowledge, attitudes and skills for a changing world; DP provides breadth and depth for higher education. A CASEL-based well-being curriculum supports social and emotional development. The campus features a 400-seat auditorium for music and drama, three gym halls, four tennis courts, an Astroturf pitch, a maker space and a recording studio. The After-School Activities programme offers over 125 activities, with more than 80% of students participating weekly. ISL also pursues service learning and Duke of Edinburgh programs, and collaborates with EPFL, along with a range of clubs.

Chem. de la Grangette 2, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland

The Essentials

International School Lausanne has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English, French.

Location
The International School of Lausanne is located at Chemin de la Grangette 2, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus sits in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne just north of Lausanne. A TL Route 18 bus stop is directly in front of the school, linking to Lausanne city centre, with connections from Lausanne-Riponne and other stops along the route. The school also operates a daily external bus service with stops chosen for safety and convenience.

Stages
Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).

Type
The school is not-for-profit and an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Additional learning support
Student Support Services coordinate learning support to meet individual needs. Types of support include Progress Plans, Individualised Education Plans, and 1:1 support, with well-being counselling. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps students developing English language skills.

Bus service
ISL uses external bus companies to operate a daily bus service for Reception 4 to Year 13; the service is not door-to-door; stops are chosen for safety, location, and convenience. Public transport is also available, with a TL Route 18 bus stop directly in front of the school linking to Lausanne city centre. Transport inquiries: transport@isl.ch; School Bus Service document available.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
There is no school uniform. Students dress in their own style.

Food Options
Students can bring packed lunches or have optional hot meals provided by Eldora. The secondary school uses a cafeteria card to purchase from three menus—Vitality, Escale, and Natura/Mediterraneo—with a vegetarian option and a salad buffet; a take-away South Building Café is available for Years 12 and 13.

Governance and Ownership
The ISL Board, composed of eight to twelve members representing the community, acts as the guardian of the School and monitors its progress in fulfilling its mission. The Board and the School Director work in partnership to set policies and ensure the necessary conditions for ISL's aims.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Lausanne ranges from CHF 28,200 to CHF 38,990 for 2026/27.

Application / Acceptance fees

- There is no application fee. A one-off, non-refundable acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 is payable at the time a place is confirmed for students entering Year 1 to Year 13. Students entering Reception 3 or Reception 4 are not charged this acceptance fee.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term) — academic year 2025/2026

Notes: ISL invoices tuition per term (three terms per academic year) and, except for Reception 3 where fees are paid monthly, the standard payment pattern is termly. The per-term figures shown below are the annual fee divided by three and are presented to two decimal places. The amounts are shown in Swiss francs (CHF).

- Reception 3 (Early Childhood): fees are paid monthly; programme options vary by number of sessions per week (monthly and annual rates vary with the chosen weekly sessions). (See Billing schedule and Reception 3 note below for payment timing.).

- Reception 4 (equivalent to full-time kindergarten): Annual CHF 28,200 — Per term CHF 9,400.00.

- Year 1 to Year 5: Annual CHF 29,010 — Per term CHF 9,670.00.

- Year 6 to Year 8: Annual CHF 33,290 — Per term CHF 11,096.67.

- Year 9 to Year 10: Annual CHF 36,190 — Per term CHF 12,063.33.

- Year 11 to Year 13: Annual CHF 38,990 — Per term CHF 12,996.67.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard invoicing and due dates: Autumn term (August–December) is invoiced in June and payable in August; Winter term (January–March) is invoiced in November and payable in December; Spring term (April–June) is invoiced in February and payable in March. For students in Reception 3, fees are payable monthly from September to June. Optional services (transportation, meals, private lessons, optional trips) are invoiced separately each term a few weeks after mandatory fees.

- Initial payments: when a place is offered prior to 31 March, the acceptance fee (if applicable) and the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees must be paid within ten working days to secure the place; if the offer is made after 31 March the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees are due within ten working days of the offer. Invoices are generally payable within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice.

Boarding fees

- ISL operates as a day school; boarding provision is not applicable.

Other academic-related costs and optional services

- Curriculum-related and other academic-related fees vary by year group and by term. Typical additional academic-related charges (field trips, curriculum visits, ski/ice-skating programmes, course-related visits) can range from CHF 0 up to approximately CHF 2,500 per school year depending on year group and activities. Specific components such as transport, school meals, private lessons, and optional school trips are invoiced separately on a term-by-term basis. The school's published schedule of other academic-related fees gives detailed term-by-term examples by year group.

- Uniforms and school-shop items: ISL does not require a compulsory uniform; purchases from the school shop or recommended items are optional and would be charged separately if bought.

Discounts

- Sibling discount: 5% for the third child, 10% for the fourth child, and 15% for the fifth child and above. Discounts are applied in descending order by year level.

- Annual upfront payment discount: Families invoiced directly by the school who pay the full annual tuition before the start of the academic year receive a 1.5% discount on the full annual tuition. Employer-sponsored invoicing arrangements are supported where a company signs an agreement to be invoiced directly.

Refund and withdrawal (key points)

- Acceptance fee: non-refundable.

- New enrolments cancelled before the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for a term: only the acceptance fee is due. If cancellation occurs after the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for the relevant term, tuition and other academic-related fees for that term become payable in full. The school publishes explicit notification deadlines by term (for example: to leave at the end of the Autumn term, notification must be received by 30 September; to leave at the end of the Winter term, notification must be received by 15 January; to leave at the end of the school year, notification must be received by 31 March). Fees for a term that has started are payable in full. Temporary withdrawal rules and conditions for holding a place are set out in the school's terms and conditions.

Fee payment options and invoicing details

- Initial enrolment payments (acceptance fee and first term fees) are to be paid by bank transfer using the school's provided banking details. Invoices for subsequent fees are issued termly and are payable within the stated invoice terms (generally within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice). Employer-sponsored invoicing is available under specific agreement. Optional service charges such as transport or meals are invoiced separately at the beginning of each term.

Summary (practical points for parents)

- Expect a one-off acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 on confirmation of a place for Year 1–13 students; Reception 3 and Reception 4 are exempt from that acceptance fee.

- Annual tuition by year group (2025/26): Reception 4 CHF 28,200; Years 1–5 CHF 29,010; Years 6–8 CHF 33,290; Years 9–10 CHF 36,190; Years 11–13 CHF 38,990 — with standard termly billing (one third of the annual amount) except Reception 3 (monthly).

- Additional academic-related charges and optional services (transport, meals, trips, private lessons) are invoiced separately by term and can add up to a few thousand francs depending on year group and participation.

(End of fees overview)
Academics

International School Lausanne teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The International School Lausanne is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). A CASEL-based well-being curriculum supports students' social and emotional development. PYP serves ages 3–11, emphasizing developing the whole child as an inquirer and fostering international-mindedness and personal values. MYP serves ages 11–16, helping students build knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills to participate actively in a changing world. DP serves ages 16–18, providing a broad range of subjects with depth to prepare for higher education.

Exam Results
IB Diploma results for the Class of 2025 show an average score of 35.7 out of 45. 99% of graduates obtained the IB Diploma. 24% scored 40–45 points, and 39% earned a bilingual Diploma. University destinations are listed for graduates pursuing higher education worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Counselling promotes holistic development and well-being for every student. The well-being programme is built on CASEL's five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. Counsellors work with classroom teachers, school leadership, and the Student Support Services team to identify and meet individual needs. The service includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions when needed, as well as regular classes focused on psychosocial development and awareness. The approach supports students to become confident, independent learners.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISL provides learning support for mild to mild-to-moderate needs through a progression that includes Progress Plan, Individualised Education Plan, and 1:1 support. These supports are planned from data collected by classroom teachers and, when needed, external evaluations, and are delivered by the Student Support Services Coordinator. Support is designed to enable independent learning and to allow students to participate in mainstream classes. Costs for 1:1 support are in addition to standard ISL fees.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support addresses the needs of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds who are developing interpersonal and academic English. The EAL department provides a range of direct and indirect support, including individual instruction, small-group instruction, in-class support, co-teaching with homeroom or subject-specific teachers, and provision of modifications to help students access the mainstream curriculum. The flexible programme allows support to be tailored to each student's needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselling supports mental well-being and personal growth for every student. The well-being programme includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions and regular classes on psychosocial development. It is grounded in CASEL's five competencies, and the well-being team collaborates with teachers, leadership, and other ISL specialists to address individual needs.

Safeguarding
Keeping children safe is the responsibility of the whole school community and safeguarding is woven into every aspect of school life. Designated Safeguarding Leads are in place across the school sections, supported by counsellors and nurses who respond to concerns. A confidential safeguarding reporting channel is available via a reporting form and directly to the designated leads. The school maintains safeguarding policies, documents, and access to external services as needed.
Parent Experience

History
The English School of Lausanne opened with seven students in the rehearsal rooms of the Municipal Theatre in 1962. The following year it was renamed The Commonwealth-American School. Within five years it grew to over 100 students from nine countries. The school was renamed the International School of Lausanne (ISL) in 1997. We now welcome close to 1,000 students.

Community
ISL is an IB World School with a diverse community of students and staff united by a commitment to well-being and innovative learning rooted in strong values. Core values include honesty, equity, self-control, respect, and care, and learners are encouraged to be knowledgeable, open-minded, caring, and courageous while building meaningful connections within a multicultural environment. The school offers programs that strengthen the community, including The Impact Hub, Student Support Services, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA is a very active and dynamic part of ISL life. The PTA has two main goals—welcoming new families, and enhancing the lines of communication within the school through its executive committee. It brings the community together through ongoing social and cultural events—coffee mornings, Lausanne city events, the yearly Spring Fair, and more. Parent clubs include hiking, netball, photography, and unihockey, and International Day is one of the PTA activities. The PTA has organised events such as Welcome Coffee, Back to School Brunch, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
One campus, four buildings. The campus is close to nature and the city and built to support student well-being. The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. A 400-seat auditorium is used for music and drama. The South building opened in 2015. The campus includes three gym halls, four tennis courts, a full-sized Astroturf football pitch, a basketball playground, and a fitness centre, plus a maker space and a recording studio.

Sports Facilities
There are three gym halls. There are four tennis courts. There is a full-sized Astroturf football pitch. There is a basketball playground. There is a fitness centre.

Academic Facilities
The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. An Early Childhood building is purpose-built for 3 to 5 year olds. A maker space supports hands-on learning. A recording studio supports music and media projects. The North building sits in nature and forms part of the school's state-of-the-art facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The After-School Activities (ASA) programme offers more than 125 activities to choose from, and more than 80% of students take part in at least one activity each week. Most activities are included in the school fees. The activity list includes art porcelain painting, chess club, coding, concert band, drama, robotics, beekeeping, football, tennis, cross country, netball, choir, and many more. The arts programme hosts student art and photography exhibitions and drama productions, with music practice rooms and ensembles such as concert band, choir, and string ensemble. The Impact Hub provides an innovation-focused space with projects and competitions such as the Earth Prize and collaborations with EPFL.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISL offers after-school activities that strengthen academic and intellectual growth. Debating, math, computer coding, robotics, and SciTech build analytical and problem-solving skills. Model United Nations provides opportunities for research, argumentation, and policy analysis. LAMDA and other language-informed activities support communication and presentation skills.

Arts & Creative
The arts program provides a large variety of arts activities and hosts student art and photography exhibitions each school year. Primary and secondary students perform drama productions such as The Jungle Book and Romeo and Juliet. A wide range of music is offered with practice rooms, concert band, choir, and string ensembles.

Cultural & Language
ISL offers language and culture-related activities in the after-school programme. Ateliers de cuisine / French provide French language cooking activities, and Knitting in French supports language practice. LAMDA is offered for language-based performance skills. Model United Nations fosters international understanding and cross-cultural communication.

Social & Hobbies
ISL's after-school activities include many social and hobby clubs: Chess club, Beekeeping, Comic book drawing, LEGO building, Life drawing, Mahjong, Film-making, Creative writing, Paper arts, Recording studio, Live band, and more. Debating and Model United Nations also provide forums for discussion and teamwork. There are 46 non-sport activities highlighted as part of the ASA.

Community & Service
ISL's service learning is central to a holistic education and connects curriculum to local and global initiatives. The program is guided by five Service Learning Pillars and supports partnerships with EVAM, Caritas, Cartons du Coeur, Cerebral, and La Soupe Populaire. Students can engage with advocacy groups such as the Gender Equity Group and the Eco Society. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award also includes a community service component.

Leadership & Professional
ISL supports leadership and professional development through student governance and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Student Council provides opportunities for student leadership and decision-making. The Award offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels with components including service, skills, physical recreation, and journeys.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ISL emphasizes wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The ASA offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities, and ISL competes in around 200 competitions annually. Activities include yoga, Pilates, indoor climbing, and other wellness offerings alongside team sports such as football, basketball, netball, and swimming.
Languages

Language Provision
ISL delivers instruction primarily in English. The Primary School offers a bilingual programme (Years 3–6) with co-teaching in English and French. French is taught across Early Childhood, Primary, and Middle Years, with 40% of Reception 4 to Year 2 spent in French integration. In the Middle Years Programme, Language Acquisition options include French, Spanish, or German, and Language and Literature is taught in English and French.

Bilingual Teaching
Two classroom teachers, speaking English and French, co-teach the Primary Years Programme through a Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach (CLIL). The bilingual programme is for Year 3 to Year 6.

Immersion Programs
Early Childhood immerses children into an English setting with daily French activities. Reception 3 class is bilingual. From Reception 4 to Year 2, students spend 40% of their time with a French teacher co-teaching with the homeroom teacher, developing French skills through core curriculum and French lessons. Each class will have at least seven hours of French integration per week.
Reputation

Accreditations
IB World School; NEASC accredited; CIS Accredited
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Start the process by submitting an inquiry or beginning an online application. The Admissions team provides guidance throughout the process. You can request to be contacted via an inquiry form, and you can return to an in-progress application via the Admissions portal at any time. There is no charge at the application stage.

Step 2: Gather all requested documents as outlined in the admissions materials. Useful documents include Age equivalence, Admissions policy, Terms and Conditions, FAQ Admissions, and the High School Profile; prepare copies and translations as needed. These materials cover the information you need to complete the application process.

Step 3: The next steps after we receive your application: Your child's application is added to our waiting list. The waiting list is used until a place becomes available, and you will be informed as soon as a space opens.

Step 4: As soon as a place becomes available you will be informed. The Admissions team will notify you when a space arises and you can proceed with the enrollment steps.

Step 5: Our principals will assess your child's application. The assessment determines eligibility for admission based on the program requirements and your child's profile.

Step 6: Upon successful assessment, an offer of a place will be made. If offered, you will be invited to proceed with enrollment steps and formalities.

Step 7: You will be asked to sign the enrollment contract and pay the acceptance and the first term's fees. This confirms the placement and initiates the payment obligations for enrollment.

Step 8: You will receive confirmation of your child's enrolment. Final enrollment is completed when the contract is signed and payments are settled.

Waitlist
ISL uses a waiting list system. After submitting an application, the child's application is added to the waiting list. When a place becomes available, you will be informed and the enrollment process continues with the formal assessment and potential offer.
School Events
The school has not added events
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