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La Garenne International School

Switzerland, Lausanne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CHF 36,000 - 115,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 150
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1947
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum)
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 12
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

La Garenne International School, founded in 1947, is located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The school hosts 150 students from over 30 countries, offering both day and full boarding options. For younger students, the curriculum follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). Senior students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). A specialized French Integration Programme is also available for those wishing to learn the local language. The campus features traditional chalet-style buildings equipped with science laboratories and digital learning tools. A defining feature of the school is its "Expedition and Ski Programme." During the winter term, students spend two afternoons a week skiing or snowboarding in the Villars-Gryon-Diablerets ski area. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio, ensuring individual attention within a family-owned setting that prioritizes outdoor mountain activities alongside classroom learning.

Chem. des Chavasses 23, 1885 Ollon, Switzerland

The Essentials

La Garenne International School has 150 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

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.

Stages

The school serves ages 3 to 18, with Reception (early years), Primary School, Secondary School, IB Diploma Programme, and High School Programme.

Type

The school is an international boarding school offering boarding and day programmes.

Additional learning support

The school has a Head of Learning Support and offers Personalised Learning and Intensive English.

Country affiliation

Switzerland
Diving Deeper

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.

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.

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.

Governance and Ownership

La Garenne is a family‑run boarding and day school owned and operated by the Méan family for decades.
Fees

Annual tuition at La Garenne International School ranges from CHF 36,000 to CHF 115,000 for 2026/27.

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.)
Academics

La Garenne International School teaches IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes.

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.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The team includes a psychologist and special needs and disability specialists to support students with additional needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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.
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.

Scholarships

The school does not offer scholarships.
School Events
The school has not added events