Surval Montreux

Switzerland, Lausanne

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English, French

Fees CHF 112,000

Ages 9 - 18 years

Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)

Opened 1961

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum

Taught languages French, English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Japanese

Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language

Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Surval Montreux is an international all-girls boarding school set high above Lake Geneva in Montreux. It offers an American curriculum with AP courses, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels, taught to students aged 12 to 18. The program is personalised with small class sizes and a coaching approach, supporting the American High School Diploma, the Swiss Gap Experience and short-term stays. English is the main language of instruction, with French taught across the school and Spanish available in Summer Camp. The campus is housed in a former hotel and provides science labs, a refurbished library, an art room and a professional cookery room, plus a family-style dining area. Bedrooms are typically shared by 2-3 girls with ensuite facilities; amenities include laundry on site, a tennis court and a fitness/dance area. A broad enrichment calendar features MUN, language clubs, Sustainability, arts activities and a strong sport programme and lifelong learning opportunities.

Rte de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

Gallery

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The Essentials

Location

Montreux, Switzerland. Route de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux; views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Stages

Ages 12–19 (Academic Year, Winter Camp, Swiss Gap Year); 9–18 (Summer Camp).

Type

International all-girls boarding school

Pupil Nationality Mix

International mix; up to 60 residents from around the world.

Additional learning support

Tailored language support available; small class sizes (average 6 students).

Country affiliation

Bellevue Education group

Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available for girls aged 12 to 19 in a warm, close-knit house. Up to 60 girls from around the world live together; a resident staff team provides care, encouragement, and guidance to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Bedrooms are typically shared by two or three girls, with a small number of single rooms. Most rooms have balconies with views of Lake Geneva or the Alps and include en-suite showers, personal safes, fridges for drinks and snacks, and Wi-Fi.

Food Options

Meals are provided as part of boarding, with a varied, healthy international menu and accommodation of dietary needs. Fees include meals as part of tuition and boarding.

House System

The boarding house creates a home away from home in a warm, close-knit community. Bedrooms are typically shared by two to three girls, with some singles; resident staff provide mentoring and pastoral care.

Governance and Ownership

The school is affiliated with the Bellevue Education group; Bellevue Education acquired Surval Montreux in 2012.

Fees

Annual tuition at Surval Montreux is CHF 112,000. That works out at roughly CHF 112,000 for secondary, CHF 112,000 for sixth form. Expect an application fee of CHF 2,500 and an enrolment fee of CHF 5,000 on enrolment. Fees are invoiced and payable by term in advance; term invoices must be paid in full by the due dates shown on the invoices.

Academics

Curriculum

The curriculum is personalised around the individual, with small class sizes (average 6 students) and a coaching-style approach. It offers the American High School Diploma with AP courses, Swiss Gap Experience, and short-term academic stays; language instruction is English and French, with Spanish available for Summer Camp.

Student Teacher Ratio

Average class size: 6 students.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates leave with credentials ready for university admissions worldwide.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Mentoring and pastoral care support each student as an individual. Every girl has a mentor from the boarding or teaching team who listens, offers guidance, and helps set personal goals. A professional counselling service is available for those who value an independent listening ear. A Setting That Inspires Wellbeing describes the daily calm and mindfulness fostered by the boarding environment. Weekend activities revolve around Adventure, Culture and Sport and include excursions, supporting social development and community building. The Surval experience emphasises social enterprise and community involvement, reinforcing empathy, collaboration and global perspectives.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the primary language of instruction and French is shared across the school. Girls can study for IGCSE English as a Second Language, TOEFL and other English qualifications from PET through to IELTS. Girls also have the option to study additional languages including German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish at conversational or exam levels. All students study French through the DELF pathway aligned with CEFR (A1–C2), with the opportunity to achieve a DELF diploma. DELF levels are chosen by ability rather than age, and all students taking French have the opportunity to gain a Diploma. Language immersion experiences include the Language & Culture Programme and Language in Action, providing real-world practice in English and French.

Mental Wellbeing

A Setting That Inspires Wellbeing describes the serene boarding environment that fosters daily calm and mindfulness. Mentoring and pastoral care ensure every student is known and supported as an individual, with mentors who listen, guide, and help set personal goals. A professional counselling service is available for students who want independent support. Weekly weekend activities focus on Adventure, Culture and Sport, with excursions that contribute to personal growth and resilience. Board life supports wellbeing and belonging through a caring community.

Safeguarding

Surval Montreux is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A dedicated boarding team, mentors, and counsellor ensure every girl feels safe and supported. Pastoral care and wellbeing are central to daily life in the boarding community. Professional counselling is available for students who want independent support.

Parent Experience

History

Surval Montreux was founded in 1961 in Leysin by Mrs Georgette-F Andrea as an international boarding school for girls. In 1964 Surval moved to Clarens, where it was run by Ms Andrea's nephew, Mr Sidler, until 2010. The school bought Hotel Mont-Fleuri, a hillside location above Territet, and moved to its Montreux home in 1998. The school evolved into a fully-fledged high school, starting in 2000 with the introduction of the American High School Programme (AHSP). Bellevue Education acquired Surval in 2012 and transformed it into an international boarding school for girls aged 12–19, developing a new and robust curriculum enhanced by a personalist and tailored approach, offering AHSP, US Advanced Placements, and the Swiss Gap Experience international study abroad programme. Today Surval proudly celebrates being Switzerland's only true international all-girls boarding school.

Community

Life at Surval Montreux is a daily cultural exchange. In classrooms, meals, and shared experiences, girls learn about one another's languages, customs, celebrations, and values, building friendships that cross borders. We mark cultural moments together—from national days and festivals to shared global causes—encouraging girls to take pride in their own heritage and to embrace that of others. Our location in the French-speaking heart of Switzerland offers immersion in Swiss and European culture, with local traditions such as fondue evenings and Swiss National Day celebrations, Swiss arts and heritage, and seasonal experiences like Montreux's Christmas Market, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the Alpine ski season. European travel is also offered through weekend and residential trips to Paris, Monaco, London, Vienna, and beyond.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

Housed in a former hotel, Surval Montreux offers a comfortable living and learning environment with stunning alpine and lake views. The campus includes science labs, a refurbished library, an inspirational art room, a cookery room with professional cordon bleu catering and teaching, and a family-style dining room. Bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms and balconies are typically shared by 2–3 girls, and there is an in-house laundry service. The campus also features a tennis court, sun terraces, a fitness room, a dance studio, and a Jacuzzi.

Sports Facilities

Tennis court; fitness room; dance studio. The school supports a rich sporting programme with timetabled sports and after-school activities.

Academic Facilities

Science labs; Refurbished library; Inspirational art room; Cookery room with professional cordon bleu catering and teaching.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Enrichment activities include Model United Nations, Sustainability Society, International Award, Charity Committee, Arts and Crafts, language clubs, and a range of individual and team sports including football, tennis, horse-riding, volleyball, yoga, Zumba, winter sports, and water sports.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

American High School Diploma is offered with AP courses for university preparation. The program is Cognia-accredited. Swiss Gap Experience provides a pre-university year combining languages, culture, travel, and enrichment. Short-term stays include one term to one year of academic study and language immersion of 3 weeks to a year, plus Summer Camp (2–6 weeks for ages 9–18) and Winter Camp (3–12 weeks) with languages, activities, and excursions.

Arts & Creative

Culinary Arts are a core element of Surval's offering, blending classic kitchen skills with a contemporary approach to creativity and healthy living. Lessons are led by the in-house chef and visiting experts, creating a professional yet supportive environment. Girls explore global cuisines, etiquette, nutrition, and sustainability while linking cooking to culture and events. There are Arts Club activities and opportunities for online arts masterclasses as part of Surval's arts programme.

Cultural & Language

English is the primary language of instruction, while French is shared across the school. Students can study additional languages such as Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, or Japanese at conversational or formal levels. All students follow the DELF pathway in French, aligned with CEFR levels A1–C2, enabling exams appropriate to ability. Language learning is reinforced through immersive experiences such as the French Language & Culture Programme and Language in Action.

Social & Hobbies

After-school clubs include Book Club, Debating and Model United Nations, Sports Club, Arts Club, and Film Club. Student-led Committees (Student Voice) include Charity, Digital and Media Communications, Events and Etiquette, The Environment and Sustainability, and Student Council. These activities foster teamwork, communication, and collaboration.

Community & Service

Charity Committee operates within the Student Voice structure, enabling student-led charitable activities. Other student-led committees focus on community and service, environmental initiatives, and governance through the Student Council and related groups.

Leadership & Professional

Student-led Committees provide leadership opportunities, and the Student Voice platform allows students to discuss and influence school life. The Student Council, Debating and Model United Nations activities, and Digital and Media Communications develop professional skills in communication, collaboration, and project management.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Facilities include a tennis court, a dance studio, a fitness gym, and woodland trails. The surrounding environment supports water sports, horse riding, cycling, and golf. In winter, snowsports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are available with expert tuition from Ecole Suisse de Ski Montreux.

Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction; French is shared across the school and is taught through a DELF pathway aligned with CEFR levels A1–C2; additional languages are available at conversational or formal levels including Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, and Japanese.

Bilingual Teaching

There is no explicit bilingual program; English is the primary language of instruction and French is shared across the school.

Immersion Programs

French Language & Culture Programme provides full-day French lessons with real-world practice; Language in Action encourages daily use of language during activities and excursions around Montreux.

Reputation

Awards

null

Accreditations

Cognia-accredited American High School Diploma; Cognia-accredited High School Programme (University Preparation).

Admissions

Your Journey to Surval Starts Here. The admissions process is personal and welcoming, tailored to each girl. From your first enquiry to your daughter's first day, the journey is clear, supportive, and aligned with her needs. Each girl's path is unique; Surval gets to know her strengths, interests, and aspirations to help you explore the programme, boarding life, and opportunities that fit best. Families can connect with Surval through campus visits, 24 Hours at Surval taster stays, or virtual meetings with the Principal and staff. The Admissions Team provides clear information about programmes and life at Surval, arranges in-person or online meetings, guides you through each application stage, and helps with travel arrangements and orientation. Steps on the journey: 1. Enquiry; 2) Application; 3) Meeting; 4) Offer; 5) Acceptance; 6) Preparation. The school offers the full high school experience, a single year, the Swiss Gap Experience, or a seasonal camp. Admission timelines: you can apply at any time; deposits are refundable up to term deadlines; the full contract comes into force on formal acceptance. To accept a place and qualify for the visa process, payment of the application fee and deposit is required.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Surval Montreux located and what are the campus views like?

Surval Montreux is in Montreux, Switzerland at Route de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux, set high above Lake Geneva with views over the lake and the Alps.

What age groups and programmes does Surval Montreux offer?

Surval offers academic programmes for girls aged 12–19 (Academic Year and Swiss Gap Year) and short-term stays, while Summer Camp accepts girls aged 9–18. The school also runs Winter Camp and short-term language immersion options from three weeks to a year.

What type of school and curriculum does Surval Montreux follow?

Surval Montreux is an international all-girls boarding school that delivers a personalised curriculum with a coaching approach, offering the American High School Diploma with AP courses, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels options, the Swiss Gap Experience, and short-term academic stays.

How do I start the admissions process and what are the main steps?

The admissions process is personalised and typically follows these stages: enquiry, application, meeting, offer, acceptance, and preparation. Families can arrange campus visits, 24-hour taster stays, or virtual meetings with the Principal and Admissions Team to guide each step.

Can we apply outside normal intake windows or at any time?

You can apply at any time; the school accepts applications throughout the year and tailors each application pathway to the individual student's needs.

What payments are required to accept a place and begin the visa process?

To accept a place and qualify for the visa process, payment of the application fee and a deposit is required, with the full contract coming into force on formal acceptance.

Are deposits refundable if plans change?

Deposits are refundable up to published term deadlines, allowing some flexibility if plans change before those cut-off dates.

How large are classes and how is learning personalised?

Classes are deliberately small, with an average class size of 6 students, and teaching follows a coaching-style, personalised approach to support individual strengths and goals.

What qualifications do students study and does the school prepare for university?

Students follow the American High School Diploma with AP courses and may take Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels; the programme is Cognia-accredited and prepares graduates for university admissions worldwide.

Does Surval provide support for students who are not native English speakers?

Tailored language support is available, students can study IGCSE English as a Second Language, TOEFL and other English qualifications from PET through to IELTS, and language learning is reinforced through immersion programmes.

What science, arts and practical learning facilities are available on campus?

The campus includes science laboratories, a refurbished library, an inspirational art room, and a professional cookery room with cordon bleu-standard teaching and catering facilities.

What sports and fitness facilities does the school have?

Surval has a tennis court, a fitness room, a dance studio, sun terraces and woodland trails, and supports a broad programme including tennis, football, horse-riding, yoga, Zumba, winter sports and water sports.

What are the boarding arrangements and bedroom configurations?

Boarding is available for girls aged 12–19 in a close-knit house with up to 60 residents; bedrooms are typically shared by two to three girls, some singles are available, most rooms have en-suite showers, balconies, personal safes, fridges and Wi‑Fi.

Are meals provided and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Meals are provided as part of boarding, with a varied, healthy international menu and the kitchen accommodates dietary needs; fees include meals as part of tuition and boarding.

What enrichment, clubs and student leadership opportunities exist beyond lessons?

Students can take part in Model United Nations, language clubs, Sustainability Society, Arts and Crafts, Digital and Media Communications, Charity Committee and Student Council, with many student-led committees offering leadership opportunities.

What seasonal programmes and short-term stays does Surval run?

Surval runs Summer Camps (2–6 weeks for ages 9–18), Winter Camps (3–12 weeks), short-term academic stays from one term to a year, and the Swiss Gap Experience—a pre-university year combining languages, culture, travel and enrichment.

How does the school support student wellbeing and pastoral care?

Every girl has a mentor from the boarding or teaching team who listens, guides and helps set personal goals, the boarding team provides day-to-day pastoral care, and a professional counselling service is available for independent support.

What safeguarding measures and pastoral structures are in place?

Surval is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children via a dedicated boarding team, mentors and counsellors, with pastoral care and wellbeing central to daily life in the boarding community.

How strong is the school's language provision in French and other languages?

English is the primary language of instruction while French is taught across the school with a DELF pathway aligned to CEFR levels A1–C2; additional languages offered include Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Japanese at conversational or exam levels.

Does Surval offer immersive French or language-in-action experiences?

Yes, the French Language & Culture Programme provides full-day French lessons with real-world practice and the Language in Action programme encourages daily use of languages through activities and excursions around Montreux.

What are the tuition fees at Surval Montreux?

Annual tuition at Surval Montreux is CHF 112,000 a year. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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