International schools in Switzerland

2023-11-03

Best international schools in Switzerland generally offer a variety of study programs, the most popular of which are British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB). Students studying in international schools in Switzerland receive an academic qualification that is recognized and respected throughout the world. Switzerland is a diverse, welcoming and dynamic country that offers international students a unique cultural experience in beautiful surroundings. Studying in Switzerland is a great way to enter world renowned international universities.

The existing system divides high school students into two streams: mainly applicants who graduated from gymnasiums and enter universities, pedagogical institutes or higher technological universities.

International schools in Switzerland offer various programs besides the national Maturité: IB, High School, A-Level, Baccalaureat Français, Abitur. The best schools in the world are located in Switzerland. 9 of the 15 most prestigious and expensive schools in the world, according to the Forbes ranking, are Swiss.

Best international boarding schools in Switzerland have traditionally brought up and continue to educate the entire world elite. Once, studying at an international school in Switzerland was the lot of the elite, but today, due to rising prices in developing countries, the cost of studying at Swiss boarding schools is not much different from private schools in Europe. A boarding house is another matter: accommodation in Switzerland is the most expensive in the EU. However, if we take into account the quality of education and all the advantages of studying in Switzerland, then the high cost is very reasonable.

Features of studying at international schools in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there are about 250 international private schools. Schools have closed area with campuses, residences, parks, sports complexes and sports grounds. In a private school, you can study on a day basis, as well as full board. As a rule, all private schools have two or three academic programs, that is, each student can choose which program to study.

Secondary education in Switzerland includes the comprehensive development of students, in addition to the standard sets of subjects, children learn several languages, are engaged in all kinds of sports, all schools have sections for football, tennis, swimming, field hockey, in winter children go skiing and ice skating, in summer they go sailing on the lakes. Also, much attention is paid to the creative development of children, there are all kinds of sections of singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, modeling, drawing and much more. Excursions to the cities of Switzerland, as well as to France and Italy, are arranged for schoolchildren.

The average tuition fees at international schools in Switzerland are CHF 40,000 – CHF 80,000, the cost includes tuition, meals, accommodation, excursions, sports, insurance.

Required documents for admission to international schools in Switzerland:

Grades from the school for the last 2-3 years;
Recommendations from teachers (from the class teacher, English teacher, Maths teacher);
An extract from the medical card;
Birth certificate;
A copy of the first page of the passport;
Copies or originals of all diplomas, certificates;
Photo;
Also schools may ask to write an essay about themselves, to be tested in some subjects at their school or to be interviewed.

One of the best international school in Switzerland – St. George’s International School

St. George’s International School is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in the town of Clarence, a suburb of Montreux. The school is conveniently located: distance to Geneva – 65 km, to Zurich – 250 km. Transfers are organized for students.

The school was opened in 1927 by two graduates of the University of Oxford – Lorna Southwell and Osit Potts. St. George’s School was founded as the first British school in Switzerland. The Levavi Oculos school motto means that students must look up and see the positive qualities in themselves and others in order to be successful in the modern world.

Learning programs

Foundation Year 11-14 years old
IGCSEs 14-16 years old
Pre-IB 15-16 years old
American High School Program 16-18 years old
IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma 16-18 years old

Extracurricular activities, hobbies and clubs

After school, St. George Montreux offers children a variety of hobbies and hobbies to develop their students’ diverse hobbies and interests. The main focus is sports, music, art and theater. Other activities: sewing, rock climbing, karate, dance.

Each year, the school’s theater department presents a school play featuring students, parents, school staff and friends of the school. Students also participate in the school’s extensive music program. St. George’s school has 2 jazz bands and a choir. Some students form rock bands and participate in local festivals and competitions. A great opportunity to express yourself! In addition, a theatrical battle is held between the residences, for which children prepare a 20-minute performance on a given topic for 6 weeks. Extracurricular activities for students give you the opportunity to try you in dance and singing, acting, and – for 12th grade students – learning to be a leader, which is so important in adolescence. The list of new clubs is regularly updated.

Badminton
Basketball
Business & Enterprise
Cheerleading
Cooking
Debating Club
Filming
Football
Gardening
Golf
Gymnastics
Netball
Photography
Radio
School Band
Sewing
Drawing
Nations League Model
Swimming
Tennis
Theater on French
Fitness
Yoga
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award club (for boys and girls 14-25 years old. The award is associated with the organization of excursions, achievements in sports, community service, etc.).

St. George’s has 4 residences. They are named after the four mythological heroes of Atlanta, Diana, Minerva and Vesta. Accommodation in fully renovated double and triple rooms. Brothers or sisters are usually accommodated in the same residence. Resident school staff monitor student progress, promote moral development, and create the foundations for a competitive spirit in the school.

The main building houses administrative offices, an assembly hall, a library, specially equipped rooms for art, music, and computer classes. Recently, an additional room has been added to the laboratory building for practical work in biology, physics and chemistry, as well as a kitchen and a dining room.

The campus owns excellent sports facilities including 7 outdoor tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium and a playing field.