Haut-Lac International Bilingual School vs International School Lausanne
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and International School Lausanne are both in Lausanne, about 20 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School also offers IBCP and Swiss, and International School Lausanne also offers American. Published annual fees are CHF 21,800 - 88,000 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and CHF 28,200 - 38,990 at International School Lausanne, which puts Haut-Lac International Bilingual School roughly 63% higher. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and International School Lausanne from 3 to 18. International School Lausanne is the larger school, with around 900 pupils to Haut-Lac International Bilingual School's 620. Typical class sizes are 15 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and 19 at International School Lausanne.
Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The school sits in the hills above Vevey with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It is about an hour's drive from Geneva Airport and just 10 minutes from the Lake Geneva shoreline.
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
Stages
Les Marronniers Nursery (18 months–3 years); Praz-Dagoud Campus (3–12 years); Roches Grises Campus (13–18 years). A Boarding House accommodates 11–18-year-olds.
Stages
Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).
School type
School type
International bilingual day and boarding school with two day campuses and a boarding house in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz.
School type
The school is not-for-profit and an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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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.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school day runs from 8:00 to 15:30 (16:20 for Upper Secondary) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday (13:05 in Lower Secondary and 13:45 in Upper Secondary). Breakfast Club is available from 7:15; after-school supervision and clubs are offered.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Seven daily bus routes to the Praz-Dagoud campus cover areas up to 30 km away, plus a Vevey train-station shuttle; local transport via train and bus stops within walking distance to both Roches Grises and Praz-Dagoud campuses. Airport pick-up is available for boarding students on scheduled transfer days.
Bus service details
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.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Acceptance fee
- A non-refundable acceptance (enrolment) fee of CHF 3,500 is charged when the Enrolment Confirmation is signed; this payment secures the place and is not credited against tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (annual totals and fixed charges)
These annual totals include compulsory fixed charges (for example certain outings, ski days and standard consumables) which vary by year and are shown above as the fixed charge component.
Per‑term and instalment breakdowns (billing schedule and payment terms)
- Standard term split: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%. Bi‑annual billing (two equal invoices) is also available (Sept–Jan / Feb–June). Specific due dates are published with each year's fees (examples historically: Term 1 due end of July, Term 2 mid‑December, Term 3 mid‑March). Fixed charges are billed with the first tuition invoice and must be paid in one lump sum.
- Instalment options: annual payment, bi‑annual, termly (three payments using the 40/30/30 split), or monthly in 10 equal instalments (tuition billed two months in advance). A monthly instalment plan carries an administrative surcharge (≈ +1% applied to the published annual fee); a single annual payment typically attracts an early‑payment discount (historically 2% when paid by the stated deadline). Changes to payment option after invoicing may result in a CHF 50 administration surcharge. Late payment reminders and fees apply according to the school's invoicing terms.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is offered from age 11 with weekly and full (7‑day) boarding options. Boarding fees are all‑inclusive (tuition, accommodation, supervision, most meals, laundry and most local activities). For the 2025–26 academic year boarding costs range approximately between CHF 68,000 and CHF 88,000 per year depending on the student's year group and boarding type.
Other mandatory and optional costs
- Fixed annual charges (listed above per year group) cover standard consumables, some trips and mandatory activities (for example ski days where applicable). Day students pay for school lunches separately (boarding students' meals are included in boarding fees). Bus routes and transport are charged separately based on route and usage. External specialist clubs, private music tuition, specialist sports coaching, optional trips and certain programme‑specific costs (e.g. examination fees, some residential trips) are charged in addition to tuition. Uniforms and some optional excursions are billed separately. A 5% sibling discount (second child) and 10% (third child onwards) may apply in certain circumstances; limited financial aid is available in line with published policies.
Refund and cancellation terms
- The acceptance (enrolment) fee is non‑refundable and is not credited against tuition. No reductions or refunds are made for short periods of absence (illness or other) for a term already started. Mid‑year enrolment and mid‑year departures are subject to the published invoicing and notice rules (for example mid‑year enrolments generally require payment for the full term in progress; failure to respect contract notice periods may result in fees due for the notice period). Specific refund, cancellation and notice provisions are set out in the school's Fees & Conditions and apply to placements and nursery contracts.
Fee payment methods and surcharges
- Preferred payment methods include bank transfer or standing order. Credit card acceptance is available in specific circumstances (historically credit cards were accepted for smaller payments under CHF 1,000); cheques are not accepted. Payment by credit card or instalment plan may attract a convenience or administrative surcharge as noted under the billing/options section. Invoices include the school's banking and billing contact details for arranging payment.
Important payment notes
- The first year of enrolment carries one‑time fees (the acceptance fee and any entry charges) in addition to the published annual tuition; parents should allow for those one‑time charges in the first invoice. Fixed charges must be paid with the first tuition invoice. Failure to settle invoices on time can trigger reminders, surcharges and collection procedures as set out in the school's terms.
Fee details
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)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Haut-Lac offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for ages 11-15 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. The school runs from preschool through secondary, culminating in IBMYP and IBDP. IBMYP provides fully bilingual, English-only or predominantly French pathways, with language instruction in English and French and subject work across both languages. IBMYP uses eight subject groups: Studies in Language & Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals & Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Design; and Physical Education. The IBDP offers a choice of English Diploma, Bilingual Diploma, Advanced Bilingual Diploma, or French Diploma, with about 30 academic subject options across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. The IBDP core components and assessment are complemented by language support and Higher Education guidance to prepare students for university study in Switzerland and worldwide.
Curriculum details
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.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Classes are small. The school lists over 30 academic staff for roughly 600 students aged 3 to 18.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
IBMYP graduates have achieved a 97% pass rate with an average of 44/56, and 14 of 29 students earned bilingual English-French IBMYP certificates. The IBDP Class of 2025 earned a 100% pass rate with an average of 35 points (world average 30.8); historically Haut-Lac reports an average IBDP pass rate around 95%.
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
Higher education progression
Graduates have gone on to universities worldwide, including EPFL (Switzerland), University of Cambridge (UK) and MIT (USA). Haut-Lac also highlights graduate destinations among its alumni and ongoing higher education guidance.
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Entry Points by Age & Programme: Early Years (Ages 3–6): play-based bilingual or English programmes. Primary (Grades 1–5): bilingual or English programme with a strong literacy and numeracy focus. Middle School (Grades 6–10): IBMYP programme with or without the Swiss option. High School (Grades 11–12): IBDP, IBCP or US High School Diploma pathways to universities worldwide. Admissions open all year round. Steps: submit an inquiry; visit the campus; arrange an interview; apply online. After an initial conversation, complete the online application form and upload your child's last two school reports and references. Tuition & Fees: Day students CHF 21,800–40,600; Boarding students CHF 68,000–88,000 per year. There are no hidden fees; for a detailed breakdown contact admissions. Boarding: boutique boarding house accommodates up to 32 students with personalised care, structured study time and enriching weekend activities. Admissions team: Alessia Ferrara (Admissions Officer); Magdalena Drag (Admissions Head). Haut-Lac is located in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland.
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.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Haut-Lac does not offer scholarships. Local families residing in Switzerland without employer school benefits may request financial aid on the fees for children enrolled at Haut-Lac.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Yes. There may be waiting lists for certain grades, particularly in the bilingual stream. When this happens, a place may be offered in the English stream until a bilingual spot becomes available.
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.