Haut-Lac International Bilingual School vs St. George's International School Switzerland
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and St. George's International School Switzerland are both in Lausanne, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IBCP programmes. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School also offers IB and Swiss, and St. George's International School Switzerland also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are CHF 21,800 - 88,000 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and CHF 31,400 - 125,500 at St. George's International School Switzerland, which puts St. George's International School Switzerland roughly 43% higher. Both take pupils from 1.5 to 18. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is the larger school, with around 620 pupils to St. George's International School Switzerland's 400. Typical class sizes are 15 at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School and 12 at St. George's International School Switzerland.
IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
620
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1993
Opened
1927
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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
Located in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva and framed by the Swiss Alps. The campus is close to the town of Montreux. Address: Chemin de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Montreux.
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 Learning School for ages 18 months to 3 years; Primary School follows the Cambridge International Primary Curriculum from Year 1; Secondary School offers IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13. Boarding is available for students.
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
Day and boarding international school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupils represent more than 60 nationalities; the community is international in character.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are supported through the Learning Centre, with an Admissions Policy for Learning Centre provisions.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.
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
Opening hours 8:00–18:00 with options: half day 8:00–12:00; half day with a nap 8:00–14:00; afternoon half day 13:45–18:00; full day 8:00–18:00.
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
Reliable bus service with pick-up/drop-off points arranged by demand; current routes cover areas around Chatel-Saint-Denis, Lausanne, Le Châble/Verbier, Noville and Vevey.
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 and Admission Fees
- Application fee (boarding applications): CHF 500. — (payable on submission; non-refundable). - Admission (one‑time) fee for day pupils: Foundation Stage–Year 2: CHF 3,000. —; Years 3–5: CHF 3,500. —; Years 6–13: CHF 4,500. — (payable within 10 working days of offer; secures the place; non‑refundable and not credited to term fees).
Day‑student Tuition — Annual and Per‑Term amounts (per pupil)
All annual tuition amounts below are stated in Swiss francs (CHF). The school's standard term billing splits the annual tuition as Term 1 = 40%, Term 2 = 30% and Term 3 = 30%; per‑term amounts shown below follow that split.
- Foundation Stages 1–2: Annual tuition CHF 31,400. — - Term 1 (40%): CHF 12,560. — - Term 2 (30%): CHF 9,420. — - Term 3 (30%): CHF 9,420. — - Years 1–2: Annual tuition CHF 32,650. — - Term 1: CHF 13,060. — - Term 2: CHF 9,795. — - Term 3: CHF 9,795. — - Years 3–5: Annual tuition CHF 33,950. — - Term 1: CHF 13,580. — - Term 2: CHF 10,185. — - Term 3: CHF 10,185. — - Year 6: Annual tuition CHF 36,200. — - Term 1: CHF 14,480. — - Term 2: CHF 10,860. — - Term 3: CHF 10,860. — - Years 7–8: Annual tuition CHF 42,950. — - Term 1: CHF 17,180. — - Term 2: CHF 12,885. — - Term 3: CHF 12,885. — - Year 9: Annual tuition CHF 43,300. — - Term 1: CHF 17,320. — - Term 2: CHF 12,990. — - Term 3: CHF 12,990. — - Year 10: Annual tuition CHF 45,300. — - Term 1: CHF 18,120. — - Term 2: CHF 13,590. — - Term 3: CHF 13,590. — - Year 11: Annual tuition CHF 45,750. — - Term 1: CHF 18,300. — - Term 2: CHF 13,725. — - Term 3: CHF 13,725. — - Years 12–13: Annual tuition CHF 48,250. — - Term 1: CHF 19,300. — - Term 2: CHF 14,475. — - Term 3: CHF 14,475. —
(Annual tuition figures and the term split for invoicing are applied to calculate the per‑term amounts above.)
Boarding — Fees and One‑time Charges (Years available for boarding and annual totals)
- Application fee (boarding): CHF 500. — (payable on submission; non‑refundable). - Admission fee for boarding pupils (one‑time): CHF 8,500. — (payable on offer; secures the place; non‑refundable). - Security deposit (boarding): CHF 4,000. — (refundable after departure once the account is settled).
Annual tuition plus boarding (per pupil; shown as Weekly boarder / Full boarder):
These boarding fees include house‑parent supervision, food and lodging (with laundry of bed linen), some local medical transfers (up to six trips per year within the local area), and other boarding services as listed in the school's service summary. Optional or extra charges (see below) are billed in addition to the stated annual fees.
Mandatory charges and frequent additional fees
- EdTech AI fee (Years 3–11): CHF 50. — per year (annually in October). - EdTech VR fee (Years 7–12): CHF 50. — per year (annually in October). - IGCSE examination charges: Year 10 CHF 300. — (per pupil, annually); Year 11 CHF 1,500. — (per pupil, annually). - IB Diploma fee: Years 12 and 13 CHF 1,500. — (per pupil, annually). - Medical & complementary insurance (boarding): CHF 2,700. — annually (invoiced in August for boarding pupils). - Uniform: basic uniform package generally from CHF 300. — to CHF 545. — (charged at point of sale). - Pocket money (boarding suggested amount): CHF 1,750. — annually (often invoiced). - Single room request (boarding): CHF 10,000. — annually (if available; charged in addition to the boarding fee). - Minibus transport (optional) — zone pricing published; examples of yearly one‑way: CHF 2,060. — (Zone 1) up to CHF 2,990. — (Zone 3); termly pro‑rata options available. - Learning centre / SEN support and specialist tuition: fees vary by level of support (examples include CHF 150. — per 6‑week intervention up to specific annual programme fees for higher levels).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Default billing for day pupils: termly billing with the annual tuition split as Term 1 = 40%, Term 2 = 30% and Term 3 = 30%. Payments are due on Term 1: 30/06/2025; Term 2: 30/11/2025; Term 3: 28/02/2026 (dates reflect the academic billing calendar). - The school issues invoices in advance; it is possible to request annual billing instead of termly billing. For boarding families, the school publishes annual invoicing and other invoicing options; extra expenses (optional activities, clubs, pocket money, some transport items) are billed at the end of each term. - All fees are payable in advance against the invoice on or before the due date. Invoices must be paid in full, without deduction. Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit card; a 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments. The school may request a direct debit instruction for further payments.
Late payment and collection
- If fees are not paid by the due date the pupil may be suspended from attending school activities, examinations or graduation; reports and diplomas will not be released until all financial obligations are settled. Boarding pupils may be required to return home after a maximum suspension period if boarding fees are unpaid. - The signatory undertakes to pay annual default interest of 10% for late payments. Reminder charges for collection are applied (example: CHF 50. — for a second reminder; CHF 100. — for additional reminders). Expenses incurred in the collection process will be charged to the parents.
Withdrawal, refunds and notice
- Withdrawal must be notified in writing to the Admissions Department. Notice deadlines to leave at the end of each term are published; for example, to leave at the end of Term 1 (December) notification must be received by 31 August; to leave at the end of Term 2 (March) by 31 December; to leave at the end of Term 3 (June) by 31 March. If the required notice is not received, the following term's tuition (and boarding, where applicable) fees are payable in full. - No refund of fees can be claimed on account of absence through illness, expulsion or disciplinary measures or for other circumstances not attributable to the school. If a pupil is withdrawn before or during a term without meeting notice requirements, no reimbursement of that term's tuition and fixed charges will be made. The security deposit for boarding is refundable after the pupil leaves and all accounts are settled.
How invoices are typically presented and other invoicing notes
- Annual tuition appears on the school invoice; parents may choose termly or annual billing where offered. Extra charges (uniform, optional clubs, transport, exam charges, some SEN services) are invoiced separately or at the end of each term. Multi‑child sibling discounts are published and applied where eligible; these are published per year group.
Summary of accepted payment methods
- Bank (wire) transfer — details provided on school invoices. - Credit card — accepted with a 3% surcharge. - The school may request direct debit for ongoing payments; occasional payment processing or reminder fees may be charged for late or missed payments.
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 school follows the Cambridge International curriculum up to IGCSE and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Cambridge International runs from Pre-school through Junior School to Years 10–11 (IGCSE), after which students progress to the IB Diploma Programme in the High School (ages 16–19). The IB is delivered in English, with a choice between an English route and a bilingual English/French route, and language acquisition support for beginners; the IGCSE pathway provides a broad, balanced curriculum and supports a smooth transition to the IB.
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
Small class sizes and a low pupil-to-teacher ratio.
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 are strong: the average score was 35.5, the highest score was 45, and 40% of students earned bilingual diplomas (2024 results).
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
A University Guidance Counsellor assists with the university application process, deadlines, admissions testing, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. There is an on-campus University Fair with representatives from over 60 universities. Around one in three Inspired pupils progresses to Russell Group and Ivy League universities, with specialised support from in-house university staff and exclusive partnerships with Arete Educational Consulting and The Classroom Door; Swiss destinations include EPFL, UNIL and EHL.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Enrichment is prioritised for learners to support advanced study and broader academic development.
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
1. Registration: To begin your application, click Enquire Now to complete an Enquiry form. The admissions portal guides you through the application process and prompts you to upload documentation in support of the application. Required documents include a copy of ID or passport, the previous two years of academic records in English for Year 1 or higher, immunisation records, and a passport photograph. Finally, the Academic Dean or Headteacher of your child's current school must complete the Academic Recommendation Form.
2. Visit the School: After the application is completed, each prospective pupil is invited to meet with the Principal and the admissions team for a visit. During the visit, the pupil and their family will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about St. George's International School. If relocation from abroad makes a visit impossible, a video call interview can be held.
3. Assessment: Applicants will be invited to sit entrance assessments, which are usually taken online. The assessments form part of the application evaluation. The final decision is made after all steps are completed as part of the admissions process.
4. Final Decision: The admissions committee reviews all applications once they are completed and a decision is made. If a place is offered, you will receive an acceptance letter, an enrolment enrolment agreement, and an invoice for the admission fee.
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
Nsouli Scholars: The Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The programme honours Nadim Nsouli, who founded Inspired in 2013. Several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin. Enquiries can be submitted via Enquire Now.
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.
