International School Lausanne vs La Côte International School Aubonne
International School Lausanne and La Côte International School Aubonne are both in Lausanne, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. International School Lausanne also offers American, and La Côte International School Aubonne also offers EYFS and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are CHF 28,200 - 38,990 at International School Lausanne and CHF 19,500 - 38,800 at La Côte International School Aubonne, which puts International School Lausanne roughly 15% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
900
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1962
Opened
2008
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Chemin de Clamogne 8, 1170 Aubonne, Vaud, Switzerland. The campus is nestled between Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains. It is a day school.
Stages
Stages
Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).
Stages
Ages 2-18
School type
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.
School type
Day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
40 nationalities represented
Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
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
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School day structure
Foundation 1 to Year 6: registration ends at 8:30; the school day ends at 15:05, with Extended French until 16:05. Secondary (Year 7 to DP2): 8:10–15:50 daily. School bus transport operates with a regular schedule: buses arrive at 8:05 in the morning; EYFS/Primary depart at 15:05 and all students depart at 16:10. A late bus runs at 17:20 for students participating in ECAs, subject to minimum numbers.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
Regular Bus Service: Students are registered for the school bus service; exact times and bus stop locations are provided before the start of each academic year. Buses arrive at school at 8:05 in the morning, depart at 15:05 (EYFS and Primary) and 16:10 (all students). One-off, short-term, and late bus travel can be arranged; contact transport@lcis.ch for ad hoc trips and late bookings; there is also a late bus at 17:20 for ECAs (subject to minimum passenger numbers).
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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)
Fee details
Administration and application fees
- One-off registration fee (new students, Years 1–13): CHF 3,000. - Annual administration fee (charged at the start of each academic year, per student): CHF 850.
Tuition fees (annual and per-term breakdown by year group)
All amounts are per student and shown in Swiss Francs (CHF). Tuition is billed as an annual sum and split into terms (Autumn 40% / Spring 40% / Summer 20%). The figures below are the published tuition amounts with their per-term splits.
- Primary Years 1–4 (4 ski days): CHF 740. - Primary Years 5–6 and Secondary Years 7–8 (1-week ski trip): CHF 1,280. - Secondary Years 9–10 (3-day ski trip): CHF 780. - Residential trip Years 1–7: CHF 610. - Residential trip Years 8–10: CHF 1,070. - DP1 (CAS trip — estimated, varies year to year): CHF 3,000 (estimated). Mandatory activity fees are non-refundable except where a medical withdrawal claim is made through insurance.
Optional fees and other recurring charges
- Transport (five days a week, charged by zone): - Zone 1 round trip: CHF 4,250; one way: CHF 2,750. - Zone 2 round trip: CHF 4,650; one way: CHF 3,000. - Zone 3 round trip: CHF 5,000; one way: CHF 3,200. Occasional ad-hoc single-journey bookings: CHF 25 / CHF 30 / CHF 35 for Zones 1/2/3 respectively. These transport rates apply for the full academic year; part-week rates and reductions for absence are not available. - Lunch service (five days a week — annual and per-term rates by age group): - Foundation 1–2: Annual CHF 1,950 — Autumn CHF 780 / Spring CHF 780 / Summer CHF 390. - Primary Years 1–2: Annual CHF 2,650 — Autumn CHF 1,060 / Spring CHF 1,060 / Summer CHF 530. - Primary Years 3–6: Annual CHF 2,850 — Autumn CHF 1,140 / Spring CHF 1,140 / Summer CHF 570. - Secondary (Years 11 & 13 listed separately in published table): Annual CHF 3,000 / CHF 2,800 (some year groups have lower exam-period rates); per-term splits shown in the published schedule. No reductions or refunds for absences. - After-school care (ASC): CHF 15 per child, per hour (service runs 15:05–18:15 Monday–Friday; invoiced separately). - Extracurricular activities, private classes and other optional services: charged separately; registration for optional activities is final and non-refundable as per published conditions. - Uniform: School uniform is required and is ordered separately via the school supplier; ordering is managed through the supplier using school code LEA000107TF. Costs for uniform items are additional to fees and are billed by the uniform supplier. - Learning support, EAL beyond standard provision, private music lessons and any specialist services: charged in addition where required.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable; the school is a day school.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is calculated annually and may be paid either annually (with a 2% discount) or in three termly instalments. Autumn term = 40% / Spring term = 40% / Summer term = 20%. - Payment dates (standard): - Annual payment / Autumn term (first instalment): due 30 June. - Spring term (second instalment): due 15 November. - Summer term (third instalment): due 28 February. - Parents remain responsible for fees even if an employer or third party pays; the school will hold parents responsible in case of dispute between employer and parent. Late payment attracts default interest (annual) of 5%. If fees are not settled, access to activities, examinations, reports and diplomas may be withheld until obligations are met. - Payments are processed by bank transfer; acceptance/confirmation communications contain the school's bank details for payment (registration and invoice payments). The school does not accept payments from sanctioned or prohibited parties. Refunds are made by bank transfer to the payer named on the original payment documents.
Withdrawal and refund information
- The registration fee is non-refundable if a family decides not to enrol after payment. All non-tuition fees are payable within 10 days of invoice. Refunds of tuition or mandatory activity fees are not normally considered. Mandatory activity fees are non-refundable except where a medical withdrawal may be claimed through insurance. Refunds, if applicable, are paid by bank transfer to the original payer. - Re-enrolment and withdrawal deadlines and charges prior to the start of a school year: - Withdrawal prior to 30 April: no charge. - Withdrawal between 1 May and 31 May: 1 month tuition cancellation fee. - Withdrawal between 1 June and 30 June: 2 months' tuition cancellation fee. - Withdrawal after 30 June: Autumn term (Term 1) tuition cancellation fee. - During the school year, withdrawal must be communicated at least two calendar months before the first day of the month of commencement of the following term; end-of-term notice requirements are: Autumn term – notice by 31 October; Spring term – notice by 31 January. Failure to meet notice deadlines will result in a one-month tuition cancellation fee. Cancellation fees are calculated pro rata on the annual rate over a 10-month basis.
Discounts and special arrangements
- Sibling discounts: 5% for the third child and 10% for the fourth child and subsequent children from the same family; discounts apply to the younger siblings' tuition only.
Summary of payment practice and practical notes
- Tuition, mandatory activity charges and optional services are invoiced in CHF; transport, lunch and after-school care have separate annual or termly charges as listed above. Payments are handled by bank transfer using the bank details provided in the school's acceptance or invoice communications. Annual payment attracts a 2% discount; otherwise fees are due in three termly instalments on the dates published above. Late payment interest of 5% per year is applied to overdue balances and the school may withhold services and documents until accounts are settled. Refunds follow the conditions and notice periods set out above.
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
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.
Curriculum details
Early Years follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3-5, with specialist language lessons for beginners and native French speakers from Foundation 1. In Primary, IPC is followed with English and Maths guided by the English National Curriculum, and French options range from beginner to bilingual. The IPC covers Geography, History, Science, Art, Technology, PE and Computing, and promotes eight Personal Learning Goals (Adaptable, Communicator, Collaborator, Empathetic, Ethical, Resilient, Respectful, Thinker). Lower Secondary (11-14) prepares students for IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, with language study in English, French and German or Spanish, and a strong PSHE and service program. The IGCSE (14-16) is taught alongside a key IB element (Theory of Knowledge) and includes Outdoor Education and PSHE. The IB Diploma Programme (16-18) is offered with six subjects and the DP core (ToK, CAS, EE), with bilingual options and pathways to top universities.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
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.
Exam results
LCIS's IB Diploma Programme achieved a 100% pass rate for the 2021–22 cohort, with a highest score of 41 and an average of 35 points (well above the global average of 31.9). Thirty-two percent of students scored 38 points or more, and 18% earned bilingual diplomas. Graduates have gained admission to universities including MIT, McGill University, University of Toronto, Bristol University, Edinburgh University, King's College London, Leiden, and École hôtelière de Lausanne.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
Higher education progression
Recent graduates attend MIT, McGill University, University of Toronto, Bristol University, Edinburgh University, King's College London, Leiden, and École hôtelière de Lausanne.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
The Exhibitioner Award is offered to encourage students to grow and thrive in interests outside the curriculum. There are 80+ extracurricular clubs offering opportunities to broaden talents.
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
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.
Admissions
LCIS accepts applicants all year round; it is academically ambitious and non-selective, offering places to students in Switzerland and those living abroad. Some children may need English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, which LCIS provides at the appropriate level. A place is offered after the application and prior school reports are reviewed, and enrolment depends on year-group availability. The process begins with an enquiry or a school tour (in Switzerland or via a virtual discovery meeting). Applicants submit an online application; the Admissions team reviews documents and responds within 24 hours (excluding weekends). If LCIS determines a good match and space exists, a placement offer is made. You can book a visit or join a virtual discovery meeting to learn more. There is a Virtual Open Day on 26 March 2026, 12:30–13:15 via Teams.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
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.
