International School Lausanne vs La Garenne International School
International School Lausanne and La Garenne International School are both in Lausanne, about 41 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. International School Lausanne also offers American, and La Garenne International School also offers IPC and IMYC. Published annual fees are CHF 28,200 - 38,990 at International School Lausanne and CHF 36,000 - 115,000 at La Garenne International School, which puts La Garenne International School roughly 125% higher. International School Lausanne takes pupils from 3 to 18, and La Garenne International School from 5 to 18. International School Lausanne is the larger school, with around 900 pupils to La Garenne International School's 150. Typical class sizes are 19 at International School Lausanne and 12 at La Garenne International School.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum)
Pupils
Pupils
900
Pupils
150
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1962
Opened
1947
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
The school is in the alpine village of Chesières, Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. It is located at Chemin des Chavasses 23, 1885 Chesières. The alpine setting provides a mountain environment for boarding and day students.
Stages
Stages
Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).
Stages
The school serves ages 3 to 18, with Reception (early years), Primary School, Secondary School, IB Diploma Programme, and High School Programme.
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
The school is an international boarding school offering boarding and day programmes.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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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
The school has a Head of Learning Support and offers Personalised Learning and Intensive English.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Switzerland
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
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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
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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
Application fees
- Application fee (new students): CHF 1,500. It is payable by credit card or bank transfer.
Enrolment deposit and one-off contributions
- Enrolment deposit (boarders): CHF 10,000. - Enrolment deposit (day students): CHF 2,000. - Campus Enhancement Fund contribution: CHF 5,000 (one-off). - Swiss student residence permit (B permit) fee for new non‑European boarding students: CHF 2,100 (non‑refundable). - Health insurance charge (new and returning): CHF 2,200 (billed as a general fee).
Tuition fees by year group (annual)
- Years 1 to 6 (Primary) - Boarder: CHF 84,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 46,000 per year.
- Middle Years Programme 1 to 3 (Years 7 to 9) - Boarder: CHF 94,500 per year. - Day student*: CHF 61,000 per year.
- Middle Years Programme 4 & 5 (Years 10 & 11) - Boarder: CHF 116,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 83,000 per year.
- Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13) - Boarder: CHF 126,000 per year. - Day student*: CHF 92,000 per year.
*Special local conditions apply for day students whose parent(s) work within the local community; the school verifies addresses to confirm eligibility.
Per‑term amounts (calculated)
- The school operates three terms (Terms 1, 2 and 3). The published annual tuition above has been divided by three to produce per‑term figures below (this is a calculated per‑term breakdown based on the annual fee). Example per‑term amounts (annual ÷ 3): - Years 1–6 boarder: CHF 28,000 per term (CHF 84,000 ÷ 3). - Years 1–6 day student: CHF 15,333 per term (CHF 46,000 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 boarder: CHF 31,500 per term (CHF 94,500 ÷ 3). - Years 7–9 day student: CHF 20,333 per term (CHF 61,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 boarder: CHF 38,667 per term (CHF 116,000 ÷ 3). - Years 10–11 day student: CHF 27,667 per term (CHF 83,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 boarder: CHF 42,000 per term (CHF 126,000 ÷ 3). - Years 12–13 day student: CHF 30,667 per term (CHF 92,000 ÷ 3).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual fees are invoiced in two invoices except for Diploma Years (Years 12 & 13), where the full amount is payable in advance. The first invoice covers Terms 1 and 2 plus general fees; the second invoice covers Term 3. Payment deadlines: first invoice must be settled by 1 June at the latest; the Term 3 invoice must be settled before 1 December. For new enrolments there are specific advance payment rules tied to the date of enrolment (e.g., required deposits and minimum advance percentages). New enrolment deposits are required before a place is guaranteed. A refundable deposit is held to cover unpaid supplementary expenses (see deposit amounts above).
- For new enrolments before 1 May the school requests at least 15% of the first invoice and the CHF 5,000 Campus Enhancement Fund contribution to guarantee the place. For enrolments after 1 June full payment of the first invoice is required within 15 days. For enrolments after 15 August or during the school year, payment of the first invoice is required before the student can start. All extras are billed separately at the end of each term and must be paid within 30 days.
Boarding fees and what is included
- Boarding fees are the boarder tuition figures listed above (annual). Boarding provision and charges are included within those boarder fees. The published boarding fee includes full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, loan of textbooks and some class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, use of school laundry for boarders, library and computer network use, sports and cultural activities and short Swiss expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and transport to/from Geneva Airport within the school's published dates and times, plus applicable taxes/VAT.
Other costs and extras (not included in published tuition)
- Health and accident insurance and medication (the school bills health insurance as a general fee separately). - Private lessons, learning support, university application fees, non‑mainstream IB languages or any IB subject not provided in the curriculum. - Extracurricular after‑school clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, official external exam fees (e.g., Cambridge, DELF), pocket money, personal and digital photo packages, complementary health packages, personal expenses (hairdresser, dentist, dry cleaning, postage), mandatory school trips. For day students specifically: ski pass, day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance are excluded from the day tuition and billed separately.
- Pocket money for new students is collected in advance on the first invoice; older students may be provided with a debit card arrangement managed by the school.
Refund, cancellation and withdrawal terms
- If a new student cancels enrolment for Term 1 before 1 June, school fees already paid (excluding the Application Fee, Enrolment Deposit and Swiss B permit fee) are reimbursed in full. If cancellation occurs after 1 June or for certain mid‑year enrolments, the school may retain or collect all of the first fees invoice; variable costs such as uniform, school meals and health insurance are fully reimbursed. A deposit is fully reimbursed within 120 days of a student leaving provided all accounts are settled. No fee reimbursement is made for absence from school due to sickness, injury or other reasons. If a student is permanently excluded or withdrawn during the academic year, fees for the current and following term remain due. Change of boarding status during the academic year does not entitle parents to a refund. Late payment interest and reminder charges apply for overdue invoices.
Discounts and family benefits
- Sibling discount for boarders: 10% for the second child, 15% for the third child, 20% for the fourth and any additional children (applied to tuition only).
Payment methods and banking details
- Accepted payment methods: credit card and bank transfer for application fees; school accepts payments by bank transfer, and offers an online international payment option via Flywire to allow secure payments from most countries and to reduce bank fees and poor exchange rates. Contact the school accountant for bank details; Flywire is available for international payments. The school cannot accept payments or transfers from banks or individuals on certain sanctions lists.
Late payment and penalties
- Reminders and late payments incur charges: the school may apply late payment interest (annualised rate 10% in accordance with Swiss law) and charge reminder fees; outstanding fees may lead to withholding of reports, certificates, or the student being prevented from returning until accounts are settled. A deposit is retained to cover unpaid supplementary expenses and will be reimbursed within 120 days after departure once accounts are settled.
Notes on what the annual tuition covers and does not cover
- Included in the published annual tuition for boarders: full board and lodging, school uniform, hire of ski uniform, tuition and supervised studies, certain textbooks and class materials, ski pass for boarders, ski locker, school laundry (boarders), library/computer network access, sports and cultural activities, short local expeditions, on‑site healthcare, and scheduled airport transfers. - Not included: health and accident insurance (billed separately as a general fee), private lessons, elective external IB/Cambridge exam fees not in the curriculum, optional extracurricular clubs, stationery, ski equipment hire, pocket money, personal expenses, and mandatory school trips where noted. Day student fees exclude items such as the ski pass, some day trips, uniform, laundry, expeditions and health insurance.
(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
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
The school follows an international curriculum across divisions. In Early Years, the EYFS framework is used; Primary School teaches the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). In Secondary School, students undertake the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IGCSE, before choosing between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD) in Years 12 and 13. French is compulsory and the French Language Diploma (DELF) is offered from Year 5 with a 100% pass rate among the youngest participants in Vaud. Cambridge English Qualifications provide a CEFR-aligned pathway from A1 to C2. Small class sizes and personalised learning support students, and a Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes.
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
DELF is offered from Year 5 onward. The school reports that DELF participants are among the youngest in the canton of Vaud and consistently achieve a 100% pass rate.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
Higher education progression
From early in Secondary School, Higher Education and Futures Programme provides university guidance. University Guidance Specialists assist with programme selection, university applications, personal statements, and interview preparation. They support admissions to universities worldwide, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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
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
4 Easy Steps to Apply: 1. Contact our Admissions Team to start the process. 2. Complete the admissions form and send us all the necessary documents. 3. After a positive evaluation, you will receive an offer to be accepted. 4. Formally accept the offer and fulfil all the financial obligations.
Fees and costs: Application fee CHF 1'800. Full-Year Boarding CHF 85'000 to CHF 129'000. Full-Year Day School CHF 47'000 to CHF 94'000. Local Students CHF 19'800.
Enquiries: The Admissions Team will support and guide you through every step of the process via the enquiry form and contact channels.
Scholarships: The school does not offer scholarships.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
The school does not offer scholarships.
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.