La Découverte School - Geneva Campus vs Montessori Rive Gauche

	L La Découverte School - Geneva Campus Geneva, Switzerland	M Montessori Rive Gauche Geneva, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 16,470 - 18,950	Fees / year CHF 15,700 - 20,700
Age range	Age range 3 - 12 years	Age range 3 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 150	Pupils 110
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 2011
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Geneva Campus: Avenue de Sécheron 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Mies Campus: Chemin du Triangle 8-9, 1295 Mies, Switzerland.	Location Montessori Rive Gauche is located in Collonge-Bellerive / Vésenaz at 15 Chemin des Gotettes. Five classrooms and administration are spread over four houses in nearly 3,000 m² of wooded grounds. Car access is straightforward with parking for drop-offs, and Bus G stops in front of the school at Petray.
Stages	Stages ages 3 to 12	Stages Mixed-age classrooms for 3-6 y.o., 6-9 y.o., and 9-12 y.o.
School type	School type private bilingual French-English school	School type Private Montessori school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are on site to support pupils.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The day includes class time, lunch and extra-curricular activities; Geneva campus opening hours are 8:00–18:00 on most days (except Wednesday when closing earlier at 12:00); after-school care runs from 15:30 to 18:00.	School day structure 3-6 years: part-time until 1:30 pm or full-time until 3:30 pm, with lunch at the school; 6-12 years: full-time. After-school activities are available on site (e.g., piano, robotics, woodwork, music, mindfulness).
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus line G stops in front of the school (Petray stop).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Registration / Application fee - CHF 500 once, payable at registration (enrolment). Tuition fees — Geneva Campus - Children aged 3 years to 4th grade: CHF 16,470 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,647.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 15,647 per year; CHF 1,564.70 per month). - 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,150 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,815.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 17,243 per year; CHF 1,724.30 per month). Tuition fees — Mies Campus - 1P to 4th grade: CHF 17,200 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,720.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 16,340 per year; CHF 1,634.00 per month). - 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,950 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,895.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 18,003 per year; CHF 1,800.30 per month). Meals, materials and compulsory activities - School meals: CHF 1,990 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 199.00 per month). - School materials: CHF 270 per year, payable in a single payment. - Cultural outings and sports: CHF 320 per year, payable in a single payment. Trips and camps are part of the educational programme and are compulsory. Extras and after‑school care (rates and billing frequency) - Extracurricular "Extra" activity (monthly rates, billed per quarter): CHF 95 / 135 / 180 / 215 / 225 / 230 for sessions of 1h / 1h30 / 2h / 2h30 / 3h / 3h30 respectively. - After‑school care (before/after Extra): CHF 60 (per day or per month as stated for specific options); billed per quarter. - Regular after‑school care (3:30–5:00 pm) — monthly prices, payable per quarter: - 1 day/week: CHF 68 per month - 2 days/week: CHF 135 per month - 3 days/week: CHF 195 per month - 4 days/week: CHF 255 per month. - Extended after‑school care (3:30–6:00 pm) — monthly prices, payable per quarter: - 1 day/week: CHF 99 per month - 2 days/week: CHF 198 per month - 3 days/week: CHF 285 per month - 4 days/week: CHF 370 per month. - Occasional childcare (per day, payable monthly): CHF 25 (3:30–5:00 pm), CHF 40 (3:30–6:00 pm), CHF 18 (5:00–6:00 pm). - Wednesday full after‑school (1:30–5:00 pm): CHF 160 per month; supervised picnic (12:00–1:30 pm) CHF 60 per month (where offered). Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is invoiced as a 10‑month commitment; standard billing is spread over 10 monthly instalments. Many optional services are billed per quarter or as single payments as indicated above. - Registration is confirmed when the signed enrolment contract and the required payments are received; enrolment requires payment of the registration fee and the first month's school fees at registration. - A 2% discount on tuition applies for biannual or annual payments. - The school treats the date on which payment is received in the school's bank account as the official payment date. In case of late payment, reminder fees apply: CHF 20 for the second reminder (15 days after the due date) and CHF 50 for the final notice (30 days after the due date). Continued non‑payment may lead to legal recovery procedures and refusal of class entry. Boarding - The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Other costs - Late pickup charges: CHF 10 per incident (from 5 minutes late), CHF 20 (from 15 minutes), CHF 30 (from 30 minutes). - Administrative or penalty fees may apply in the event of late payment or contract breaches as specified in the general conditions. Refunds and cancellation penalties - Written notification is required for any withdrawal or cancellation. Cancellation charges for the following school year are: - Withdrawal up to March 31: only the enrolment fee is due. - Withdrawal between April 1 and May 31: enrolment fee plus 10% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal between June 1 and June 30: enrolment fee plus 20% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from July 1 up to the day before the start of the school year: enrolment fee plus 30% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from the start of the school year: enrolment fee, completed/started months and 30% of annual tuition are due. - Exceptions to the annual financial commitment and penalty fees may be made for death of the pupil's legal guardian or long‑term illness resulting in study suspension. Expulsion for serious reasons results in 30% of annual tuition being charged in addition to months already completed or started. Fee payment options - The school records the receipt date of payments on its bank account as the official payment date; payment by bank transfer to the school account is the documented method for establishing receipt. Other payment methods are not detailed in the published conditions. Notes on billing frequency used above - When a fee is stated as “payable over 10 months” the monthly instalment used above is the annual fee divided by 10.	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Yearly enrolment fee: CHF 250, payable at enrolment. - Guarantee (security deposit): CHF 4,000, payable at first enrolment; the guarantee is held as security against unpaid fees and is returned, free of interest, at the end of the pupil's time at the school provided the school's conditions are met. Payment for the guarantee is to be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (titulaire Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Re‑enrolment (renewal) fee: CHF 250, payable February 1 each year; this fee is not refundable if renewal is cancelled. Tuition fees by year group (per month, with trimester and annual totals) - Children House (3–6 years) — part‑time (monthly): CHF 1,570. - 1st trimester (Sept–Dec, 4 months): CHF 6,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (Jan–Mar, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (Apr–Jun, 3 months): CHF 4,710 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, part‑time): CHF 15,700. - Children House (3–6 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,870. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,480 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,610 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months, full‑time): CHF 18,700. - Primary I (6–9 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 1,970. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 7,880 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 5,910 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 19,700. - Primary II (9–12 years) — full‑time (monthly): CHF 2,070. - 1st trimester (4 months): CHF 8,280 — due May 31. - 2nd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Nov 30. - 3rd trimester (3 months): CHF 6,210 — due Feb 28. - Total for full school year (10 months): CHF 20,700. - The tuition fees include tuition, the morning snack, and the organic midday meal certified “fourchette verte.” Extra costs for sports activities and outings (museums, shows, end‑of‑year trips, etc.) are not included and are charged separately. - Discounts: 1% discount for a single full‑year payment; 10% discount on the second child's tuition while siblings are enrolled; 15% discount on the third child's tuition while all three are enrolled. Discounts do not apply if a third party (employer/institution) pays the fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing schedule: Tuition is billed and payable in advance by trimester — first trimester due May 31, second trimester due Nov 30, third trimester due Feb 28. The school may refuse entry or terminate enrolment if fees are not settled by the due dates. Tuition remains payable even if the child is absent. - Guarantee handling: The CHF 4,000 guarantee is payable at first enrolment; it may be used to cover unpaid re‑enrolment or tuition fees if the pupil is withdrawn or if agreed minimum attendance conditions (for 3–6 section) are not met; otherwise it is repaid at the end of schooling, without interest. Payments for the guarantee must be made to account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V (Montessori Rive Gauche SA). - Late payment: Reminder fees apply in the event of late payment. Parents signatories are jointly and severally liable for all fees. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school for children aged 3–12. There are no boarding fees. Other costs and extras - Sports activities, outings, museum/theatre visits and certain extracurricular activities are charged in addition to tuition. - No uniform fee is listed among the standard fees. Additional optional services (after‑school activities and external therapist consultations) are available on site and are separate from tuition; such services are charged in addition where applicable. Refund and withdrawal penalties - The CHF 250 enrolment fee is non‑refundable if the child's enrolment is cancelled after the school's confirmation of enrolment. - Withdrawal penalties: - Withdrawal after Feb 1 (concerning the following school year): re‑enrolment fee CHF 250 plus a CHF 4,000 penalty are due. - Withdrawal after Apr 30 (concerning the following school year): tuition fees for the first trimester of the following year and the enrolment fee are due. - Withdrawal after the start of the school year (including force majeure): the current trimester is due, plus the following trimester. - Exclusion from school does not entitle parents to reimbursement of tuition already paid. In case of temporary school closure for epidemic/pandemic or similar major events, distance teaching may be offered and certain costs (for example meals) may be refunded, but tuition fees are excluded from such reimbursements. Fee payment options - The school specifies payment by bank transfer to the school account (IBAN/account CH17 0024 0240 7181 7502 V — Montessori Rive Gauche SA) for the guarantee and routine payments; a special agreement can be established if a third party (employer or institution) will pay all or part of the fees. No alternative payment methods (such as credit‑card payment) are specified in the school's terms.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Mies Campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach. Learning is organized around projects that connect disciplines and are driven by questions or problems. A class council meets weekly to coordinate group life, and a Grand Council Meeting is held monthly to discuss school-wide matters. Philosophy develops critical thinking and the ability to listen to others. Outdoor learning happens daily in all weathers, in a park or forest, to build resilience and environmental understanding. An open-space environment supports autonomous workshops and collaborative inquiry. Theatre activities develop oral expression and performance skills. Extras after school and after-school care are available.	Curriculum details Montessori Rive Gauche uses the Montessori method with AMI-trained teachers. Classrooms are mixed-age for 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 years, with bilingual instruction in French and English and German taught from age 6. The school follows the Plan d'Études Romand (3P to 8P Harmos) and uses a Montessori curriculum for the 3-12 age range. It is a member of Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) and adheres to AMI principles. Eco-Schools label since 2022. In the 3-6 year-old section, there are two bilingual classes, each taught by three teachers. In the 6-12 year-old section, six teachers teach the Montessori curriculum with bilingualism and the Plan d'Études Romand; a programme of educational outings is offered. After-school classes are available, and on-site therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are available. Arts, robotics, music, mindfulness, and other activities are offered as part of extra-curricular options.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Online pre-registration puts your child on the waiting list free of charge; collective visits occur twice a year; if there is availability, a meeting with the Head teacher and a visit to the school are arranged.	Admissions Children may join at any time during the school year from age 3 to 11. The school offers mixed-age classes (3-6, 6-9, 9-12). All teachers are AMI Montessori trained and native speakers in French or English; German is taught from age 6. The school is bilingual French/English and follows AMI principles as recognised by the Association Montessori Suisse AM(S) for both the 3-6 and 6-12 sections. Prospective families can pre-register via the pre-registration template and contact the principal, Nancy Ramu, at 078 806 22 42 to arrange a visit.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The waiting list is joined via an online form, which is free of charge.	Waitlist —
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