Léman International Academy vs Montessori Rive Gauche
Léman International Academy and Montessori Rive Gauche are both in Geneva, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes. Léman International Academy also offers British, and Montessori Rive Gauche also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 16,500 - 16,950 for Léman International Academy and CHF 15,700 - 20,700 for Montessori Rive Gauche. Léman International Academy takes pupils from 3 to 14, and Montessori Rive Gauche from 3 to 12. Montessori Rive Gauche is the larger school, with around 110 pupils to Léman International Academy's 38. Typical class sizes are 9 at Léman International Academy and 25 at Montessori Rive Gauche.
Geneva, Switzerland. Léman International Academy is located on the left bank near Route de la Capite, at 120 Route de la Capite inside the Institut Biblique de Genève (IBG) complex. It is accessible by public transport, next to the Rippaz bus stop on line A, with additional stops on lines 33 (Rive ↔ Présinge) and 38 (Hermance-Village ↔ Place Favre) within about a 10-minute walk at the Vandoeuvres stop. Parking is available for visitors. The school is permanently closed.
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
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Stages
Mixed-age classrooms for 3-6 y.o., 6-9 y.o., and 9-12 y.o.
School type
School type
The school is a bilingual Christian school.
School type
Private Montessori school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Therapists (psychologist, occupational therapist) are on site to support pupils.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Christian
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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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
School transportation can be organised from the right bank on request.
Bus service details
Bus line G stops in front of the school (Petray stop).
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Status - Léman International Academy is permanently closed and is not enrolling students.
Application / Registration fee - Registration fee (first year only): CHF 400. Offered for definite enrollments by the stated enrollment deadline.
Tuition fees by year group (published schedules) - Pre‑K to Grade 6 (full time): CHF 16,250 per year. Stated equivalent: CHF 1,625 per month (amount shown as a 10‑month billing basis). - Grades 7 & 8: CHF 16,700 per year. Stated equivalent: CHF 1,670 per month (amount shown as a 10‑month billing basis). - Part‑time Pre‑K: fee listed as available on request (no fixed amount published).
Other mandatory or recurring school charges - Paper / books: - Pre‑K to Kindergarten: CHF 180 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 6: CHF 250 per year (paper supply and book fee). - Grade 7 & Grade 8: CHF 220 per year (paper supply and book fee). - School outings (day trips, no overnight): - Pre‑K to Kindergarten: CHF 80 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 6: CHF 100 per year. - Grades 7 & 8: CHF 100 per year. - Lunch / break supervision: - Break supervision: CHF 130 per month (10 months). - Break supervision + meals: CHF 230 per month (10 months). - Additional lunch (occasional): CHF 14 (picnic lunch) or CHF 22 (school meals).
Optional / after‑school and ancillary service fees - Early morning supervision (regular): CHF 100 per month (10 months). Occasional early morning supervision: CHF 10 per day. - After‑school supervision / activities (monthly regular rates; per child): - From 15:45 to 16:45: 1×/week CHF 38; 2×/week CHF 75; 3×/week CHF 113; 4×/week CHF 150 (monthly; 10 months). - From 15:45 to 17:45: 1×/week CHF 75; 2×/week CHF 150; 3×/week CHF 225; 4×/week CHF 300 (monthly; 10 months). - Occasional after‑school supervision (per day): until 16:45 CHF 15; until 17:45 CHF 30. - Shuttle / transport service: fee stated as variable and charged based on users; no fixed tariff published. - Family discounts on ancillary services: families enrolling three or more children receive a 20% discount on these services.
Sibling discounts (tuition) - Second child: 15% discount on yearly tuition. - Third child: 30% discount on yearly tuition. - Fourth child: 50% discount on yearly tuition. - Sibling discounts do not apply when an employer or another institution is paying the school fees.
Billing schedule and payment terms (as published in fee schedules) - Published tuition figures are presented as annual amounts with an equivalent monthly figure based on a 10‑month billing basis. - Enrollment required a signed financial contract and a down payment on tuition by the stated enrollment deadline (example provided: down payment due by March 31 prior to the school year). Specific deadlines were tied to the enrollment year shown on each published schedule.
Boarding - No boarding program or boarding fees are listed in the published fee schedules; listed charges relate only to day‑school services (meals, supervision, after‑school activities, transport). No boarding tariffs are published.
Refund information - The published fee tables and enrollment forms include the requirement for a signed financial contract and a tuition down payment but do not contain an explicit, detailed refund or cancellation policy in the fee documents located with the schedules. No specific refundable/non‑refundable breakdown for the registration fee or down payment is published in those fee tables.
Fee payment options - The fee schedules and enrollment forms that list amounts and deadlines do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) in the published fee tables. No payment‑method details are listed in the fee documents located with the schedules.
Summary of what is available - The most recent published fee tables available for the school list registration, annual tuition (with a 10‑month equivalent), supply and outing fees, meal/supervision rates, after‑school service rates, shuttle as variable, sibling discounts, and published enrollment deadlines requiring a contract and down payment. However, Léman International Academy is now stated as permanently closed and is not enrolling; the published fee schedules remain the only available numeric fee detail in the school's public materials.
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
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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 program is based on the Swiss PER (Plan d'Étude Romand) and the North American program (Common Core USA). French-language subjects (French language, mathematics in French and other subjects) follow the PER but use French textbooks. English-language subjects (English, mathematics in English and other subjects) follow the North American program but use British textbooks. German is taught from age 7 as required by the Swiss curriculum. Computer science is taught to all students and used as a learning tool by the end of primary. History and geography are adapted to an international audience. A weekly Bible time introduces biblical knowledge and values, and the program integrates a biblical worldview with opportunities for outdoor learning and cross-disciplinary exploration.
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
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
At the end of primary schooling, students can move toward the Geneva cycle d'orientation, an international curriculum, or an anglophone or bilingual (English/French) secondary school.
Higher education progression
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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
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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.