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La Côte International School Aubonne

Switzerland, Lausanne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CHF 19,500 - 38,800
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2008
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, German, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

La Côte International School Aubonne is a day school for ages 3–18 offering a three-path curriculum: the Early Years Foundation Stage, the Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme. The campus, opened in 2014 on a purpose-built site in Aubonne, features a 250-seat theatre, a gym, film studios and 12 specialist rooms for science, computing, art and music, plus 44 classrooms and dynamic learning spaces. In Primary, the IPC and English National Curriculum guide English and Maths, with French options from beginner to bilingual; in Lower Secondary, pupils prepare for IGCSE and the IB DP, with language study in English, French and German or Spanish. The school promotes bilingual provision and a strong PSHE and service programme. Extracurricular life features 80+ clubs, including the MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM programme, Juilliard performing arts collaboration, and UNICEF Global Campus partnerships. Global Campus connections with UNICEF, Juilliard and MIT extend learning beyond the classroom.

Chem. de Clamogne 8, 1170 Aubonne, Switzerland

The Essentials

La Côte International School Aubonne has instruction in English, French.

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

Ages 2-18

Type

Day school

Pupil Nationality Mix

40 nationalities represented

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

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

Annual tuition at La Côte International School Aubonne ranges from CHF 19,500 to CHF 38,800 for 2026/27.

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.

- Foundation 1 (mornings only, no lunch): Annual CHF 19,500 — Autumn CHF 7,800 / Spring CHF 7,800 / Summer CHF 3,900.
- Foundation 1 (extra afternoon): Annual CHF 1,950 — Autumn CHF 780 / Spring CHF 780 / Summer CHF 390.
- Foundation 1 (full day): Annual CHF 28,400 — Autumn CHF 11,360 / Spring CHF 11,360 / Summer CHF 5,680.
- Foundation 2 (full day): Annual CHF 29,200 — Autumn CHF 11,680 / Spring CHF 11,680 / Summer CHF 5,840.
- Primary (Years 1–2): Annual CHF 29,600 — Autumn CHF 11,840 / Spring CHF 11,840 / Summer CHF 5,920.
- Primary (Years 3–6): Annual CHF 30,700 — Autumn CHF 12,280 / Spring CHF 12,280 / Summer CHF 6,140.
- Secondary (Year 7): Annual CHF 34,000 — Autumn CHF 13,600 / Spring CHF 13,600 / Summer CHF 6,800.
- Secondary (Years 8–9): Annual CHF 34,600 — Autumn CHF 13,840 / Spring CHF 13,840 / Summer CHF 6,920.
- Secondary (Years 10–11): Annual CHF 35,400 — Autumn CHF 14,160 / Spring CHF 14,160 / Summer CHF 7,080.
- Secondary Diploma Programme (DP1 & DP2): Annual CHF 38,800 — Autumn CHF 15,520 / Spring CHF 15,520 / Summer CHF 7,760.

Note: Foundation 1 part-time places are charged using the ‘mornings only' rate plus the additional afternoon rate.

Mandatory activity fees (compulsory; amounts listed separately)

- 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.
Academics

La Côte International School Aubonne teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

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

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

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.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a holistic pastoral framework as part of its community, emphasising well‑being and personal growth within an international setting.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The page does not specify SEN services or specialist provisions beyond a general personalised learning approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The page does not specify EAL programs beyond a general international context.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care and a supportive school community are highlighted as part of LCIS's approach to student growth and well‑being.

Safeguarding

The page outlines a safety‑conscious community within a Nord Anglia Education context, but does not list specific safeguarding policies.

Admissions

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.

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