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Switzerland, Lausanne
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Boarding is offered for ages 3 to 18. La Garenne has two campuses that are a five‑minute walk apart: the Primary/Middle School Campus (Chalet La Garenne for younger boarders and Chalet Beau Site for ages 11–13), plus the Millennium building (Early Years) and Academia (Years 4–9). The Secondary Campus, Le Roc, houses senior students near the Villars ski lift. La Garenne is a family‑run boarding and day school run by the Méan family for decades.
Students enjoy three meals a day with snacks, shared in dining areas supervised by staff. Catering is provided by Eldora, with meals cooked in our own kitchens to control quality and support local sourcing where possible. Special menus are available for celebrations, and there is a Cooking Club for students interested in food.
La Garenne has a House System. Students join one of four Houses: Bouquetin (Alpine ibex), Buse (buzzard), Cerf (deer), and Lynx (mountain cat). Each House has an equal number of students of all ages and competes in events to earn points. Points are updated weekly and the end‑of‑year prize is a mystery reward; the House system fosters teamwork, cross‑age mentoring, and a sense of belonging.
La Garenne is a family‑run boarding and day school owned and operated by the Méan family for decades.
La Garenne International School, founded in 1947, is located in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The school hosts 150 students from over 30 countries, offering both day and full boarding options. For younger students, the curriculum follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). Senior students prepare for Cambridge IGCSEs followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). A specialized French Integration Programme is also available for those wishing to learn the local language. The campus features traditional chalet-style buildings equipped with science laboratories and digital learning tools. A defining feature of the school is its "Expedition and Ski Programme." During the winter term, students spend two afternoons a week skiing or snowboarding in the Villars-Gryon-Diablerets ski area. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio, ensuring individual attention within a family-owned setting that prioritizes outdoor mountain activities alongside classroom learning.
