Switzerland, Lausanne
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
· Reviewed by Giulia Ceccon · Chief Marketing Officer
Surval Montreux is an international all-girls boarding school set high above Lake Geneva in Montreux. It offers an American curriculum with AP courses, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels, taught to students aged 12 to 18. The program is personalised with small class sizes and a coaching approach, supporting the American High School Diploma, the Swiss Gap Experience and short-term stays. English is the main language of instruction, with French taught across the school and Spanish available in Summer Camp. The campus is housed in a former hotel and provides science labs, a refurbished library, an art room and a professional cookery room, plus a family-style dining area. Bedrooms are typically shared by 2-3 girls with ensuite facilities; amenities include laundry on site, a tennis court and a fitness/dance area. A broad enrichment calendar features MUN, language clubs, Sustainability, arts activities and a strong sport programme and lifelong learning opportunities.
Rte de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland
Surval Montreux has instruction in English, French.
Montreux, Switzerland. Route de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux; views over Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Ages 12–19 (Academic Year, Winter Camp, Swiss Gap Year); 9–18 (Summer Camp).
International all-girls boarding school
International mix; up to 60 residents from around the world.
Tailored language support available; small class sizes (average 6 students).
Bellevue Education group
Surval Montreux teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 9 to 18.
The curriculum is personalised around the individual, with small class sizes (average 6 students) and a coaching-style approach. It offers the American High School Diploma with AP courses, Swiss Gap Experience, and short-term academic stays; language instruction is English and French, with Spanish available for Summer Camp.
Average class size: 6 students.
Graduates leave with credentials ready for university admissions worldwide.
Mentoring and pastoral care support each student as an individual. Every girl has a mentor from the boarding or teaching team who listens, offers guidance, and helps set personal goals. A professional counselling service is available for those who value an independent listening ear. A Setting That Inspires Wellbeing describes the daily calm and mindfulness fostered by the boarding environment. Weekend activities revolve around Adventure, Culture and Sport and include excursions, supporting social development and community building. The Surval experience emphasises social enterprise and community involvement, reinforcing empathy, collaboration and global perspectives.
English is the primary language of instruction and French is shared across the school. Girls can study for IGCSE English as a Second Language, TOEFL and other English qualifications from PET through to IELTS. Girls also have the option to study additional languages including German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish at conversational or exam levels. All students study French through the DELF pathway aligned with CEFR (A1–C2), with the opportunity to achieve a DELF diploma. DELF levels are chosen by ability rather than age, and all students taking French have the opportunity to gain a Diploma. Language immersion experiences include the Language & Culture Programme and Language in Action, providing real-world practice in English and French.
A Setting That Inspires Wellbeing describes the serene boarding environment that fosters daily calm and mindfulness. Mentoring and pastoral care ensure every student is known and supported as an individual, with mentors who listen, guide, and help set personal goals. A professional counselling service is available for students who want independent support. Weekly weekend activities focus on Adventure, Culture and Sport, with excursions that contribute to personal growth and resilience. Board life supports wellbeing and belonging through a caring community.
Surval Montreux is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A dedicated boarding team, mentors, and counsellor ensure every girl feels safe and supported. Pastoral care and wellbeing are central to daily life in the boarding community. Professional counselling is available for students who want independent support.
Your Journey to Surval Starts Here. The admissions process is personal and welcoming, tailored to each girl. From your first enquiry to your daughter's first day, the journey is clear, supportive, and aligned with her needs. Each girl's path is unique; Surval gets to know her strengths, interests, and aspirations to help you explore the programme, boarding life, and opportunities that fit best. Families can connect with Surval through campus visits, 24 Hours at Surval taster stays, or virtual meetings with the Principal and staff. The Admissions Team provides clear information about programmes and life at Surval, arranges in-person or online meetings, guides you through each application stage, and helps with travel arrangements and orientation. Steps on the journey: 1. Enquiry; 2) Application; 3) Meeting; 4) Offer; 5) Acceptance; 6) Preparation. The school offers the full high school experience, a single year, the Swiss Gap Experience, or a seasonal camp. Admission timelines: you can apply at any time; deposits are refundable up to term deadlines; the full contract comes into force on formal acceptance. To accept a place and qualify for the visa process, payment of the application fee and deposit is required.