At Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, we welcome students from the age of 3 to 18 years.
The Haut-Lac Nursery also offers a warm and stimulating environment for children aged 18 months to 4 years.
Children can join the school from age 3, with flexible options available to suit each family’s needs:
5 mornings per week (ending at 11:15 or 12:15 with lunch)
5 mornings plus selected afternoons
5 full school days per week
As Swiss public schools typically begin at age 4, Haut-Lac offers children the opportunity to start one year earlier.
From age 4, children attend full school days to prepare them for a smooth transition to primary school.
Admission is based on:
The child’s age and the corresponding grade
Previous school reports, school references
An interview after review of the application
In some cases, an additional placement test
Applications are accepted all year round, depending on availability.
Unlike Swiss public schools, which register only in March/April, Haut-Lac has a rolling admissions system.
Families should contact the Admissions Office for up-to-date availability.
Yes, siblings have priority on the waiting list.
Local families who qualify for financial aid also benefit from the following tuition discounts:
5% for the second child
10% from the third child onwards
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School runs a Buddy Programme, which pairs new students (ages 3–18) with existing peers of a similar age and, where possible, the same language background.
With about 600 students of more than 63 nationalities, the school has strong experience in helping children and families integrate smoothly.
Yes. The school may have waiting lists for certain grades, particularly in the bilingual stream.
When this happens, students may be offered a place in the English stream until a bilingual spot becomes available.
Admissions are selective but inclusive to ensure each student is able to thrive in our bilingual IB learning environment.
As part of the process, families and students are invited for an interview, and students may have to do a language support assessment.
Applicants are also asked to provide recent school reports, academic records and references to help us better understand their learning background and needs.
In the case of individual learning needs, the school may request additional reports to ensure appropriate support can be provided.
Decisions are made once all documents have been submitted, and places are confirmed upon payment of the acceptance fee.
Yes, Haut-Lac offers boarding from age 11.
Haut-Lac offers three distinct language streams to suit the needs and preferences of students and their families:
Bilingual Stream:
In Primary: instruction 50% in French and 50% in English.
In middle school: traditional academic subjects alternate between French and English every semester.
In high school: students choose subjects in either language based on their needs and skills.
This flexible approach enables students to develop strong bilingual skills and tailor their education to personal learning goals.
Yes. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is:
Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS)
Recognised as a World Academy of Sport partner
In addition to French and English, students can also study:
German
Spanish
See IB Language Programmes for more on how we integrate foreign languages.
Yes. Haut-Lac provides tailored support through:
Small class sizes (~15 students on average)
Teaching assistants Infant & Primary
Subject booster & challenge clubs in Primary and academic subject clinics in Secondary
An Individual Needs & Language Support team
The ratio is about 1 adult for every 6–7 students.
Student progress is assessed and communicated via:
Summative assessments at set intervals
Two formal reports per year
Parent-teacher meetings and goal-setting conferences
Support includes morning language clubs in Primary, subject clinics in Secondary, and targeted language support across all levels.
Haut-Lac alumni have gone on to study in Switzerland, the UK, Europe, the US, Canada, and further afield.
Yes, the IB Diploma is officially recognised as equivalent to the Swiss Maturité by the Swiss University Conference.
It therefore grants access to all Swiss universities, provided students meet the required subject combinations and grade thresholds.
Most state universities in Switzerland require a minimum of 32 points (out of 45).
More competitive institutions such as ETH Zurich (ETHZ) and EPFL typically require at least 36 points for admission.
Yes. Students aged 11 to 14 may enrol in the Haut-Lac’s Middle Years Programme with its Swiss Option to prepare to sit the entrance exams for a state school in the canton of vaud at the end of MYP4.
Who is the Swiss Option for?
Students who wish to keep their options open to pursue either the IB Diploma at Haut-Lac or transfer to a Swiss state high school school in the canton of Vaud.
What does it include?
Added exam preparation in German, French literature and Maths
Additional subjects in English or French to reach an excellent bilingual level by the end of MYP4
Solid preparation for cantonal high school entrance exams
Advantages:
High level of proficiency in English and French
Strengthened digital and life skills
Choice between pursuing a Swiss high school diploma or an IB Diploma at age 15
Costs:
The Swiss Option carries an additional fee of CHF 1,500 per year (MYP1–MYP4), as listed in the General Day Fees 2025–26.
Yes, absolutely!
Haut-Lac welcomes students who do not yet speak French or English.
Our teachers use inclusive strategies and offer language assistance to help them gradually build their language skills whilst participating fully in school life.
We also provide:
free language support for early years learners (E1-E3, ages 3-5)
integration sessions to help newcomers adapt from P1 (age 5+).
No minimum level of French or English is required to join the school up to MYP4 (Grade 10). The school accepts language beginners until this level.
From Grade 11 onwards, students are expected to have at least a B1 level in English and/or French.
Students must be fluent in at least one of the school’s tuition languages (English or French) to join the bilingual stream. If this is not the case, they may initially join the English stream and transfer to the bilingual stream once sufficient fluency in one of the working languages is achieved.
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School welcomes 600+ students of 63 nationalities, which creates a rich multicultural environment.
Our top five nationalities are: Swiss, French, British, American and Spanish.
About 68% of students are native speakers of French or English, which helps maintain a balanced bilingual environment.
Other languages are also represented, which reflects the school’s international community.
A whole-school Buddy Programme (ages 3–18) pairs newcomers with a peer (often sharing a language) to help with routines, translation and inclusion at breaks and lunch.
A House system builds belonging through academic, cultural and sports events.
Yes. Students can join the English stream, where all subjects are taught in English alongside daily French lessons in Primary and French as a foreign language lessons in Secondary.
Students may begin in the English stream, and get gradual exposure to French through sports, arts and clubs.
Many transition to the bilingual stream within 1–2 years.
Students can start in the English stream, with:
Daily French lessons in Primary
Beginner French classes in Secondary
Targeted support to build confidence and fluency
Yes, the school teaches German from P3 (grade 3) and Spanish from MYP1 (grade 6).
Some parents also offer beginner and advanced language classes as part of our after-school clubs programme. The language options for these clubs may vary from year to year.
Yes. The Breakfast Club offers students breakfast from 7:15 until 7:45 and supervision until 8:00 to give families greater flexibility around work schedules.
Yes. Haut-Lac provides supervised after-school care until 18:00 from Monday to Friday, which includes:
Homework supervision
Recreational activities
Access to a wide range of after-school clubs
Parents can register their child for supervison and clubs via the Parent Portal or directly with the school office.
Children may attend after-school clubs until 16:45 and/or supervision until 18:00.
Students stay at school all day, with structured and supervised morning, lunch and/or afternoon breaks.
Infant & Primary: more frequent recesses with outdoor playtime
Secondary: standard rhythm of morning break, lunch and pick-up time.
Balanced breaks ensure children remain active and refreshed throughout the day.
Yes.
All students have lunch at school.
The lunch period is fully supervised for everyone, both in the canteen and outdoors in the playgrounds.
Infant & Primary: phones are not permitted.
Secondary: students must hand in their phones at the start of the day and collect them again when their lessons or after-school clubs end.
Yes. Haut-Lac operates a school bus service on designated routes in the region.
Morning pick-up and after-school drop-off available
Families can request routes and schedules by email to [email protected]
Costs depend on distance and frequency of use
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, centred on:
Inquiry-based learning
Student-led projects
Development of critical thinking and global citizenship
The school also places strong emphasis on its core values of Respect, Resilience, Open-mindedness and Belonging.
Haut-Lac promotes a healthy, balanced diet for all students.
Meals are nutritious and age-appropriate.
Allergies and special diets are considered.
A strict no-nut policy ensures community safety.
Parents are encouraged to communicate any dietary requirements to the school nurse or administration.
Yes. Students can register for freshly prepared hot lunches every day in the on-site canteen.
Meals are shared in groups to foster community spirit.
Staff supervise all lunches to promote healthy habits.
Day Students: Meals are not included in the tuition fees. Families can subscribe to the school’s hot lunch service either on a daily or occasional basis, depending on their needs.
As all students stay at school over the lunch period, students may also bring picnic lunch from home.
Boarding Students: All meals are included in the boarding fees.
Yes. The kitchen staff prepare menu altenatives for:
Parents should inform the school in advance so the catering team can plan accordingly.
Yes.
Yes, a qualified school nurse is present on campus throughout the school day to:
Respond to health needs
Administer prescribed medication (with parental authorisation)
Support students with chronic conditions
The school follows clear emergency protocols:
First-aid trained staff respond immediately
Parents are contacted without delay
Emergency services are called if needed
Yes, outdoor education is an integral part of learning.
All E1-IB2 students from go on day class trips linked to their studies
Ski outings are included in the fees for P1–IB1 students
Older students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which includes expeditions in the Jura and Alps
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, including:
Sports: football, swimming, skiing, athletics, basketball, tennis, horse-riding, volleyball, taekwondo, gymnastics, rugby
Arts: drama, choir, musical instrument lessons, film-making, visual arts
STEM: robotics, coding, design technology, science workshops
Languages & Leadership: debate, Model United Nations, service learning projects
Infant (E1-E3): Teddy Club and Big Bear Club with games, and social and creative activities
Options vary by age group and season, ensuring every student can explore new passions or deepen existing ones.
Yes. The school runs engaging STEM programmes, including:
Robotics and coding
Design technology workshops
Scientific activities & projects
These activities develop problem-solving and hands-on skills through exploration and experimentation.
Participation is optional, but strongly encouraged.
Extra-curricular involvement is part of the IB’s holistic education philosophy and is highly valued by universities.
Yes, Haut-Lac offers holiday camps in winter, spring and summer:
Day camps: sports, arts and languages
Residential camps: outdoor adventures, language lessons, sports development and international friendships
These camps are open to both Haut-Lac and external students.
Yes, Haut-Lac operates a school bus service on designated routes up to 30km from our campus.
Haut-Lac integrates physical education into daily school life.
Our facilities include:
Swimming is part of the curriculum from E2 to P5
Skiing is compulsory from P1 to IB1, with professional Swiss ski school instructors (4-8 children per group)
Yes, regular concerts, exhibitions and performances showcase students’ creative work.
Our campuses include:
Music suites and practice rooms
Drama spaces and stage
Visual arts studios
Tuition varies by age.
In 2025-26, the annual fees range from CHF 21’800 (E1 half-day option) to around CHF 40’600 (IB1-IB2).
These fees include fixed charges (CHF 150-900 depending on level), which cover compulsory activities such as ski days, school outings and certain events.
| CLASS | ANNUAL TUITION (CHF) | FIXED COSTS (CHF) | TOTAL (CHF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 (half-day) | 21'650 | 150 | 21'800 |
| E1 (full-day) | 27'150 | 150 | 27'300 |
| E2 | 27'300 | 200 | 27'500 |
| E3 | 28'200 | 350 | 28'550 |
| P1-P2 | 28'200 | 750 | 28'950 |
| P3 | 28'900 | 800 | 29'700 |
| P4 | 29'000 | 850 | 29'850 |
| P5 | 29'650 | 850 | 30'500 |
| MYP1-2 | 33'900 | 900 | 34'800 |
| MYP3 | 35'400 | 800 | 36'200 |
| MYP4 | 37'000 | 800 | 37'800 |
| MYP5 | 37'500 | 650 | 38'150 |
| IB1-IB2 | 40'000-40'300 | 600 | 40'600 |
Yes, families can pay in
Clubs run by teachers are included, but specialised clubs run by external teams (music, ski training, teakwondo, etc.) are charged separately. Prices vary depending on the activity.
Yes, families who are eligible for financial aid may get:
5% discount on tuition for the second child
10% discount for the third and subsequent children enrolled simultaneously
Limited financial aid is available for local families without employer allowances.
Typical reduction: around 10%
Applications are reviewed individually by the school’s finance department
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School supports transition through:
A Buddy Programme for all new students
A settling-in report for each new student a month after they arrive
A Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that organises events (coffee mornings, ski outings, TEDx talks) to help families connect and integrate into the community
Student progress is monitored through:
Continuous teacher observation
Bi-annual formal reports
Parent-teacher conferences and goal-setting meetings
Ongoing individual meetings depending on needs
Haut-Lac assists families relocating to Switzerland though:
Contacts with relocation agencies
Guidance on residency permits, insurances and banking
Integration support via the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
Yes, parents can get involved in school life through:
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which organises cultural events, workshops and community activities.
Volunteering during school events and trips
Direct access to teachers and staff via the Parent Portal.
Yes. Students can access pastoral care and speak to a trusted adult if they feel anxious, sad, or unwell.
Emotional well-being is a priority, and staff are trained to listen and guide students toward appropriate support.
Yes.
Emotional and social well-being are embedded in the Primary and Secondary PSHE programmes (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education).
Topics include:
Emotional literacy
Stress management
Digital citizenship and online safety
Relationships and empathy
Resilience and coping strategies
Teachers use inquiry-based learning and project planning to balance workload.
Reflection time and study clinics are offered in Secondary
Mindfulness and relaxation activities are integrated into PSHE lessons to help students develop long-term strategies to manage pressure
Discipline is guided by the school’s four pillars: Respect, Resilience, Open-mindedness and a Sense of Belonging.
Rules encourage punctuality, responsibility and empathy
Students are expected to reflect on their actions and their impact on others in line with the IB values of responsibility and citizenship.
Yes, Haut-Lac places great emphasis on welcoming newcomers:
Buddy system: each new student is paired with a classmate or older peer (often from their House) to help with routines and integration.
Orientation programme: settling-in meetings at the start of the year for parents, students and teachers.
House support: the House system ensures peer mentoring and inclusion.
Student Council: representatives involve newcomers in events and activities.
Together, these measures ensure students feel integrated both academically and socially within just a few weeks.
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is an IB World School authorised to deliver the:
The school is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and a World Academy of Sport (WAoS) partner.
It is currently a NEASC candidate school.
Yes.
Class sizes are intentionally small to ensure personalised attention.
Haut-Lac follows the IB (International Baccalaureate) framework, which can differ slightly
from the Swiss Harmos system.
| HAUT-LAC CLASS | SWISS STATE SCHOOL EQUIVALENT | KEY COMPARISON |
|---|---|---|
| E1 (age 3/4) | 1ère enfantine (state school starts at age 4) | Haut-Lac system starts one year earlier. |
| E2 (age 4/5) | 2ème enfantine | Same, but Haut-Lac offers bilingual immersion, smaller classes, and an interactive approach to learning. |
| P1-P5 (ages 5-10/11) | 1P-5P (primary school) | Same, but Haut-Lac teaches bilingually (50/50 French-English), has smaller classes, is more more interactive and focuses on soft skills. |
| MYP1 (age 11/12) | 7P (start of Cycle d’Orientation) | Same entry point, but IBMYP uses more project- and inquiry-based learning. |
| MYP2 (age 12/13) | 8P | Swiss students are streamed into tracks (VP/VG). IBMYP students study all subjects together. |
| MYP3 (age 13/14) | 9P | Equivalent in grade, but IBMYP remains broad without early specialisation. |
| MYP4-MYP5 (ages 14-15/16) | 10P-11P | 11P is the first year of the 3-year Maturité programme. MYP5 is the last year of middle school, when students sit exams and receive their IBMYP completion certificate. |
| IB1 (age 16/17) | 1ère année de gymnase | Second year of the 3-year Maturité programme. First year of the IB Diploma or IB Career-related programme. |
| IB2 (age 17/18) | 2ème année de gymnase | Final year of the 3-year Maturité programme Final year of the 2-year IB Diploma or Career-related programmes |
Both the IB Diploma (2 years) and the Swiss Maturité (3 years) grant access to Swiss and
international universities.
| PRIVATE SWISS SCHOOLS | PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS | |
|---|---|---|
| ADMISSIONS | Fixed yearly entry | Rolling admissions, flexible for expat families |
| CURRICULUM | Swiss cantonal curriculum (PER), Swiss Maturité | International Baccalaureate (IB), US, UK or bilingual programmes |
| DIPLOMAS | Swiss Maturité, vocational pathways | IB Diplomas, US High School Diploma, sometimes Swiss option |
| FOCUS | Continuity in Swiss education | Global mobility, multilingual development, university access worldwide |
| LANGUAGES | Local language (FR/DE/IT), foreign languages later | English and/or bilingual from early years |
| STUDENTS | Mostly local | Highly international (Haut-Lac ≈ 600 students, 60+ nationalities) |
| HAUT-LAC | SWISS STATE SCHOOLS | |
|---|---|---|
| STARTING AGE | From age 3 (E1) with flexible half/full day options | From age 4 (1P / 1ère enfantine) |
| LANGUAGES | English, French or fully bilingual (50/50) from the start | Mainly French (in Vaud), foreign languages (German P3, English P5) |
| CURRICULUM | IB MYP, DP, CP & US High School Diploma; Swiss Option for 11-14-year-olds | Cantonal PER (Plan d’Études Romand) |
| CLASS SIZE | Small, personalised (10-15 students) | Up to 23-25 students (average: 21) |
| ADMISSIONS | Rolling admissions all year round | Registration once per year |
| EXTRA-CURRICULARS | 150+ clubs (sports, arts, STEM, supervision) | Limited, varies by commune |
| INTERNATIONALITY | 60+ nationalities, ~62% local, ~21% Swiss | Primarily Swiss students |
| DIPLOMAS | IB Diploma = Swiss Maturité equivalent + + global recognition | Swiss Maturité recognised nationally & in Europe |
Students may begin boarding from the age of 11, when they will study the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP).
Younger students may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on maturity and readiness.
Yes, Haut-Lac welcomes international students of all language backgrounds.
Intensive English and French support programmes help new students integrate quickly and thrive academically and socially.
Admissions are based on academic history, motivation, character references and an interview.
The goal is to ensure a good fit with Haut-Lac’s bilingual, community-oriented environment.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
However, early application – by January for the following academic year – is strongly recommended as boarding spaces are limited.
Late applications may be considered if space allows.
Yes, families can choose between full boarding (7 days), weekly boarding (Monday-Friday), or flexible boarding for specific needs.
Weekly boarders typically return home for weekends.
Full boarders remain on campus throughout the week and weekends, taking part in organised excursions and cultural activities. Weekly boarders stay from Monday to Friday and return home for weekends.
Boarders follow a structured yet balanced schedule with academic study, sports, creative activities and relaxation time.
Evenings often include homework sessions, social events or recreational outings.
Yes, the boarding house is staffed day and night by experienced residential educators who ensure students’ safety, well-being and emotional support.
Older students may sign out for local outings with permission.
Safety remains the top priority, so all movements are logged and supervised.
Students enjoy a range of sports, arts, community service activities and weekend trips such as skiing, hiking or cultural sightseeing around Switzerland.
The boarding house is within walking distance to Haut-Lac’s main school campuses in St-Légier, and overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Transport is provided between sites when needed.
Students stay in comfortable double or single rooms overlooking the mountains or Lake Geneva.
All rooms include study areas, storage and en-suite facilities.
Rooms are allocated according to gender and age.
Boarders have access to a common room with sofa, TV and games areas, an indoor terrace with ping-pong and table-football tables, an outdoor terrace for evening meals, BBQs and campfires, a small fitness area, and a study lounge.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence for supervised use.
Yes, all meals are freshly prepared by our in-house caterers.
They are served at the boarding house in the morning, evening and at weekends, as well as in the school canteen at lunchtime.
Menus are balanced and designed to promote healthy eating.
Absolutely.
The catering team accommodates all medical, dietary and cultural needs with care.
A qualified nurse is on site during the day, and local doctors are on call.
In the event of emergency, the nearby hospital in Vevey ensures prompt medical attention.
Haut-Lac delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the IBMYP, IBDP and IBCP.
This internationally-recognised pathway prepares students for universities worldwide.
Yes, boarders benefit from structured homework time and personalised guidance from tutors and teachers.
Yes, students can join 150+ clubs, sports teams and artistic pursuits.
They can also join the Ski & Study programme run in partnership with Ski Zenit.
Fees vary depending on the boarding option (weekly or full) and student’s class.
They include tuition, accommodation, supervision, meals, laundry and most activities.
Uniform and optional excursions are billed separately.
Most regular activities are included in the fees.
Yes, supervision is continuous, with staff present 24 hours a day.
Boarding staff are trained in child protection and first aid.
Yes, the school provides confidential counseling and pastoral care to support emotional well-being.
The boarding house features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring and controlled visitor access.
Regular drills ensure students know how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Haut-Lac offers fully bilingual English-French instruction across all levels.
Students are encouraged to develop fluency in both languages, with language acquisition support provided as needed.
The boarding community represents over 10 nationalities, creating a rich multicultural environment that prepares students for a global future.
Students may begin boarding from the age of 11, typically when they enter the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Younger students may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on maturity and readiness.
Yes. Haut-Lac welcomes international students of all language backgrounds. Intensive English and French support programmes help new students integrate quickly and thrive academically and socially.
Admissions are based on academic history, motivation, character references, and an interview. The goal is to ensure a good fit with Haut-Lac’s bilingual, community-oriented environment.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, early application—by January for the following academic year—is strongly recommended as boarding spaces are limited. Late applications may be considered if space allows.
Yes. Families can choose between full boarding (7 days), weekly boarding (Monday–Friday), or flexible boarding for specific needs. Weekly boarders typically return home for weekends.
Full boarders remain on campus throughout the week and weekends, taking part in organised excursions and cultural activities. Weekly boarders stay from Monday to Friday and return home for weekends.
Boarders follow a structured yet balanced schedule with academic study, sports, creative activities, and relaxation time. Evenings often include homework sessions, social events, or recreational outings.
Yes. The boarding house is staffed day and night by experienced residential educators who ensure students’ safety, wellbeing, and emotional support.
Older students may sign out for local outings with permission. Safety remains the top priority, and all movements are logged and supervised.
Students can enjoy a range of sports, arts, community service, and weekend trips such as skiing, hiking, or cultural visits around Switzerland.
The boarding residence is located close to Haut-Lac’s main campus in St-Légier, overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. Transport is provided between sites when needed.
Students are accommodated in comfortable double or single rooms, separated by age and gender. All rooms include study areas, storage, and modern facilities.
Boarders have access to lounges, fitness areas, outdoor spaces, and a study lounge. Wi-Fi is available throughout the residence for supervised use.
Yes. All meals are freshly prepared by our in-house chefs and served in the dining hall. Menus are balanced and designed to promote healthy eating.
Absolutely. The catering team accommodates all medical, dietary, and cultural needs with care.
A qualified nurse is on-site during the day, and local doctors are on call. In case of emergencies, the nearby hospital in Vevey ensures prompt medical attention.
Haut-Lac offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including the MYP, IBDP, and IBCP. This internationally recognized framework prepares students for universities worldwide.
Yes. Boarders benefit from structured homework time and access to tutors and teachers for personalized guidance.
Yes. Students may participate in over 20 clubs, sports teams, and artistic pursuits. They can also join the Ski & Study programme in partnership with Ski Zenit.
Fees vary depending on the boarding option (weekly or full). They include tuition, accommodation, meals, laundry, and most activities.
Limited financial assistance may be available for exceptional candidates based on merit or financial need.
Uniforms and optional excursions are billed separately. Most regular activities are included in the fees.
Yes. Supervision is continuous, with staff present 24 hours a day. Boarding staff are trained in child protection and first aid.
Yes. The school provides confidential counseling and pastoral care to support emotional wellbeing.
The residence features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and controlled visitor access. Regular drills ensure students know how to respond to emergencies.
Haut-Lac is fully bilingual, offering English-French instruction across all levels. Students are encouraged to develop fluency in both languages, with language acquisition support provided as needed.
The boarding community represents over 10 nationalities, creating a rich multicultural environment that prepares students for global citizenship.