Ecole International La Garenne
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: International Baccalaureate
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Ecole International La Garenne
Brief information: the school annually organizes summer courses for children from all over the world, from the very moment of its foundation. International children from 6 to 13 years can study and have a rest - the balanced program combines academic studies, sports and interesting leisure. The camp practices full-time tuition and full board accommodation. In total, 70 people from 15 countries come to the seasonal programs annually, many children choose this camp repeatedly.
About the educational course:
- English lessons are conducted from 9:15 to 12:15;
- All children are divided into groups according to the level of basic training;
- The rest of the day is devoted to sports, leisure and interesting excursions.
Immediately after arrival, the students are assigned to the classes collected according to the principle of basic training. Educational staff actively used modern, original techniques of education, which are adjusted to the age and level of abilities of children. Attention is paid to music and computer programs.
Lessons are held in bright and comfortable classes, in small training groups - this helps to realize an individual, personal approach, to achieve impressive results in a short time. Experienced professional teachers are able to motivate children to achieve high educational and personal goals, they share their knowledge and experience with pleasure.
Quick overview: annual French summer courses for international children. Children from 6 to 13 years join the balanced program combines academic studies, sports and interesting leisure. The camp practices full-time tuition and full board accommodation. In total, 70 people from 15 countries come to the seasonal programs annually, many children choose this camp repeatedly.
About the educational course:
- French lessons are conducted from 9:15 to 12:15;
- Children are divided into groups according to the level of basic training;
- Extra curricular program:
- different sports;
- Leisure activities;
- Interesting excursions.
Immediately after arrival, the students are assigned to the classes collected according to the principle of basic training. Actively used are modern, original educational techniques. Music and computer programs are also studied.
Lessons are held in bright and comfortable classes, in small training groups - this helps to realize an individual, personal approach, to achieve impressive results in a short time. Experienced professional teachers are able to motivate children to achieve high educational and personal goals, they share their knowledge and experience with pleasure.
The curriculum fully complies with the French state standard (primary and secondary grades): kindergarten and 6 school levels (from CE1 to 6th grade, 6-13 years old).
Each class includes no more than 9 people. English is a mandatory subject to attend, and lessons are taught by native speakers. Each trimester ends with exams: this helps to monitor students' academic performance more closely and, if necessary, adjust the curriculum, pay closer attention to difficult topics and aspects.
After completing the courses, students can enter schools and colleges that support the educational standards of France or Switzerland. For students who choose the American or British system (for example, the International Diploma Program), they will need to pass the English language exam with a high enough score.
- Years 7-10: studies mathematics, English and French, art, history, physical education and sports, history, music, science and technology, art theory.
The curriculum fully complies with the French state standard (primary and secondary grades): kindergarten and 6 school levels (from CE1 to 5th grade, 6-13 years old).
Each class includes no more than 9 people. English is a mandatory subject to attend, and lessons are taught by native speakers. Each trimester ends with exams: this helps to monitor students' academic performance more closely and, if necessary, adjust the curriculum, pay closer attention to difficult topics and aspects.
After completing the courses, students can enter schools and colleges that support the educational standards of France or Switzerland. For students who choose the American or British system (for example, the International Diploma Program), they will need to pass the English language exam with a high enough score.
- 11-13 years old: studies mathematics, English and French, chemistry, art, history, physical education and sports, history, music, physics, science and technology, art theory.
Each class includes no more than 12 people. Native English language teachers work with children; French is studied without fail every day.
After completing the course, you can enroll in educational institutions that support the British or American system, or choose the International Diploma Program. If a student prefers the French or Swiss system, they will need to pass an international French language exam with a high enough score.
- 5-7 years: the studying is conducted in the format of a game, interesting and informative. Children are becoming more independent and self-reliant, inquisitive, and healthy lifestyle skills are being instilled in them.
- 8-10 years old: studies English and French, sports and physical education, mathematics, music, science and art.
According to the British education system, there are 8 classes (from 6 to 13 years old: 8-10 years old and 11-14 years old).
Each class includes no more than 12 people. Native English language teachers work with children; French is studied without fail every day.
After completing the course, you can enter educational institutions that support the British or American system, or choose the International Diploma Program. If a student prefers the French or Swiss system, they will need to pass an international French language exam with a high enough score.
10-14 years old: studies English and French, biology, sports, mathematics, music, chemistry, art, geography, physics, religion and history.
A special department has also been opened for foreign students, for those who do not speak English as their native language: here students can fully integrate into the cultural and linguistic environment of the British educational system.
The lessons are conducted by experienced, qualified teachers, each of whom is a native speaker. Classes are quite intense: this helps to achieve excellent results in the shortest possible time. Programs can adapt to the different needs and capabilities of students, adapt to their level of preparation. As soon as the level of language knowledge becomes sufficient, the child is transferred to the main English department and continues to study with the rest of the students (of course, appropriate to his age, in the proper class).
The curriculum consists of:
- Sports activities
- Computer Science
- Music
- Foreign languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, German, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese; for example, Madame Mean, the owner of the school, speaks eight languages!).
Senior classes, IB program
More recently, the Ecole International La Garenne school has launched programs for high school students: these are courses on the basic International diploma program — IBMYP and IBDP.
The complex, comprehensive, international program is designed to develop the talents of each student and at the same time give them the opportunity to enter any university in any country in the world. Small classes provide an individual approach to learning and the development of research skills.
A separate house (academic building) has been prepared for high school students in Villars — Senior Campus Le Roc. It will provide an opportunity to provide modern, relevant education in the realities of the 21st century using new technologies and equipment.
One subject from 6 categories is selected for the curriculum.:
- English A / French A / Russian A / self-taught language A, English To French To Russian to French from Scratch,
- Business Management / Geography / Psychology / History,
- Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Ecological Systems and Communities,
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation / Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches,
- Fine art / Design (or chemistry/history).
Three selected subjects are studied at an advanced level, more complex (Higher), and three at a regular (Standard) level.
Additionally, all students take 3 compulsory courses.:
- Theory of knowledge,
- Skills of writing an extended academic essay,
- CAS (Creativity, Service, Activity).
Pre-Reception and Reception
These are preschool groups for children aged 3–5. The educational process is built on the seven learning areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme and draws on the philosophy and principles of Forest School, combining play, exploration, and hands-on activities.
IGCSE
- Age of students: 14–16, Years 10–11.
A classic British preparation program for upper secondary school. Final exam results are assessed by external examiners: Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA.
Description of Ecole International La Garenne
- Founded: 1947
- Total number of students: more than 200 people of 40+ nationalities.
- The ratio of teachers to students is 2:1.
- Age of students: from 3 to 18 years old.
- Type of study: Elementary, middle and high school.
- Location: Villars-sur-Hollon, Switzerland (two campuses).
La Garenne International School is a private international school that has been providing quality secondary education in Switzerland to thousands of children since 1947, is famous for its individual approach to everyone, and educates representatives from more than 40 countries. Both day and boarding forms are available.
The history of La Garenne began in 1947, when A. Caboussat and A. L'Eplattenier founded the "House for Children". In 1966, the leadership passed to the de Lattre couple — with them the institution became an elementary school, the building was expanded and an English-language department was opened, and the traditional afternoon rest was replaced by sports activities. The school has been run by the Méan family since 1980, and since 2008 it has been headed by Gregory Méan, a representative of the fourth generation. In 2022, the school celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The teachers here are dedicated to their work, which makes the learning process as comfortable and productive as possible. The school's philosophy is based on an individual approach to each student, encouraging a thirst for knowledge and ensuring comprehensive development, including social and emotional development. They adhere to the principle of "home away from home": each student is known personally, by name and by sight, surrounded by care. The setting allows students to prepare for life outside of school and help them enroll in prestigious universities around the world. High school students (classes up to 12 people) can choose from international diploma and national certificate programs at La Garenne.
La Garenne is proud of its bilingual history: education takes place in English, but additional classes and projects allow you to learn French to a free level.
The school's motto is "Be happy and never, ever, never give up": It reflects the culture of La Garenne, based on resilience, curiosity and mutual care.
What are the key factors parents consider when choosing a Swiss school?
Generally, parents look at the school's reputation, location, level of care, potential for personalized attention, curriculum specifics, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and, of course, tuition fees.
Educational process
The language of instruction is English (primary). "Foreigners" are assessed by the CEFR school: those who have reached the B2 level study in the English A program, if the test shows the B1 level and below, the EAL course ("English as a second language").
French is mandatory for all students under the age of 16: speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are developed. There is a special advanced French course for native speakers. At school, you can prepare for the Cambridge English Qualifications exams and receive DELF diplomas in French.
Academic subjects (basic) are:
- English language,
- French language,
- Mathematics,
- Natural Sciences (comprehensive course).
Each student chooses two subjects from the following list:
- Geography,
- History,
- Creative subject: design and technology, music, fine arts,
- Fundamentals of business.
The advanced studying course additionally includes an individual project, theater arts, sports, and socially oriented activities (for example, charity). Additionally, at least 2 extracurricular activities are available: sports, hiking and excursions, creativity, academic electives, clubs and interest groups.
The maximum class size is 15 students, in high schools usually up to 12 students. The staff/student ratio is 1:2. A personalized approach is used here: the program adapts to the strengths, interests and goals of each student, and basic assessment tests are conducted upon admission. The Harkness Method is actively used: students at an oval table practice dialogue and active listening — the teacher acts as a facilitator, mediator, not a lecturer.
Students are regularly tested for current progress and final grades, the Toddle platform and school reports are used for teacher comments and grades, and internal exams are designed in the image and likeness of IGCSE.
There is support for students with special educational needs (SEN): autism, ADHD, trauma-informed practitioners, an EAL Coordinator and a psychologist are on staff, and a package of wellness therapies has been developed for older students. The course can also be adapted for gifted children: individual educational plans, special exam conditions. Please note: the involvement of external specialists or individual lessons may be paid additionally.
All tutors live in boarding schools 24/7, undergo compulsory preparation (first aid, child protection, care) and a thorough check before employment.
Faculties and colleges
The academic structure of La Garenne is organized by age stages:
- Chalet Millenium (Early Years Centre) — early childhood department for children aged 4–7,
- Primary School (ages 5–10) — instruction following the International Primary Curriculum,
- Middle School, Years 7–9 (approximately ages 11–14) — a three-year Middle Years Programme (MYP) combining interdisciplinary learning and culminating in the MYP Community Project,
- IGCSE, Years 10–11 (ages 14–16) — a two-year programme,
- La Garenne is an authorized examination centre for Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA,
- Senior School, Years 12–13 (ages 16–18) — choice of: International Diploma programme or school leaving certificate (High School Diploma, HSD). Both pathways open doors to leading universities around the world.
Scientific achievements
La Garenne was included in Spear's Schools Index 2026 among the top 100 private schools in the world. DELF students are the youngest participants in the canton of Vaud, with a passing rate of 100%. Graduates of the Ski Academy became captains of university ski teams and champions of professional competitions.
Things to know about
Four houses (House System) bear the names of Alpine animals with mottos in Latin:
- Bouquetin (Alpine ibex) — Sursum Tende,
- Nunquam Rende, Buse (buzzard) — Longe Specta, Alte Secta,
- Cerf (red deer) — Honor et Caritas,
- Lynx — Arte et vi.
This is a dog-friendly school: weekly dog walks in the Alpine surroundings are provided.
In the summer camp, the quota for nationality/language is 10-15% for each country; about 45-50 nationalities are represented in total.
University destinations
100% of graduates enter universities of their first choice. Among the most popular universities are King's College London, London School of Economics, University of Leeds, Durham University, Queen Mary, University of London, University of Bath, University of Exeter, École Hôtelière de Lausanne.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The students live in cozy and modern chalets, where they are looked after 24/7 by experienced staff. The windows and balconies offer magnificent views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
The three boarding houses are distributed by age groups:
- Chalet La Garenne (Pre-Reception–Year 6, 3-11 years old) — spacious rooms for 4 people, playgrounds, living rooms with books and toys,
- Chalet Beau Site (Years 7-9, 11-14 years old) — separate floors for boys and girls, access by electronic keys. The rooms are equipped for 3-4 people and have a bathroom, a music room, an art room, a game room, two living rooms, and a kitchen for a culinary club are in common use.,
- Chalet Le Roc (15-18 years old) — spacious double apartments with private bathroom and work space, separate floors by floor.
Boarders spend a lot of time outdoors: sports, hiking, skiing in winter. With the younger students, the Swiss boarding school applies the Forest School methodology — learning through practical experience in nature, which develops confidence, independence and practical skills. The tutors live here, on the territory, and are available at any time of the day or night. Additionally, students can contact a school counselor, psychologist, head of the academic department, and learning support specialists — any problem can be solved quickly and efficiently.
All meals are prepared daily by a team led by a chef who focuses on local cuisine and proper nutrition. Meals are organized with three full meals a day, morning and afternoon snacks. The menu takes into account allergies, diets, and cultural differences, providing vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, halal, and vegan meals. Students and staff gather in the canteens together.
Subjects and sports
Activities Ecole International La Garenne
Children have access to more than 50 extracurricular activities during the academic year, and each student is enrolled in at least 2 of them.
Sports
- aerobics,
- golf,
- swimming (weekly, interschool competitions), water sports,
- football (Juventus Academy — 2 training sessions per week, 20–30 matches per season),
- alpine skiing and snowboarding (ski lift very close to campus),
- cross-country skiing,
- boxing,
- horse riding,
- basketball,
- volleyball,
- ice hockey (partnership with Villars club),
- rock climbing,
- ice climbing,
- squash,
- tennis,
- table tennis,
- badminton,
- padel,
- running,
- athletics,
- mountain biking,
- karate,
- sledging,
- yoga,
- pilates,
- fitness.
Specialist academies
- Go-Karting Academy (coach Nicolas Rohrbasser — former world champion),
- Golf Academy (coach Julien Clément — Switzerland's top player for 10+ years, former DP Tour professional; Trackman Golf simulator; interschool and international tournaments),
- Juventus Football Academy (Juventus methodology; competitions with Swiss clubs and schools),
- Ski Academy (partnership with École Suisse de Ski Villars; regional Swiss races, Swiss International School, FIS junior competitions).
Creative and academic clubs
- robotics (VEX IQ and V5, Python),
- 3D design and laser cutting (Bambu Lab, Fusion 360),
- fine arts,
- dance (jazz-modern),
- drama,
- ceramics,
- music and performing arts (orchestra, guitar, bass, piano, drums, violin, clarinet),
- chess,
- cooking club,
- Model UN (MUN),
- walking the school's dogs,
- LEGO,
- coding,
- stop-motion animation,
- video/film,
- maths club.
Expeditions and trips
- mountain hiking,
- rafting on alpine rivers,
- visits to prehistoric caves and salt mines,
- ascent of Breithorn (4,164 m, Zermatt),
- humanitarian and environmental projects (past destinations — Tanzania, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Azores).
Advantages
La Garenne International School provides a full cycle of education — from 3 to 18 years. In high school, students can choose a priority program for themselves: an international diploma or a national certificate. The High School Diploma is focused on the practical application of knowledge, combines the study of specialized subjects with gaining work experience, developing vital skills (Life Skills), implementing a personal project (Passion Project), socially useful activities, sports and hiking. The family approach, where each student is personally known, and the same family has been running the school for decades, provides a unique atmosphere where the child grows up in comfort and care. Living conditions adapt to each age stage, to each step of growing up, children acquire more and more independence from year to year.
Accreditations and partnerships:
- NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) — it unites more than 1,500 public, independent and international schools,
- Cambridge English Qualifications — Authorized Examination Center (levels A1–C2),
- IGCSE is an authorized center of Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA, CIS (Council of International Schools),
- Member of SGIS (Swiss Group of International Schools), a Swiss group of international schools,
- Member of the BSA (Boarding Schools' Association), an association of boarding schools,
- Member of FSEP (Swiss Private Schools Federation), the Federation of Private Schools in Switzerland,
- It has the right to prepare students for the DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française) qualification awarded by the French Ministry of Education.
Key Features:
- The maximum class size is 15 people.,
- More than 50 options for extracurricular activities,
- More than 40 nationalities among the students,
- About 200 students enjoy a chamber atmosphere with personal attention to everyone.
Examples of student achievements:
- In the 2025/26 academic year, 100% of the students passed the exams.
- The student received the highest grade with honors in the ABRSM Piano exams (Royal Schools of Music, 2026),
- 1st place in the ISMTF Junior Maths Competition mixed team competition (Vienna, 2026).
Facilities and equipment at Ecole International La Garenne
La Garenne occupies two campuses within a five-minute walk of each other, in Villars-sur-Ollon.
The primary and secondary school campus consists of four Swiss mountain chalets:
- Chalet La Garenne is an elementary school founded in 1947,
- Chalet Beau Site — boarding house for Years 7-9,
- Chalet Millenium is a preschool department of the Early Years Centre, opened in 2023 for children aged 4-7,
- The Academia building is the academic building Years 4-9.
The Le Roc campus, opened in 2019 for senior students of Years 10-13 (16-18 years old), includes:
- Modern classrooms,
- Design and Fine Art Studios,
- Dance and music studios,
- Sports hall,
- Multilingual library,
- A spacious dining room,
- Student living rooms,
- The bedrooms have their own bathrooms.
The campuses are located a few steps from the main Villars ski lift, Geneva Airport is 90 minutes away, Zurich Airport is 150 minutes away. In 2014, the bedrooms, dining room and administrative offices of the main building of La Garenne were renovated in the infrastructure — the interiors were modernized, preserving the traditional Swiss chalet style. In 2025, construction began on a new Sports Hub near Le Roc, a multifunctional sports hall with housing for senior boarders.
Both campuses are equipped with high-speed Internet access, classrooms with 86-inch interactive touchscreens, design and robotics studios with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and pottery ovens, and well-equipped science laboratories. The fitness center offers Technogym strength training equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines, and boxing training equipment.
Admission dates and extra charges
Additional expenses include:
- Round-trip tickets,
- Visa fees,
- School uniform, ski set,
- Medical insurance,
- Personal pocket money,
- Excursions,
- Private lessons,
- Registration fee.
The price of the Swiss summer camp includes: accommodation, meals and snacks, sports and activities, excursions, morning language classes, transfer from Geneva airport (on general dates), laundry, camp uniform (rental), local taxes. Not included: pocket money, additional paid activities, medical insurance, airport–school transfer (winter camp).
Enrolment process
Admissions to La Garenne are open on a rolling basis, with no fixed application deadlines; however, families are advised to submit documents at least 6–9 months before the intended start date (for entry into primary and secondary classes) and one year in advance when choosing the boarding option, as places can fill up quickly. The enrollment process consists of four steps:
- the family contacts the admissions office,
- then completes an application form and provides the required documents, including recent school report cards,
- upon successful review of the application, the school sends an official offer of enrollment,
- the family accepts the offer and makes payment to complete the enrollment procedure.
Families can arrange a private visit to either of the two campuses in Villars-sur-Ollon or schedule an online meeting with admissions representatives at a convenient time.
Perspectives
University admission consultations begin in the 9th grade (13-14 years old). During the last years of school, students regularly meet with the Higher Education and Futures team, which supports them in choosing programs and subjects, helps them select information about universities and careers, prepares them in writing motivation letters, applying, preparing for interviews, meeting deadlines. Individual studying is available for students who need to take the SAT or other exams, including language exams.
Graduates of the 2025/2026 academic year have received offers from universities such as King's College London, the London School of Economics, the University of Leeds, Durham University, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Bath, the University of Exeter, the Graduate School of Hotel Management in Lausanne and others.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Required documents are: passport, medical data, recommendation from the senior lecturer of the current school. When applying, it is necessary to indicate the level of proficiency in English and French, the availability of Cambridge English certificates, and special educational needs (if any).
Age restrictions are:
- Academic programs — 3-18 years old,
- Summer camp — 6-16 years old,
- Winter camp — 5-14 years old.
Medical insurance is required for the summer camp, it is necessary to indicate the height and weight of the child.
Smapse specialists will accompany you at all stages of admission
Scholarships Ecole International La Garenne
La Garenne School does not offer scholarships; however, a sibling discount is available (for siblings studying simultaneously from the same family).
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Ecole International La Garenne
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
