La Garenne International School
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: International Baccalaureate
Programs and prices, tuition fees in La Garenne International School
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 La Garenne International School
- Founded: 1947
- Total number of students: more than 200 people of 40+ nationalities.
- Age of students: from 3 to 18 years old.
- Type: co-educational international boarding and day school
- Type of education: elementary school, middle school, and high school.
- Location: Villars-sur-Ollon, Swiss Alps, Switzerland
La Garenne International School is a family-run international boarding and day school in Villars-sur-Ollon, in the Swiss Alps, welcoming around 200 students aged 3 to 18 from more than 40 countries. Founded in 1947, the Swiss school offers a continuous process of international education: from the preschool stage to the final grades and obtaining a secondary education certificate.
La Garenne has been run by the Méan family from 1980. This continuity is what sets La Garenne apart: every student is known, supported, and given room to grow. Here, students grow in independence while families remain an important part of the journey.
The school’s motto is "Be Happy, and Never Never Never Give Up". It reflects a culture 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
Teaching is in English. Students who need support join the Intensive English Programme until they reach at least B1 level.
French is compulsory until age 16. La Garenne is an authorised centre for Cambridge English Qualifications and IELTS, and prepares students for the DELF diploma, with a 100% success rate.
A key element of La Garenne's unique educational program is university admission counseling. It is based on the development of each student's strengths, which are combined with him and his family to help build an academic trajectory from Middle School onwards. In High School, an individual plan is developed for each student that goes beyond the core curriculum: it includes additional courses and internships. Secondary school education ends with passing the IGCSE exams. In grades 10-11, students study compulsory subjects.:
- English,
- Mathematics,
- Natural sciences (Combined Sciences),
- French.
In addition, students study two humanities subjects (geography, history, business), as well as one creative subject.: design and technology, music, visual arts.
In high school, in grades 12-13 (16-18 years old), students choose one of two paths:
- International diploma course. There are 6 subjects to choose from: English, French, Russian, business management, geography, history, psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, fine arts, design. Additional required components are CAS (creativity, service, activity), theory of cognition, writing an extended essay.
- High School Diploma. A practice-oriented program combining 3 diploma course subjects with mathematics, a Life Skills course, an internship, and a personal project.
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.
Faculties and colleges
The academic structure of La Garenne School is organized by age levels:
- Preschool department — Pre-Reception and Reception (3-5 years): education based on the EYFS system with elements of Forest School methodology,
- Primary school (5-11 years): English National Curriculum and International Curriculum for Primary Schools,
- Secondary school, grades 7-9 (ages 11-14): a secondary school program within the framework of the international Baccalaureate system,
- Grades 10-11 (14-16 years old): IGCSE program (Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA Examination Boards),
- High school, grades 12-13 (16-18 years old): International diploma or High School Diploma.
Scientific achievements
- La Garenne School was included in the Spear's Schools Index 2026 ranking, which included the top 100 private schools in the world.
- In the 2025/26 academic year, all La Garenne high school students who took the diploma course exams successfully passed the certification (100% result).
- The average score was 36 (with a global average of 30), and the maximum score was 44 points.
- The students received an excellent score (135 out of 150 points) on the ABRSM piano exams.
- The La Garenne team took 1st place in the mixed team competition at the ISMTF Junior Mathematical Competition (Vienna, 2026).
- All the students who took the DELF exams successfully completed the tests (100% result).
Things to know about
- Family-run since 1980: under the Méan family’s leadership, every student is known, supported and given room to grow.
- Students gain more autonomy as they move towards the Senior School, while families remain part of the journey.
- An individual approach is at the centre of academic life, and personalised university counselling is one of the school’s key strengths.
- The principle of La Garenne extracurricular offer: the best professional coaches help each child develop their talents, in sport and beyond.
University destinations
La Garenne students has a 100% first-choice university acceptance rate. Popular destinations include 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 and École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).
Accommodation, meals, prices
Students live in age-specific residences with full-time House Parents and boarding staff on site around the clock, with views of the surrounding Alps.
The three boarding houses are distributed by age groups:
- Chalet La Garenne - primary school students (years 1-6),
- Chalet Beau Site - secondary school students (years 7-9, years 11-14),
- Le Roc - high school students (years 10-13, years 14-18).
The daily routine at the boarding house is clearly structured, the caregivers (House Parents) oversee all stages of the day — from morning wake-up to evening check-up before bedtime. After lessons, students move on to sports and other activities: each student attends at least two extracurricular clubs or sections per semester. In winter, ski and snowboard enthusiasts go to the slopes several times a week — the ski lift is just a few minutes' walk from the campus. Independence also grows with age: Beau Site students participate in planning weekend activities, while Le Roc students take on weekly household chores and can visit the Villars village.
For homework, each building has study areas, a Homework Club, open to everyone: calm, organized conditions for preparing lessons and exams are created here, if necessary, you can get the help of teachers or additional individual classes.The use of mobile phones is limited by a certain time frame.
Students are provided with three meals a day, morning and afternoon snacks.
Subjects and sports
Activities La Garenne International School
The principle that underlies the uniqueness of the extracurricular Activities program (ECA) at La Garenne School is as follows: the school attracts the best specialists to discover the talents of each child. Four sports Academies stand out in particular:
- Golf is led by Julien Clement, who has held the title of Switzerland's strongest golfer for ten years.,
- Karting is led by Nicolas Rohrbasser, the 2018 vice—world champion, who ranks 22nd in the KZ2 class world ranking.,
- Skiing is a program developed in collaboration with the Swiss Ski School (Ecole de Ski Suisse),
- Football classes are conducted in partnership with the Juventus club, a recognized leader in the training of young football talents.
In total, students have more than 50 extracurricular options available, and each student is required to attend at least two of them during the semester.
Sport Activities:
- Winter sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing
- Mountain sports: mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing
- Team sports: football (Juventus Academy, 20–30 matches per season), basketball, volleyball, ice hockey
- Racket sports: tennis, padel, squash, badminton
- Also: swimming, athletics, golf, boxing, horse riding, yoga and fitness.
Creative and academic clubs
- Robotics,
- Programming
- 3D design and laser cutting,
- Visual art,
- Ceramics,
- Theatrical art,
- Dancing,
- Music (orchestra and individual lessons on musical instruments),
- Cinema and stop-motion animation,
- Chess,
- Cooking,
- Math Club,
- The UN Model (MUN).
Advantages
- Full cycle of education: from 3 to 18 years (from the preparatory stage to the 13th grade).
- There are two certificate options for high school students: an international diploma or a practice-oriented High School Diploma.
- High academic results: in the 2025/26 academic year, the average graduation rate was 36 (with a global average of 30), and the maximum score was 44 points.
- Successful admission to universities: 100% of graduates are enrolled in the universities they have chosen as a priority (universities of the first choice),
- Four sports academies: golf, go-karting, football, skiing.
Accreditations and partnerships:
- Council of International Schools (CIS),
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC),
- Authorized Examination Center for Cambridge English Qualifications,
- IGCSE exams (from Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA),
- It has the right to prepare for a DELF diploma (issued by the French Ministry of Education),
- Member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS), the Association of Boarding Schools (BSA) and the Swiss Federation of Private Schools (FSEP).
Facilities and equipment at La Garenne International School
La Garenne occupies two campuses within a five-minute walk of each other, in Villars-sur-Ollon. The campuses are located a stone's throw from the main ski lift in Villars; it takes 90 minutes to get to Geneva Airport and 150 minutes to Zurich Airport. In 2014, the main building of the La Garenne school underwent renovation: the bedrooms, dining room and administrative rooms were updated — the interiors became more modern, retaining the traditional Swiss chalet style. In 2025, construction began on a new Sports Hub next to the Le Roc building, a multifunctional sports hall that additionally includes living quarters for boarding high school students.
Both campuses are equipped with high-speed Internet access, classrooms with 86-inch interactive touchscreens, design and robotics studios (with 3D printers, laser machines, sewing machines and ceramic kilns), well-equipped scientific laboratories. The fitness center has Technogym weight training equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, and boxing equipment.
Admission dates and extra charges
Additional expenses include:
- Travel to and from Switzerland,
- Visa fees,
- School uniform, ski set,
- Medical insurance,
- Personal pocket money,
- Excursions,
- Private lessons,
- Application fee (CHF 2,000).
Enrolment process
Admissions to La Garenne are rolling, with no fixed application deadline.
Families are advised to apply 6–9 months before the intended start date for Primary and Secondary places, and up to a year ahead for boarding.
The admissions process has four steps:
- Get in touch: contact the Admissions Team, visit the school or meet online.
- Apply: complete the application form and submit all required documents, including recent school reports. A non-refundable application fee of CHF 2,000 covers processing, campus visits and placement testing.
- Assessment and interview: the student completes the required tests and takes part in an interview.
- Decision: the Admissions Committee reviews the application and informs the family of its decision.
Once a place is offered, the family secures it by accepting the offer and completing the financial conditions.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Required documents are:
- Passport,
- Medical information (vaccination card),
- Up-to-date school report card,
- Recommendation from a teacher at the current school.
When applying, you must indicate your proficiency in English and French, Cambridge English certificates, and special educational needs (if any). The age limits for academic programs are 3-18 years old.
Smapse specialists will accompany you at all stages of admission.
Scholarships La Garenne International School
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 La Garenne International School
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. |
