Institut Le Rosey School

• Language of instruction: English and French
• Established: in 1880
• Location: Roll, Gstaad
• Students age: from 14 to 18 years
• Educational programs: IB, French Baccalaureat
• Total number of students: 400 people
• Type of studying: mixed
• Type of accommodation: boarding house.

Le Rosey School was founded in 1880 and initially accepted only young men for studying in Switzerland  - mixed education was adopted in 1967, and today boys and girls can study here. The Swiss school has the status of elite, prestigious, ranking and teaches children from 8 to 18 years. The total number of students reaches 400 people, and teachers - 110 people.

Le Rosey School has nurtured generations of well-known dynastic families, with alumni hailing from prestigious lineages such as the Hohenzollerns, Cavendishes, Rothschilds, Koskulls, Metternichs, Borgheses, Hohenlohes, Rockefellers, Niarchoses, Safras, Du Ponts, and Radziwiłłs.

Studying is conducted in two languages ​​(French and English). After the end of the secondary school program, graduates can enroll in the IB program and receive the prestigious IB Diploma, which is highly rated around the world and gives the opportunity to enroll in the best world universities. Also for admission the national program of preparation for universities French Baccalaureat is available.

The Swiss boarding school has several main advantages that distinguish it from other educational institutions of the country and Europe: it is observance of educational traditions, the latest technical equipment, modern technology and teaching materials, and active use of author effective teaching methods.

The studying process at Le Rosey School is divided into 3 stages:

• Primary Bilingual Program (8-11 years)
• Secondary Bilingual Program (12-16 years)
• French Baccalaureate / International Baccalaureate (IB in Switzerland) (16-18 years, pre-entry education Universities).

Primary and secondary schools are taught bilingually, that is, they study English and French equally intensively, lessons are taught in both languages. Children are divided into groups according to the level of linguistic knowledge for better mastering of the material and higher achievement, effective learning.

High school students can choose for themselves a more preferred language, and classes are reformulated according to the new parameter. Nevertheless, both English and French continue to be studied by every schoolboy, in addition to them one more foreign language is added, which is also studied without fail.

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The pedagogical model of Le Rosey is built on the principle of small groups and personal support for each student. The average class size is fewer than ten people; 130 teachers work with 460 students. The average teaching experience of an instructor is more than 10 years.

Without exception, all students prepare for the international diploma or the French Baccalaureate. Instruction is conducted in two languages: each subject can be chosen in English or French. Students may study up to four languages from the 20 offered. More than half of the students speak neither English nor French at home, which makes the educational environment effectively trilingual.

Each student is assigned a personal tutor and works under the supervision of a section head. Teaching methods are deliberately varied: there is no single standard approach; teachers regularly undergo professional development. The international composition of the teaching staff reflects the multicultural nature of the school itself.

• The daily schedule in Rolle: 6 lessons from 8:00 to 12:20, then 3 more periods from 13:30 to 15:30, time for the CASC program from 16:00 to 19:00, and evening self-study from 20:00. Lights-out time varies from 21:00 to 23:30 depending on the student's age.
• At the winter campus in Gstaad, classes are held only in the morning, while the afternoon is dedicated to winter sports.

In the φlo building, students work on real-world challenges together with startups as part of the Rosey Impact Accelerator program and the collaboration with MITdesignX.

Classrooms have a no-mobile-phone rule during the school day.

The academic structure of Institute Le Rosey includes four sequential levels, covering ages 8 to 18.

1. Juniors (8–12 years old) — the primary level, corresponding to Swiss HarmoS classes 6–8, American Grades 3–6, or British Years 4–7. The program is built on a bilingual approach using the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Knowledge of English or French is not required upon entry — languages are acquired in the course of study.
2. Cadets (12–14 years old) — the middle level, corresponding to Swiss CO classes 1–2, American Grades 7–8, or British Years 8–9. Each subject is chosen in either French or English; a third language is mandatory, a fourth is optional.
3. Jeunes Seniors (14–16 years old) — corresponds to Swiss CO class 3 / the first year of gymnasium, American Grades 9–10, or British Years 10–11. French subjects follow the French Ministry of Education curricula, English subjects follow the Cambridge standard (IGCSE examinations). Successful completion of both years entitles students to receive a bilingual diploma.
4. Seniors (16–18 years old) — the graduating level, corresponding to Swiss gymnasium (Years 2–3), American Grades 11–12, or British Years 12–13. Students choose one of two graduation programs: the international diploma (three subjects at higher level and three at standard level, with mandatory components — a theory of knowledge essay, an extended essay, and the CAS program) or the French baccalaureate (three specializations in the first year and two in the final year; final grade: 40% continuous assessment, 60% final examinations). SAT preparation is also available.

Over nearly 150 years of operation, Le Rosey has accumulated a rich history of achievements in sports, science, and international education:

• In 1923, the school's team became the Swiss ice hockey champion — just a few years after the opening of the winter campus in Gstaad.
• In 1966, the academic rowing team won the Swiss championship in Bern, outperforming near-professional competitors.
• As part of their studies in the φlo building, students launched a self-designed satellite and regularly hold international scientific conferences.

• Institut Le Rosey is the only secondary school in the world with two full campuses in different geographical regions: a summer one in Rolle and a winter one in Gstaad. This tradition dates back to 1916.
• In the interwar period, the school earned the reputation of the «School of Kings, Queen of Schools»; it welcomed children from warring countries during both World Wars.
• The name of the new academic building φlo (pronounced «filo») was chosen in honor of philosophy as the source of all knowledge and the Greek letter φ — the symbol of the golden ratio.
• Le Rosey has a «sister school» — Le Régent International School in Crans-Montana: candidates who are not admitted to Le Rosey may be automatically considered by Le Régent without additional documents.
• In 2021, for the first time since 1916, due to the pandemic, the school did not spend the entire winter season in Gstaad.

Pupils are living in a cozy and comfortable residence located directly on the campus.

In general, students occupy double rooms - they are the same throughout the residence, fully furnished and equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living, the rooms are light and cozy. Bathrooms are located on each floor (students are provided with bedding and towels). In the residence there is a senior teacher, who is on duty around the clock: he controls the safety of students, is always ready to answer their questions and resolve disputes and difficulties, monitors the observance of cleanliness, order, discipline.

A full board (three times a day) meals is provided in the common spacious dining room: the ration mainly consists of traditional French cuisine, as well as Asian food and dishes. The nutrition is balanced and perfectly meets all the needs of the school children, tasty and varied: on the table there are always vegetables and fruits, meat and fish, dairy products. On an individual request, a dietary, vegetarian or other menu can be provided, prepared in accordance with the prescription of the doctor for the particular student.

Subject list: Art, biology, chemistry, design, economics, geography, history, maths, music, painting, physics, politics, Study of the environment
Activity list: badminton, basketball, curling, Drawing on canvas, fitness, football, golf, hockey, horseback riding, meditation, music studio, sailing, skiing, Snowboarding, swimming, tennis, theater workshop, volleyball, water sports

The school pays great attention not only to academic, but also creative, sports development of pupils and prepares an extensive, rich, diverse program of leisure and recreation. On the basis of the school there is a large number of groups, sections and studios on interests - more than 20.

Cognitive excursions, sightseeing tours and interesting walks are constantly organized: in the city, in the regions of Switzerland and even in other countries. Students and accompanying attend exhibitions, performances, film screenings, conferences, creative meetings and master classes - many artists come directly to the campus. A large scale celebrates various national holidays, theme nights, parental days, memorable dates.

During the summer months, the camp is based on a summer camp that provides students from all over the world the opportunity to learn English or French, combined with an interesting leisure program. Students spend a lot of time in the open air, go in for sports, get acquainted and communicate with their peers from other countries.

• Founded in 1880 — it is one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in the world.
• Two regular campuses: the main one in Rolle (on the shore of Lake Geneva) and a winter one in Gstaad. It is the only secondary school in the world with such a structure.
• 460 students from 70+ countries with strict language and national quotas.
• 130 specialist teachers; average class size — fewer than 10 students.
• Exceptional academic results: 100% of graduates enter universities, more than 30% — into the world's top 25.
• 100% bilingualism: instruction in English and French, with the option to study up to 4 languages simultaneously (from 20 offered).
• Accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and MSA (Middle States Association).
• Member of Swiss Learning and GESBF (Groupement des Écoles Suisses du Baccalauréat Français).
• Innovative academic building φlo spanning 16,000 sq. m with transformable spaces.
• CASC program: more than 100 extracurricular activities led by professional instructors.
• Influential alumni association AIAR with more than 6,000 members worldwide.
• Annually, 3 to 5 partial scholarships.

Le Rosey School has a large own library, spacious and bright auditoriums, fully furnished and equipped with necessary equipment, a modern computer class, as well as a developed sports infrastructure that includes both indoor and outdoor facilities. Children note the convenience of having two campuses of the school located in different cities of Switzerland - this makes it possible to change the situation and travel without interrupting the program.

Le Rosey is the only secondary school in the world with a winter and main building in different cities:

• The main building is located in Rolle, on the shores of Lake Geneva (here children learn from January to March). The total area of ​​the territory reaches 30 hectares - here for pupils all conditions for comfortable learning, leisure and rest are created. New modern educational buildings have been built, there is a library and a scientific laboratory for practical ans computer classes with modern PCs, studios for creativity and dramatic mastery. The sports infrastructure is also developed: a modern multifunctional sports hall, a field for rugby and football, tennis courts, a spacious swimming pool, volleyball and football grounds are provided to the students.
• The winter residence is located in Gstaad - a small, quiet village located in the canton of Bern. Gstaad is located 80 kilometers from Bern (capital of the canton) and 150 kilometers from Geneva. This is a world famous ski resort - the international students can admire every day for a view of the snow-covered mountain peaks. The campus includes a modern educational building with spacious auditoriums, indoor and outdoor sports grounds, a functional fitness center and a professional climbing wall.

Tuition fee (1 academic year, including board and board accommodation) = from 110 000 CHF.

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 3000 CHF
• Deposit for a course/programme 10000 CHF

The admission process to Institute Le Rosey depends on the grade level being applied for.

For the Juniors and Cadets sections (grades 9–4, ages 8–14), a Rolling Admissions system is in place — applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the academic year. The admissions committee meets weekly. The candidate spends one day on campus, takes entrance tests in mathematics, English/French and their native language, and meets with school representatives for an interview.

For the Jeunes Seniors and Seniors sections (grades 3, 2 and 1, ages 14–18), admissions are organized in three sessions:

• First session: applications accepted until October 17, decision communicated in early November,
• Second session: applications accepted until November 28, decision communicated in mid-December,
• Third session: applications accepted until February 13, decision communicated in early March.

Regardless of the section, a campus visit is strongly recommended — most candidates spend at least one trial day there. It is recommended to begin the process 2–3 years before the intended enrollment, submitting an application between June and September of the preceding year.

Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the admission process.

The academic results of Le Rosey graduates consistently exceed global averages.

International Baccalaureate program:

• 100% of students sitting the International Baccalaureate pass their examinations (the global average is around 80%),
• The average IB score is 36 points (compared to a global average of 30 and a maximum of 45),
• More than two-thirds of students earn a bilingual International Baccalaureate diploma, which is more than twice the global average.

French Baccalaureate program:

• Over the past five years, the pass rate has been 100%,
• More than 60% of students graduated with honors (mention),

University admissions:

• Without exception, all graduates gain admission to universities,
• More than 30% — to universities ranked in the global top 25,
• Around 10–15% of graduates are accepted each year to Ivy League universities, Stanford, MIT, or Oxbridge.

There are very few vacant places in the school, so you should take care of your admission in advance, 2-3 years before the expected start of classes. The institution's policy towards foreign students also contributes to a high level of competition: from each country, no more than 40 students per year are admitted.

Applicants must submit the following package of documents:

• Application form fully completed in the specified language
• Medical insurance
• Letter of recommendation compiled by the principal or class leader
• Report card from previous place of study
• Any certificates,  gratuities received for merits and achievements in various fields of activity (study, sport, creativity, charity, etc.).

After consideration of documents, it is usually suggested to visit the campus of the school and during the tour to go through a personal interview (it is possible to replace the personal presence of the interview via Skype).

Every year, Institute Le Rosey and the Rosey Foundation award between three and five partial scholarships. Full scholarships are not available; scholarship recipients' families are required to make a significant contribution to tuition fees. Information about scholarship recipient status is not disclosed.

Requirements for scholarship candidates:

• Be in the top 5% of their age group in academic results,
• Good command of French and/or English,
• Significant potential in sports, arts, or humanitarian activities.

Scholarships are awarded to students entering classes from 3rd to 1st. Applications for financial aid are accepted from September 1 to December 31. Since 2001, the Rosey Foundation has awarded an average of three scholarships per year.

It is important to note that the school does not accept donations — tuition fees are its sole source of funding.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision