The quality of boarding schools in international schools in Switzerland

Why choose a boarding school in Switzerland?

Choosing a boarding school at a prestigious Swiss international school means opting for a high-quality education, in a safe, multicultural and well-supervised environment. The Montreux Riviera region, renowned for its exceptional natural environment and the quality of its international education, attracts families from all over the world.

A secure and stable environment

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. For families, this stability is an essential criterion when it comes to entrusting their child to a boarding school. 

The international schools offer constant supervision, with qualified and attentive staff, present day and night to accompany the students in their daily lives.  

Personalized support

Thanks to small classes, each student benefits from individualized follow-up. Teachers can adapt their pedagogical approach to each student's pace, and accompany students in their progress, both academically and personally. 

Educational counsellors help them to orient themselves, choose their options or prepare for international exams.  

International and bilingual programs

Swiss international schools offer globally recognized programs and globally recognized degree programs, such as International Baccalaureate secondary programmes or university-level degree courses. 

These institutions offer bilingual education, allowing students to master several languages and prepare for higher education on an international scale.

The degrees awarded are accepted at the best universities in the world. Whether in Europe, the United States or Asia. The objective is clear: to prepare students to succeed everywhere.  

Comfortable boarding schools

The quality of the infrastructure is a strong point of Swiss boarding schools. The rooms are modern, often shared by two or three students. 

The residences offer a pleasant living environment: Internet access, relaxation areas, healthy and varied catering, with options adapted to all diets.  

Varied and enriching activities

Students don't spend all their time in class. There are many extra-curricular activities: skiing, sailing, theatre, music, cultural outings, mountain stays, etc.

These activities strengthen cohesion, self-confidence and allow them to discover new passions.  

Good value for money

Even though Swiss boarding schools are an investment, the level of quality, both in terms of education and living environment, makes it a highly sought-after destination. 

Families invest in a healthy living environment, a  solid education and a promising future for their children.

The criteria that define the quality of Swiss boarding schools

Comfortable and secure accommodation

In Swiss international schools, the quality of boarding schools is based first and foremost on the accommodation. The rooms are modern, well-equipped, and offer a quiet setting. 

Some rooms have private bathrooms and direct access to the common areas.

Security is also a priority: most boarding schools have 24-hour surveillance, on-call staff, badge access systems and cameras in sensitive areas. Everything is done to give families peace of mind.  

A human and benevolent supervision

A good boarding school is also a good framework. The students are surrounded by adults who are available and physically present: supervisors, teachers, counsellors. 

Staff are trained to manage the needs of young people, whether academic or personal. Students can talk to someone when they are stressed, difficult or just to chat. This creates a climate of trust.  

A healthy and adapted diet

The quality of the diet is an important criterion. Swiss boarding schools offer balanced meals, often prepared on site with fresh products. 

The menus are varied and adapted to specific diets: vegetarians, allergies, cultural preferences. Meals are also moments of conviviality. Students eat together, which builds community spirit. It is also an opportunity for them to exchange in different languages in an informal setting.  

Modern and well-maintained facilities

The facilities of Swiss boarding schools live up to their reputation: well-maintained buildings, pleasant common areas, and up-to-date facilities. 

Study rooms, libraries, laboratories, sports or digital equipment: everything is designed to promote academic success and the well-being of students.  

A rich and balanced programme of activities

Outside of class, the boarding schools of international schools offer  a variety of activities. Sports, music, arts, excursions: the students are never bored. 

This allows students to develop social skills, discover Switzerland, and relax.

Like what:  

• At the Institut Monte Rosa: skiing in winter, sailing on Lake Geneva in summer, hiking at the weekend.
• In Haut-Lac International Bilingual School: skiing, MUN debate clubs, school shows, scientific workshops, Swiss & international sightseeing trips.
• At HIM Business School : inspiring conferences, company visits, networking opportunities.

These activities complement teaching and help students thrive.  

A bilingual and international environment

The boarding schools of international schools in Switzerland are bathed in a bilingual climate. This promotes open-mindedness and language fluency.

The students come from all over the world. This creates a real cultural diversity and allows them to learn as much in class as by talking to their classmates.  

A solid reputation and academic results

Finally, the reputation of a boarding school is built on its results. Schools such as Institut Monte Rosa or Haut-Lac School have high success rates in the International Baccalaureate. Alumni go on to prestigious universities in Switzerland and worldwide.

The quality of the teaching, the personalized supervision, and the small class sizes allow each student to progress at his or her own pace. This is what makes the difference with other schools, even in Switzerland.

 

The best boarding schools in Swiss international schools

HIM Business School,

a boarding school for future leaders

Located in Montreux, HIM Business School offers quality boarding facilities designed for students in Business Administration. Here, accommodation is integrated into the educational experience. The rooms are modern, well-equipped, with views of Lake Geneva or the mountains.

Students live in a secure environment, with 24-hour supervision. The school emphasizes comfort and personal support . Each student is supervised by an academic advisor and a career coach.

The program is demanding, but balanced with sports activities, personal development workshops and professional events. The boarding school also allows students to practice several languages, including English and French, in a bilingual environment.  

• Double or single rooms with private bathroom
• Weekly maid service
• On-site catering with balanced menus
• Access to a gym, library and coworking space

Institut Monte Rosa

a family and international boarding school

The Institut Monte Rosa, in Montreux, is a Swiss international school with a boarding school on a human scale. Here, the atmosphere is family-friendly. The students, from 6 to 18 years old, come from all over the world. The school relies on personalized education.

The accommodation is arranged in a historic villa with a view of the lake. The rooms are simple and comfortable. The supervision is permanent, with an adult presence day and night. Safety is a priority.

Students follow a  flexible academic program, in English or French. Language learning is central. Teachers adapt their pedagogy to the profile of each student.

Weekends are punctuated by cultural, sporting or outdoor activities: skiing, sailing, museum visits. The infrastructure is designed for the overall well-being of young people.

Haut-Lac International Bilingual School

a balance between rigor and well-being

Located near Vevey, Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers a modern, family-oriented boarding house for up to 32 students aged 11 to 18. They get individual attention and care from experienced boarding staff at a home away from home on the Swiss Riviera. 

Students live in a bilingual environment (French/English) with students from across the world (10% per nationality). They follow the globally-recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma program or Career-Related Program with local Swiss and international students, and make the most of small class sizes to get personalised support. 

Haut-Lac School boarders also work on their own personal development. They participate in activity clubs and solidarity projects, join local and school sports clubs, and enjoy discovering Siwtzerland and Europe to name but a few of their weekend and evening pastimes.  

Haut-Lac Boarding is:

• Cosy shared or single en-suite rooms with a lake or mountain view
• Top-tier IB education in Switzerland
• Personalised supervision and care by trained educators
• Access to top-of-the-range sports facilities
• Personalized Language Support Program
• Diverse boarding enrichment program

Costs of boarding schools in Switzerland

The boarding schools of international schools in Switzerland are renowned for their high level of quality. Beyond the cost, it is the overall quality of the offer that distinguishes these establishments : individualised supervision, demanding educational programmes, modern infrastructure, safety and daily well-being.

Each school has its own specificities, depending on the programme followed, the style of support, the profile of the pupils welcomed or the living environment offered. It is therefore essential to compare, not only the prices, but the entire educational experience.

Here are three well-known establishments in the Montreux Riviera region, each with its own approach to boarding school:

HIM Business School– A globally-oriented business school, ideal for future leaders in the fields of management and international business.

Institut Monte Rosa – A boarding school on a human scale, appreciated for its family atmosphere, flexibility and personalized supervision.

Haut-Lac International Bilingual School– A modern, family-oriented environment, focused on personal care, bilingualism and preparation for university, career and life success.

To find out the exact terms, options available and services included in the boarding fees, we recommend that you consult the websites of the establishments directly or contact them.

 

How to enrol your child in a boarding school in Switzerland

The registration process is generally simple, as long as you do it a little in advance. Each school has its own process, but overall, it all starts with making contact, filling out a file, visiting the school... and often accompanied by a lot of questions from parents.   

1. Choose the right school

First of all, take the time to compare what each school offers:  

• The academic program (International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, etc.)
• The required language level (French, English, bilingual)
• Facilities  : dormitories, classrooms, sports
• The price of tuition and accommodation

2. Contact the school

Once you have chosen the school, contact its admissions office. You can do this via email or through their website. They will send you a fillable file which can usually include:

• School reports for the last two years
• A letter of motivation from the student
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher
• A medical form

3. Prepare documents

Documents must be in English or French. 

If this is not the case, an official translation will have to be provided. This is also a good time to check the validity of your child's passport. And if you're coming from outside the European Union, a student visa may be required. 

Don't panic, the schools are very well organized to support you in these steps.  

4. Visit the school (if possible)

If you can, take a visit to the site. This allows you to discover the atmosphere, the infrastructures, and to meet the educational team. The schools offer guided tours throughout the year, by appointment.  

5. Deadlines

Swiss boarding schools often have two intakes: in September and January, but some like Haut-Lac International Bilingual School accept students all year round. Registrations are made several months in advance. Ideally, start the process at least 6 months before the start of the school year.

For example, for a September start, start the process in February or March.  

6. Payment and confirmation

Once your application has been accepted, you will receive an offer of admission. To confirm the place, you usually need to:

• Sign a contract
• Pay a deposit

The rest of the fees are generally to be paid before the start of the school year. All these details will be communicated to you very clearly by the school.  

7. Prepare for arrival

Before the start of the school year, the school will send you a list of things to take with you. This includes clothing, school supplies, paperwork, and more. Some schools also provide a small welcome kit. 

Some boarding schools also organize an integration week with activities, visits and moments of conviviality so that new students quickly feel at home.