Portrait gallery

The tradition of Swiss private schools dates back to the end of the 19th century when the first establishments opened their doors on the banks of Lake Geneva.

The arrival of the Orient Express in 1880 saw demand for places increase with the influx of a well-to-do clientele to our regions. Following a few days of relaxation, parents would continue their journey onwards to Paris, London or Istanbul, trusting their children to the care of our fine schools. During the 20th century the reputation of private schools was reinforced by their education based on tolerance and respect for others.

Cultural diversity makes our schools truly unique. Not only do our students learn basic academics in their classrooms, everyone will get first hand experience as young ambassadors and diplomats, meeting with children of different ethnic, linguistic, religious, family and cultural backgrounds. Everyone is a foreigner. No one nationality is a dominant majority. Friendship is the major currency in this universe. Fluency in more than one language after a few years in our country is highly encouraged and attained.

An extensive offer

Currently private day and boarding schools in Switzerland accept students from kindergarten through to grade 12. The majority of these schools offer intensive studies in English or French as a second language enabling all students to quickly integrate into the mainstream programme. The possibility to follow bilingual studies is also a popular attraction of Swiss International Schools.

Programmes on offer lead to a range of examinations known throughout the world including the IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), the Swiss Federal Maturity and the French Baccalaureate. These certificates are accepted for entry into Swiss universities and to universities in other countries according to the specific conditions of each institution (check individual websites for their entry requirements).

In combination with the development of boarding schools, hotel schools stood as guarantors of the long tradition of Swiss hospitality.

The most highly regarded representatives of our great tradition of private education are presented in the following pages. Enjoy the tour!

Christophe X. Clivaz