Switzerland hosts some of the world's most prestigious boarding schools. Each institution has distinct character, strengths, and culture. This comparison helps families understand the differences that matter.
Quick Comparison Table
| School | Location | Students | Annual Fee (CHF) | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institut Le Rosey | Rolle/Gstaad | 420 | 130,000-150,000 | IB, French Bac |
| Aiglon College | Villars | 400 | 95,000-115,000 | IB, IGCSE |
| Beau Soleil | Villars | 260 | 115,000-135,000 | IB, French Bac |
| Rosenberg | St. Gallen | 260 | 120,000-140,000 | IB, A-Level, more |
| TASIS | Lugano | 700 | 90,000-110,000 | IB, AP |
| Brillantmont | Lausanne | 150 | 85,000-100,000 | British, American |
| Leysin American | Leysin | 340 | 90,000-105,000 | IB, AP |
| Collège du Léman | Geneva | 1,900 | 75,000-90,000 | IB, French, Swiss |
| St. George's | Montreux | 400 | 75,000-95,000 | IB, British |
| La Garenne | Villars | 100 | 85,000-100,000 | British, French |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Institut Le Rosey - "The School of Kings"
Overview: The world's most exclusive boarding school, Le Rosey has educated royalty, business dynasties, and international leaders for over a century.
Unique Features:
- Two campuses: Lakeside in Rolle (autumn/spring), Alpine in Gstaad (winter)
- Legendary alumni network spanning global elite
- Exceptional arts and music facilities (concert hall seats 900)
- Sailing and equestrian programs
Academic Profile:
- IB and French Baccalaureate options
- Average IB score: 34-36 points
- Class sizes: 8-12 students
- Languages: French/English bilingual program
Culture & Fit:
- Ultra-high net worth families
- Strong emphasis on discretion and privacy
- Formal atmosphere with high expectations
- Best for: Students comfortable with prestige and social sophistication
University Destinations: Ivy League, Oxbridge, top European universities, leading business schools
2. Aiglon College - British Tradition Meets Alps
Overview: Founded on Kurt Hahn's principles (also founder of Gordonstoun and Outward Bound), Aiglon combines British educational traditions with character development through challenge.
Unique Features:
- Mandatory expedition program (hiking, camping, mountaineering)
- Meditation and morning assembly traditions
- Strong house system creating tight community
- Spectacular Alpine setting at 1,250m elevation
Academic Profile:
- IGCSE and IB curriculum
- Average IB score: 34-35 points
- Strong sciences and humanities
- Languages: English instruction with French immersion
Culture & Fit:
- Values resilience, community, and service
- Outdoor education is non-negotiable
- Less ostentatious than some peers
- Best for: Active students who embrace challenge and community
University Destinations: Strong UK placement (Oxbridge feeder), US universities, European institutions
3. Collège Alpin Beau Soleil - Adventure & Excellence
Overview: Family-owned since 1910, Beau Soleil emphasizes character development through adventure while maintaining rigorous academics.
Unique Features:
- Extensive expedition program (Arctic, Africa, Asia expeditions)
- Strong entrepreneurship and innovation focus
- Intimate community (260 students)
- Alpine location with on-site skiing
Academic Profile:
- IB and French Baccalaureate
- Average IB score: 33-35 points
- Excellent learning support available
- Languages: French/English bilingual
Culture & Fit:
- Adventure is central to identity
- Family-like atmosphere
- Students expected to push comfort zones
- Best for: Adventurous students seeking close community
University Destinations: Global top universities, particularly strong placement in UK and US
4. Institut auf dem Rosenberg - Innovation Focus
Overview: Known for modernizing Swiss boarding education, Rosenberg combines tradition with entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
Unique Features:
- Rosenberg Innovation Initiative
- State-of-the-art campus and facilities
- Flexible curriculum options (5+ different tracks)
- Business and entrepreneurship emphasis
Academic Profile:
- IB, A-Levels, German Abitur, Swiss Matura, Italian Maturità
- Personalized academic pathways
- Strong STEM facilities
- Languages: German/English primary, plus French, Italian
Culture & Fit:
- Entrepreneurial mindset valued
- Modern, forward-looking atmosphere
- Individualized attention
- Best for: Self-motivated students with business/innovation interests
University Destinations: Business schools, technical universities, US liberal arts colleges
5. TASIS Switzerland - American Education in Europe
Overview: The American School in Switzerland brings US educational philosophy to a stunning Lugano setting.
Unique Features:
- Strong arts program (theater, visual arts, music)
- Travel program embedded in curriculum
- Italian Switzerland location (unique among Swiss schools)
- Larger school community
Academic Profile:
- IB and AP course options
- Strong humanities tradition
- Good US college counseling
- Languages: English primary, Italian immersion opportunity
Culture & Fit:
- Creative, artistic community
- American educational style
- Warmer climate than northern Swiss schools
- Best for: Creative students wanting American approach in Europe
University Destinations: Strong US university placement, European arts programs
6. Brillantmont International School - Intimate Excellence
Overview: One of Switzerland's oldest international schools, family-owned since 1882, known for personalized attention.
Unique Features:
- Small by design (150 students maximum)
- City location in Lausanne
- Very personalized education
- Strong pastoral care
Academic Profile:
- British A-Levels and American High School Diploma
- Excellent teacher-student ratios
- Strong support for university applications
- Languages: English with French immersion
Culture & Fit:
- Family atmosphere
- Individual attention paramount
- Urban experience with Alpine access
- Best for: Students thriving with personalized attention
University Destinations: UK and US universities, Swiss hospitality schools
7. Leysin American School - Community Focus
Overview: American-style education in a spectacular Alpine setting with strong community values.
Unique Features:
- On-mountain location in charming village
- Strong skiing program
- Sustainability focus
- Diverse student body (60+ nationalities)
Academic Profile:
- IB and AP courses
- Good university counseling
- Languages: English primary
- Supportive academic environment
Culture & Fit:
- Inclusive, welcoming community
- Active outdoor lifestyle
- Less formal than some peers
- Best for: Students seeking community and active lifestyle
University Destinations: US universities, some UK and European
8. Collège du Léman - Flexibility & Scale
Overview: Large international school offering exceptional flexibility in curriculum and boarding arrangements.
Unique Features:
- Multiple curriculum tracks under one roof
- Day and boarding options
- Geneva location with urban benefits
- Large, diverse community
Academic Profile:
- IB, French Bac, Swiss Matura, and more
- Strong IB results
- Excellent STEM facilities
- Languages: Multiple bilingual tracks
Culture & Fit:
- Diverse, international atmosphere
- More structured than smaller schools
- Good for families needing flexibility
- Best for: Students wanting options and Geneva access
University Destinations: Broad range globally, strong Swiss university placement
9. St. George's International School - British Tradition
Overview: British-style education on the shores of Lake Geneva with traditional values and modern facilities.
Unique Features:
- Lakeside location near Montreux
- Strong British educational tradition
- Good balance of structure and freedom
- Excellent sports facilities
Academic Profile:
- IB and British curriculum
- Strong academic results
- Good learning support
- Languages: English with French
Culture & Fit:
- British educational values
- Traditional with modern outlook
- Good for UK university preparation
- Best for: Families valuing British education system
University Destinations: UK universities, some US and European
10. La Garenne - Junior Boarding Excellence
Overview: Specialist in younger boarding students (ages 5-14), perfect for families seeking early boarding experience.
Unique Features:
- Junior specialist (transitions to senior schools)
- Family-run, intimate environment
- Strong pastoral care for young boarders
- Alpine setting with outdoor focus
Academic Profile:
- British and French curricula
- Prepares for entry to senior boarding schools
- Strong language development
- Small classes, individual attention
Culture & Fit:
- Nurturing environment
- Exceptional care for young children
- Transition support to senior schools
- Best for: Young children beginning boarding journey
Transition To: Le Rosey, Aiglon, Beau Soleil, and other senior schools
How to Choose: Key Questions
Academic Fit
- Which curriculum suits your child and university goals?
- What class size works best for your child?
- Does your child need learning support?
Culture & Environment
- Traditional or progressive atmosphere?
- Urban or mountain setting?
- Large community or intimate family feel?
Extracurricular Priorities
- Arts, sports, or adventure focus?
- Specific activities essential (skiing, music, etc.)?
- Leadership development style?
Our School Matching Process
With relationships across all top Swiss schools, we help families find the right match:
- Detailed family assessment
- Personalized school recommendations
- Campus visit coordination
- Application strategy
Contact us for personalized school recommendations based on your family's specific needs.
