(content by Suzy R)
Swiss private schooling is one of the most expensive and prestigious in the world.
What is a boarding school in Switzerland
Most of the private boarding schools in Switzerland were founded in the 19th century. Then boys were taught separately from girls, and Protestants separately from Catholics. In the 21st century, girls and boys study together, and highly qualified teachers from all over the world develop their mind, body and spirit according to the principles of the International Baccalaureate Program adopted in 1968 in Geneva.
Boarding schools are almost as reliable as safes in Swiss banks: a convenient location in the center of Europe and the country’s traditional diplomatic neutrality, a high standard of living and low crime, beautiful nature and a mild climate. Most parents choose the boarding school option because it is the most convenient and safe. Students live in a residence in the protected area of the school under the supervision of teachers and employees of the educational institution. Choosing Swiss boarding schools, parents can be sure about the life of their child.
Private schools in Switzerland accept many foreign students and take care of a good national mix. This means that in addition to your child, there will be many more children from different countries, which will allow not to feel like a black sheep among local children.
Switzerland’s boarding schools were initially tailored for international students who want to get an elite education abroad. This is evident in everything: excellent technical equipment of schools, wonderful residences, an international mix of the best students and, of course, high prices.
The main feature of secondary education in Switzerland is the ability to choose one of 7 popular educational systems:
– Swiss (Matura)
– Italian (Maturita)
– German (Abitur)
– British (GSCE and A-Level)
– American (Advanced Placement)
– French (Baccalaureate)
– International (International Baccalaureate)
To choose the right curriculum, you need to understand where you plan to enter next after school and what language of instruction and communication is right for your child.
Features and tuition fees for studying at best Swiss boarding schools
The duration of schooling in Switzerland is 12 years. Foreign students often go straight to graduation classes – these are the 11th and 12th grades, during which time you can master the IB, international baccalaureate program. According to statistics, graduates of international schools rarely stay to study in Switzerland, most often they enter English or American universities.
For example, graduates of Institut Le Rosey study at the best colleges in London – Imperial, Royal, University, London University of the Arts, and in the United States they go to Chicago, Georgetown, Pennsylvania universities, McGill University and Parsons School of Design.
Education starts at 15,000 Swiss francs per year and reaches 120,000 depending on the school and year of study. For comparison: a year at a Swiss university costs from 1,000 to 4,000 francs.
One of the best Swiss boarding schools – Institut Le Rosey
The most famous private school is Institut Le Rosey. If you want to find a place that brings together all the world’s elite, there is no better place than the village of Roll in Switzerland.
Among its graduates there are:
– Kings of Belgium Albert II and Baudouin II
– Shah of Iran Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and imam of the Muslim Shiite community Aga Khan IV
– King of Spain Juan Carlos I
– Heir to the Serbian throne Alexander Karageorgievich and other kings, princes and princesses.
In addition to educational and residential buildings on the territory of the school there is an extensive library, an open-air theater, art studios, cafes and canteens, a conference hall, gyms and medical rooms.
Sports facilities include 10 tennis courts, a 25-meter indoor pool and wellness center, a 25-meter outdoor pool, 3 football pitches, a synthetic all-weather rugby field, an all-weather running track, and shooting ranges. The school also owns a stable with a riding arena and a sailing center.
Accommodation
Students are accommodated in single or double rooms, depending on age. Girls and boys live in different residences, which are several hundred meters apart. The girls’ residence is located in a picturesque park. Younger students from 8 to 12 years old live and study on the main campus in their own spacious mansion. Families of teachers live in each of the residences. They maintain discipline and order, help solve any problems.
Meals – full board, balanced menu. Taking into account individual characteristics.
A day at Le Rosey
Morning lessons start at 8 am. Each lesson lasts 40 minutes. Each class has an average of 9 students. At 10 a.m. a cup of traditional Swiss hot chocolate or a small snack awaits students. After lunch, studies continue until 3:30. After classes, students devote themselves to sports, arts and other pursuits, which are an integral part of education at Le Rosey.
Cons of Swiss private boarding schools
Of course, private schools abroad always offer the best education and the best conditions. But there are a number of points that you need to be prepared for when choosing an education in Switzerland.
Private schools in Switzerland have very strict rules. All students wear uniforms. Failure to comply with the dress code may even threaten with an exception.
– Most schools have a religious bias. This does not mean that the school is turning into a seminary, it is just that the children will have religious lessons and attend church on Sunday (depending on the school).
– Swiss schools have a very serious selection. They cherish their rating, so it is not easy to get there. It’s not even about the money. Schools carefully select candidates who have good academic performance and can then enter the top universities in the world. To do this, they conduct an interview, for which you may need to come personally to the school principal.
– Almost all private schools in Switzerland are located far from big cities.
– It is necessary to apply for admission at least 2 years in advance, since schools are very popular and quickly recruit children. You may simply not have enough space.
