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Taught languages German, Spanish, Dutch, Mandarin, Japanese
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is a co-educational day and boarding community in Switzerland, serving students from age 1 to 18 across two campuses in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz and Vevey with a boarding house in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz. The school offers a bilingual IB pathway within a Swiss framework, with MYP for ages 11–15 and DP for ages 16–18, plus IBCP and a Swiss Curriculum. The Middle Years Programme provides language instruction in English and French across eight subject groups, while Diploma Programme offers English Diploma, Bilingual Diploma, Advanced Bilingual Diploma or French Diploma, supported by language assistance and university guidance. Haut-Lac is recognized by the Council of International Schools and the Fédération Suisse des Écoles Privées. Facilities include a design technology lab with CAD, a library, art and music spaces, and sports facilities. The school is known for its MUN program, Duke of Edinburgh Award, LAMDA drama, and mother-tongue language clubs worldwide.
Chem. de Pangires 26, 1806 Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland
The Essentials
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School has 620 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, French.
Location
Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The school sits in the hills above Vevey with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It is about an hour's drive from Geneva Airport and just 10 minutes from the Lake Geneva shoreline.
Stages
Les Marronniers Nursery (18 months–3 years); Praz-Dagoud Campus (3–12 years); Roches Grises Campus (13–18 years). A Boarding House accommodates 11–18-year-olds.
Type
International bilingual day and boarding school with two day campuses and a boarding house in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz.
Country affiliation
Switzerland
School day structure
The school day runs from 8:00 to 15:30 (16:20 for Upper Secondary) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday (13:05 in Lower Secondary and 13:45 in Upper Secondary). Breakfast Club is available from 7:15; after-school supervision and clubs are offered.
Bus service
Seven daily bus routes to the Praz-Dagoud campus cover areas up to 30 km away, plus a Vevey train-station shuttle; local transport via train and bus stops within walking distance to both Roches Grises and Praz-Dagoud campuses. Airport pick-up is available for boarding students on scheduled transfer days.
Fees
Annual tuition at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School ranges from CHF 21,800 to CHF 88,000 for 2026/27.
Application / Acceptance fee
- A non-refundable acceptance (enrolment) fee of CHF 3,500 is charged when the Enrolment Confirmation is signed; this payment secures the place and is not credited against tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (annual totals and fixed charges)
These annual totals include compulsory fixed charges (for example certain outings, ski days and standard consumables) which vary by year and are shown above as the fixed charge component.
Per‑term and instalment breakdowns (billing schedule and payment terms)
- Standard term split: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%. Bi‑annual billing (two equal invoices) is also available (Sept–Jan / Feb–June). Specific due dates are published with each year's fees (examples historically: Term 1 due end of July, Term 2 mid‑December, Term 3 mid‑March). Fixed charges are billed with the first tuition invoice and must be paid in one lump sum.
- Instalment options: annual payment, bi‑annual, termly (three payments using the 40/30/30 split), or monthly in 10 equal instalments (tuition billed two months in advance). A monthly instalment plan carries an administrative surcharge (≈ +1% applied to the published annual fee); a single annual payment typically attracts an early‑payment discount (historically 2% when paid by the stated deadline). Changes to payment option after invoicing may result in a CHF 50 administration surcharge. Late payment reminders and fees apply according to the school's invoicing terms.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is offered from age 11 with weekly and full (7‑day) boarding options. Boarding fees are all‑inclusive (tuition, accommodation, supervision, most meals, laundry and most local activities). For the 2025–26 academic year boarding costs range approximately between CHF 68,000 and CHF 88,000 per year depending on the student's year group and boarding type.
Other mandatory and optional costs
- Fixed annual charges (listed above per year group) cover standard consumables, some trips and mandatory activities (for example ski days where applicable). Day students pay for school lunches separately (boarding students' meals are included in boarding fees). Bus routes and transport are charged separately based on route and usage. External specialist clubs, private music tuition, specialist sports coaching, optional trips and certain programme‑specific costs (e.g. examination fees, some residential trips) are charged in addition to tuition. Uniforms and some optional excursions are billed separately. A 5% sibling discount (second child) and 10% (third child onwards) may apply in certain circumstances; limited financial aid is available in line with published policies.
Refund and cancellation terms
- The acceptance (enrolment) fee is non‑refundable and is not credited against tuition. No reductions or refunds are made for short periods of absence (illness or other) for a term already started. Mid‑year enrolment and mid‑year departures are subject to the published invoicing and notice rules (for example mid‑year enrolments generally require payment for the full term in progress; failure to respect contract notice periods may result in fees due for the notice period). Specific refund, cancellation and notice provisions are set out in the school's Fees & Conditions and apply to placements and nursery contracts.
Fee payment methods and surcharges
- Preferred payment methods include bank transfer or standing order. Credit card acceptance is available in specific circumstances (historically credit cards were accepted for smaller payments under CHF 1,000); cheques are not accepted. Payment by credit card or instalment plan may attract a convenience or administrative surcharge as noted under the billing/options section. Invoices include the school's banking and billing contact details for arranging payment.
Important payment notes
- The first year of enrolment carries one‑time fees (the acceptance fee and any entry charges) in addition to the published annual tuition; parents should allow for those one‑time charges in the first invoice. Fixed charges must be paid with the first tuition invoice. Failure to settle invoices on time can trigger reminders, surcharges and collection procedures as set out in the school's terms.
Academics
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 1.5 to 18.
Curriculum
Haut-Lac offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for ages 11-15 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. The school runs from preschool through secondary, culminating in IBMYP and IBDP. IBMYP provides fully bilingual, English-only or predominantly French pathways, with language instruction in English and French and subject work across both languages. IBMYP uses eight subject groups: Studies in Language & Literature; Language Acquisition; Individuals & Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Design; and Physical Education. The IBDP offers a choice of English Diploma, Bilingual Diploma, Advanced Bilingual Diploma, or French Diploma, with about 30 academic subject options across languages, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts. The IBDP core components and assessment are complemented by language support and Higher Education guidance to prepare students for university study in Switzerland and worldwide.
Student Teacher Ratio
Classes are small. The school lists over 30 academic staff for roughly 600 students aged 3 to 18.
Exam Results
IBMYP graduates have achieved a 97% pass rate with an average of 44/56, and 14 of 29 students earned bilingual English-French IBMYP certificates. The IBDP Class of 2025 earned a 100% pass rate with an average of 35 points (world average 30.8); historically Haut-Lac reports an average IBDP pass rate around 95%.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates have gone on to universities worldwide, including EPFL (Switzerland), University of Cambridge (UK) and MIT (USA). Haut-Lac also highlights graduate destinations among its alumni and ongoing higher education guidance.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Student well-being is at the heart of Haut-Lac's educational approach; staff and parents collaborate to promote social, emotional, academic and multicultural competencies in a safe and stimulating environment. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. Student mental health is a vital part of the school's philosophy, and emotional well-being is linked to student success. A student-designed mental health resources site is available for information and guidance. The Buddy Programme pairs new students aged 3 to 18 with an existing student to help them settle in, learn routines, and translate when needed. The House system promotes belonging and cross-age interaction, with leaders and ambassadors helping organize activities and the Secondary Student Council coordinating events.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Educational Support Department works with classroom teachers to identify each child's strengths and challenges, helping them succeed academically and personally. Support includes targeted literacy and numeracy interventions. Personalised learning strategies are used for diverse learning profiles. Specialist guidance for neurodivergent students is available. Collaborative planning with families and external professionals supports ongoing progress. Mother tongue support is provided to reinforce language development.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Haut-Lac has specialist teachers for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLA) to help students develop proficiency. The language support team develops Individual Language Support Plans, with classroom-based support and, when necessary, small-group or one-to-one sessions outside class used sparingly to maintain social integration. Language development is supported by mother tongue education, including clubs and resources. A full 50/50 bilingual pathway exists, alongside an English pathway with daily French language lessons. German from P3 and Spanish from MYP1 are offered as additional languages, with language clubs supporting ongoing practice.
Mental Wellbeing
Student mental health is a vital part of Haut-Lac's philosophy and is linked to student success. A school counselor promotes social and emotional well-being in a safe and respectful environment. The school provides mental health resources, including a website designed by a student with mental health facts and resources. Boarding students have access to the school counsellor for confidential support. Boarding and day programmes include sessions on mental well-being, healthy eating, and emotional development as part of tutor programmes and awareness campaigns.
Safeguarding
Haut-Lac is recognised as a Child Safeguarding School. The primary social & emotional well-being program creates a safe environment where every 6- to 11-year-old feels secure, valued and ready to learn. The school prioritises emotional, physical and mental safety within both boarding and day programmes. Staff and the school counsellor are available to listen to and support students, including confidential conversations. Boarding staff engage in mental well-being sessions and related awareness campaigns as part of their care and safeguarding responsibilities.
Admissions
Admissions
Entry Points by Age & Programme: Early Years (Ages 3–6): play-based bilingual or English programmes. Primary (Grades 1–5): bilingual or English programme with a strong literacy and numeracy focus. Middle School (Grades 6–10): IBMYP programme with or without the Swiss option. High School (Grades 11–12): IBDP, IBCP or US High School Diploma pathways to universities worldwide. Admissions open all year round. Steps: submit an inquiry; visit the campus; arrange an interview; apply online. After an initial conversation, complete the online application form and upload your child's last two school reports and references. Tuition & Fees: Day students CHF 21,800–40,600; Boarding students CHF 68,000–88,000 per year. There are no hidden fees; for a detailed breakdown contact admissions. Boarding: boutique boarding house accommodates up to 32 students with personalised care, structured study time and enriching weekend activities. Admissions team: Alessia Ferrara (Admissions Officer); Magdalena Drag (Admissions Head). Haut-Lac is located in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Switzerland.
Scholarships
Haut-Lac does not offer scholarships. Local families residing in Switzerland without employer school benefits may request financial aid on the fees for children enrolled at Haut-Lac.
Waitlist
Yes. There may be waiting lists for certain grades, particularly in the bilingual stream. When this happens, a place may be offered in the English stream until a bilingual spot becomes available.
FAQs
What curriculum does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offer?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers IB, French, International Baccalaureate curriculums. Haut-Lac offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for ages 11-15 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. The school runs from preschool through secondary, culminating in IBMYP and IBDP.
What age range does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School cater for?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School accepts students from age 1 to 18. Les Marronniers Nursery (18 months–3 years); Praz-Dagoud Campus (3–12 years); Roches Grises Campus (13–18 years). A Boarding House accommodates 11–18-year-olds.
What are the fees at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
Annual fees at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School range from approximately 25,300 to 30,800. **Application / Acceptance fee** - A non-refundable acceptance (enrolment) fee of CHF 3,500 is charged when the Enrolment Confirmation is signed; this payment secures the place and is not credited against tuition.
Where is Haut-Lac International Bilingual School located?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is located in Switzerland. Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The school sits in the hills above Vevey with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. It is about an hour's drive from Geneva Airport and just 10 minutes from the Lake Geneva shoreline.
Is Haut-Lac International Bilingual School co-educational?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is a co-educational, co-educational (boarding) school. International bilingual day and boarding school with two day campuses and a boarding house in Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz.
How do I apply to Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
The admissions process at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School: Entry Points by Age & Programme: Early Years (Ages 3–6): play-based bilingual or English programmes. Primary (Grades 1–5): bilingual or English programme with a strong literacy and numeracy focus. Middle School (Grades 6–10): IBMYP programme with or without the Swiss option.
Does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offer scholarships or financial aid?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers scholarships and financial aid. Haut-Lac does not offer scholarships. Local families residing in Switzerland without employer school benefits may request financial aid on the fees for children enrolled at Haut-Lac.
Does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offer boarding?
Boarding is offered as 7-day or 5-day arrangements for students aged 11–18. The Haut-Lac boarding house opened in September 2022 and can accommodate up to 30 boarders.
What learning support does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School provide?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School provides learning support services. The Educational Support Department works with classroom teachers to identify each child's strengths and challenges, helping them succeed academically and personally. Support includes targeted literacy and numeracy interventions.
Does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
Haut-Lac has specialist teachers for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and French as an Additional Language (FLA) to help students develop proficiency.
What facilities does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School have?
The Vevey campus includes a Les Marronniers Nursery for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Classrooms are equipped with the latest educational technology. Specialist art and music rooms, a library, a school shop, a teaching kitchen, and an administrative quarter support daily school life. Two small Sports facilities include: The school has a sports hall that meets international competition standards, an outdoor multisport pitch, and two full-sized outdoor football pitches.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Private music lessons are available: students can sign up for 30-minute lessons in piano, guitar, cello, drums or singing with Haut-Lac Music School teachers, and showcase their talent at biannual musical evenings. LAMDA drama is offered as part of the performing arts program.
What languages are taught at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
The school teaches in English and French and offers an English–French bilingual education within the IB framework.
Who is the head of Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
The head of school at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is Anne‑Marie Harwood (Managing Director, Academic — Secondary); Grainne Dubler (Managing Director, Academic — Infant & Primary).
How many students attend Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School has approximately 600 students. The school serves students from age 1 to 18.
When was Haut-Lac International Bilingual School founded?
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School was founded in 1993. Opened in Vevey in 1993 with 13 students by two bilingual teaching couples to bring bilingual, international education to Vevey.
Where do graduates of Haut-Lac International Bilingual School go to university?
Graduates have gone on to universities worldwide, including EPFL (Switzerland), University of Cambridge (UK) and MIT (USA). Haut-Lac also highlights graduate destinations among its alumni and ongoing higher education guidance.
Does Haut-Lac International Bilingual School have a uniform policy?
The school has a uniform. Infant and Primary students wear a white polo shirt, a green Haut-Lac sweatshirt and plain black trousers, shorts or skirts.
What is the parent community like at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School?
The Haut-Lac community is international, with students from over 64 countries learning in a bilingual English-French setting. The House system promotes belonging and interaction across all ages.
