2 best boarding schools in Geneva 2024

Choosing Geneva’s schools for children, the parents are betting on the prestige, ranking and effectiveness of studying. Several elite educational directions are offered to the attention of foreign students, and the choice of the studying system is determined by the individual academic requirements and ambitions of the child.

Prestigious private secondary boarding schools in Geneva are opened for the foreign students of all nationalities, and have a status of international – the representatives of different countries are studying here (Swiss residents do not exceed 2%). For comparison, in Britain, only 10-20% of foreign students study in boarding schools in Geneva, the rest of the places are distributed among the citizens of the country.

Geneva's boarding schools are renowned for their exceptional comfort and high-quality living, studying, and recreational facilities. These educational institutions resemble five-star hotels with well-developed infrastructures and designer interiors. Students enjoy a variety of European cuisine, reflecting Switzerland's multicultural influence.

What sets these boarding academies apart is not just the comfort level but also the emphasis on sports, especially extreme sports, leveraging Switzerland's unique geographical features and tourism priorities.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What else should be considered when choosing a school, in addition to the qualifications of teachers?

Facilities and facilities of the campus (sports grounds, gyms), the quality of the boarding house (how new the rooms are, whether the repair is good), the number of students (including the "density" for each room), their nationality. It is worth paying attention to the educational programs (especially diploma and graduation), the list of universities to which graduates most often enter, the reputation of the school, the countries from which employees come. Location, of course.

Geneva's top boarding schools are known for their intimate settings, with campuses accommodating a small number of students, often not more than 100. This creates a personalized, family-like atmosphere where each student receives individual attention, fostering a sense of community among the students.

The schools prioritize creating an environment that supports the individual preferences, ambitions, and goals of each student, contributing to their overall development.

Geneva's boarding educational institutions offer a variety of internationally recognized educational programs, each with its unique characteristics:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): A popular English-language program that allows graduates to enter European universities. It provides a comprehensive education with a focus on Mathematics and English.

• A-level and GCSE: These follow the traditional British secondary education system, ideal for students planning to continue their education in England.

• American Program: Tailored for students aiming to enroll in universities in the USA, Canada, or Great Britain.

• French Program: This includes a general education stage and a specialized cycle, culminating in the Diplome du Baccalaureat de l’Enseignement du Second Degree.

• Abitur (German Program): Common in German-speaking areas, this program offers a direct pathway to German universities.

• Swiss National Program (Maturite): A multifaceted program providing high-quality academic preparation in multiple languages.

• Italian Program: Similar to the French program, students specialize in humanities, sciences, or precise sciences, leading to the Italian Matriculation Certificate.

Beyond academics, these programs include physical activities like skiing and creative pursuits, ensuring well-rounded development.

Integration Programs for Non-Native Speakers

Geneva's boarding schools offer special programs for students needing additional language support in English, German, or French, helping them to catch up academically.

The cost of attending a prestigious boarding academy in Geneva ranges from 70,000 to 120,000 CHF annually. To enroll, international students must provide:

• A copy of their passport.

• School grades from the last two academic years.

• An international language certificate.

• Teacher recommendations in English and Mathematics.

• A motivation letter, if required.

• Completed registration forms for the school.

• A Skype interview.

Additionally, prospective students may need to pass internal educational institution tests in mathematics and English to assess their readiness for the rigorous academic environment.

Geneva's boarding academies offer a blend of high-quality education, personalized attention, and a nurturing environment, making them some of the best boarding schools in Geneva for international students.