Best boarding schools in Switzerland 2024
This content was developed with active participation of Russell Hobby.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.expatica.com/ch/education/language-learning/languages-in-switzerland-107845/
- https://www.jugendbudget.ch/de/wie-hoch-sind-die-kosten-fuer-bildung-in-der-schweiz/.
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from 72500.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
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from 45000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
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Apply with documents
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The world's only ski-in, ski-out IB schoolSwitzerlandVerbierCurrently watching: 1from 64000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
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from 2990.00 CHF / 2 weeksApply with documents
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from 27600.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
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The language school is located in the resort town on the shore of the clean lake.SwitzerlandLuganoCurrently watching: 3from 1300.00 CHF / weekApply with documents
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SwitzerlandMontreuxCurrently watching: 2from 45000.00 CHF / yearApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
Choosing for their children the best and elite private boarding schools in Switzerland (American, British, international), parents rely on the prestige, rating and effectiveness of education. Several elite educational areas are offered to the attention of foreigners, and the choice of the education system is determined by the individual academic requirements and ambitions of the child.
Prestigious secondary private boarding schools in Switzerland are open to students of all nationalities, in fact, they are international - representatives of different countries study here (the Swiss contingent does not exceed 2%). For comparison, in Britain, only 10-20% of foreigners study in boarding schools, the rest of the places are distributed among the citizens of the country.
Samples of entrance tests for admission to best secondary private boarding schools in Switzerland, which you can write with us without visiting the school. Admission services are free of charge.
Key Features of Best Boarding Schools in Switzerland
Studying at the top boarding schools in Switzerland comes with a unique set of advantages:
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Exceptional Comfort and Facilities: Swiss boarding schools prioritize the comfort and well-being of their students. Most of these institutions have state-of-the-art facilities that promote academic, creative, and physical development. The campuses of the best boarding schools in Switzerland are often intimate, accommodating as few as 50 students and up to 100, ensuring a close-knit community.
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Emphasis on Sports: Given Switzerland's geographical features, extreme sports are notably popular. This provides students with both a recreational and physical outlet, enhancing their overall boarding school experience.
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Nurturing Environment: The family-like atmosphere prevalent at Swiss boarding schools aids foreign students in achieving superior academic results. Coupled with the individual attention, opportunities for self-growth, and a supportive student community, it promises an unforgettable educational journey.
Programs for International Students at Switzerland's Top Boarding Schools
Switzerland is renowned for offering high-quality primary and secondary education. International students have a variety of programs to choose from at the best boarding schools in Switzerland:
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International Baccalaureate programme.: The IB certificate is a ticket to any European university. Here, students deeply immerse in English, with options to study additional languages, supplemented by other subjects of their choice.
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A-level programme and GCSE programme: These represent the traditional British education system, ideal for students aiming to further their studies in the UK.
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American programs: Designed for students targeting US universities, this program is prevalent in Switzerland, also facilitating further studies in the USA, Canada, and the UK.
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French Programs: Comprising two cycles, students undergo general education up to age 16 and then proceed to a specialized three-year cycle, culminating in the Diplôme du Baccalaureat de l'Enseignement du Second Degree.
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Abitur: Common in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, this program guarantees admission to German universities with technical, humanitarian, and natural science tracks.
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Swiss Maturite: A comprehensive program allowing studies in German and French, where students can choose from a wide array of disciplines.
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Italian programs: Mirroring the French structure, students specialize from age 14, focusing on humanities, natural sciences, or exact sciences. They receive the Italian matriculation certificate (Esame di Stato) upon completion.
All students, regardless of their chosen program, engage in physical and creative activities, including skiing, and enjoy weekend holidays.
For those needing additional English support, select schools offer specialized courses to bolster language skills and pave the way for successful studies.
How to Choose Boarding School in Switzerland
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Value over Prestige: The best colleges aren't always the priciest. Opt for programs that align with your future educational aspirations. For instance, if you aim to study in France, the French Baccalaureat would be apt.
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Traditions, Atmosphere, and Location: Switzerland's modern boarding schools, known for their democratic ethos, welcome global students, ensuring a well-rounded development.
How to apply to Boarding Schools in Switzerland
Tuition fees at the prestigious boarding schools in Switzerland range from 70,000 CHF to 120,000 CHF per academic year. To secure admission, applicants need:
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Passport or ID copy
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Academic records for the past 2 years, plus current year quarterly/trimester grades
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Recent language certificates
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Recommendation letters (English and Math teachers)
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Motivation letter (sometimes)
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Completed registration and school forms
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Skype interview or in-person school visit
In some cases, students might need to take the school's internal tests in Math and English to gauge their preparedness for the program.
For further guidance, feel free to reach out to SMAPSE experts who are always on hand to provide support and address any inquiries.
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.
Cost and Fees in Swiss Boarding Schools for Foreign Students
Swiss boarding schools are renowned for their high educational standards, holistic approach to learning, and state-of-the-art facilities. However, such excellence often comes with a hefty price tag, especially for foreign students. When considering the costs, it's essential to look beyond just the tuition fees and account for all associated expenses to get a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitment required.
Tuition fees at Swiss boarding schools can vary widely based on the school's reputation, location, facilities, and the programs it offers. On average, fees can range anywhere from CHF 50,000 to CHF 130,000 or more per annum. These fees typically cover basic tuition, accommodation, meals, and some extracurricular activities. But be prepared: some prestigious schools in sought-after locations like Geneva or Zurich can charge at the higher end of this spectrum, given their worldwide reputation and the unparalleled quality of education they offer.
However, the overall cost doesn't stop at tuition. There are often additional charges that can significantly increase the total amount. These can include enrollment fees, examination fees, additional language support for non-native speakers, specialized training or courses, school trips, and personal expenses such as uniforms, books, and personal care items. Some schools might also charge for extracurricular activities that require specialized equipment or coaching. Moreover, while the boarding fees cover accommodation and meals during the term, parents should consider the costs of travel to and from Switzerland during holidays and breaks.
It's also worth noting that while the initial cost can seem overwhelming, many Swiss boarding schools offer financial aid or scholarships for deserving students. Some institutions have provisions based on academic merit, while others may offer assistance based on financial need. Researching and applying for such opportunities can significantly alleviate the financial burden. In conclusion, while the investment in Swiss boarding school education is substantial, many believe the unparalleled quality of education, holistic development opportunities, and the lifelong network one establishes make it worth the cost.
What age groups are the Swiss boarding schools designed for?
Are there co-educational boarding schools in Switzerland?
What languages are used for teaching in top boarding schools in Switzerland?
What extracurricular activities are organized in boarding schools?
What does the boarding school schedule look like?
What support services are offered in boarding schools?
How is the quality of Swiss boarding schools recognized worldwide?
What are the tuition fees at Swiss boarding schools?
What is the student to teacher ratio in Swiss boarding schools?
How do Swiss boarding schools contribute to the personal development of students?
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2024
1 | College Du Leman |
2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
6 | Leysin American School |
7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
11 | Champittet College |
12 | Brillantmont International School |
13 | Surval Montreux |
14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2024 Smapse rankings
1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Storm King School New York |
4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
7 | Cheshire Academy |
8 | Cate School |
9 | Ross School |
10 | Deerfield Academy |
11 | The Village School |
12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
13 | Webb Schools |
14 | Kent School USA |
15 | The Winchendon School |
16 | Darlington School |
17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
18 | Grier School |
19 | The MacDuffie School |
20 | CATS Academy Boston |
21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
22 | Milton Academy |
23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
24 | American Hebrew Academy |
25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
28 | Webb Schools |
29 | Kent School USA |
30 | Groton School |
31 | Maine Central Institute |
32 | The Lawrenceville School |
33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Literature and references
- 10 Best Boarding Schools in Switzerland
- Languages in Switzerland: the multilingual alpine nation
- The secondary education system in Switzerland
- Wenns nicht die Volksschule sein soll: Teure Privatschulen werden immer beliebter
- Internationale Schulen — Privatschulberatung
- Wie hoch sind die Kosten für Bildung in der Schweiz?
- Internate in der Schweiz
- 12 Beste Schweizer Internate (Renommiert & Exklusiv)