College Champittet (Switzerland)
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia
Description of College Champittet (Switzerland)
Collège Champittet private school is located on the banks of Lake Geneva. With an all-ages day and boarding school in Lausanne and a preschool and primary school in Nyon (between Geneva and Lausanne). Both sites offer close contact with nature and a serene learning environment. Its privileged location gives students year-round access to outdoor sports such as sailing and skiing, while the nearby Olympic city of Lausanne provides cultural stimulation and inspiration.
The College accepts international children from 3 to 18 years old.
Collège Champittet private school was founded in 1903 by the Dominican monks as Catholic school exclusively for boys. Since 1984, the school became mixed and welcomed girls. Nowadays , it is a progressive international educational institution that welcomes every year about 800 pupils of all nationalities, religions and cultures. The school became completely secular in 1998 and expanded so much that a new campus was opened in the city of Nyon in 2004.
Collège Champittet has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best Swiss private schools. The educational institution is accredited by the European Council of International Schools and the Association of New England Schools and Colleges ; it is also member of the Association of Private Swiss Schools (Fédération suisse des écoles privées - FSEP) and the Private School’s Association of the local canton of Vaud (l'Association vaudoise des écoles privées - AVDEP).
Private schools are very popular among foreign students from all over the world: that's why the application for schooling should be submitted approximately one year before the planned start of the training program, as the number of seats is extremely limited and the competition for a place is very big.
How are Swiss school rankings determined, and how reliable are they?
There aren't any official, uniform rankings. At Collège Champittet, we take pride in our 100% exam pass rate for all diploma programs, with an average IB score of 35.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in College Champittet (Switzerland)
Primary school (grades 1-4, 6-11) provides only full-time studies, boarding is possible from 11-12 years.
Junior students are taught classical, basic language skills: this letter, arithmetic, the development of communicative abilities, feelings of community and belonging to a single school brotherhood. The curriculum combines traditional, classical teaching methods and modern techniques (for example, Montessori), and electronic and interactive learning tools are also involved.
For the youngest children (4-6 years) there is a preparatory group and a kindergarte.
Secondary school I (grades 5-8, 12-15 years).
Teaching at this age is bilingual, and includes lessons in both French and English (the division according to the languages ​​is in accordance with the subjects taught).
Secondary school II (grades 9-10, 16-18 years).
At this stage, students choose one of three proposed programs, each of which can serve as an excellent basis for entering any world university: a Swiss diploma (matura), a French or an international baccalaureate.
International Baccalaureate:
The program is designed for two years, during which not only the academic knowledge is deepened, but also the capacity for critical and analytical thinking is cultivated, a steady stimulus to self-education and to research activity is created. The program of the course is as detailed as possible, deep, subjects are studied practically at a professional level, which helps with admission to any, even the most prestigious and advanced university in the world.
To study in the program, each student chooses one subject from different blocks:
-
- Social: history, business, geography, management basics, economics;
- Experimental: physics, chemistry, biology;
- Math: ordinary and advanced level;
- Language: two foreign languages;
- Art criticism: visual skill, theater and dramatic art, music (if desired, an object from this block can be replaced by another of the previous directions).
In addition, the participants of the International Baccalaureate program master 3 important skills that help them in further studying, expand their experience:
-
- Writing a detailed essay: reasoning about the subject;
- Theory of cognition: the nature of knowledge, the consideration of various methods from a critical point of view (perception, reason, language and emotion), features of various types of cognition (historical, scientific, mathematical, creative);
- Creativity, mutual assistance, joint activities outside the class and educational process.
Secondary School II (16-18 years)
At this stage of study, students choose one of the three proposed programs, each of which can serve as an excellent basis for admission to any world university: this is a Swiss diploma (matura), French or International Baccalaureate.
French Baccalaureate
This is an excellent support for admission to any university in the world. The training program is divided into 3 separate sections, so the student can turn his attention to the most necessary and interesting subjects as much as possible. The exams will require the student to confirm a high level of proficiency in French (in written and oral form), as well as the ability to think analytically and synthesize information. Bachelor's degree programs:
- Literary (L)
These are philosophy, literature, foreign languages - most often it is chosen by students who plan to study at the law, linguistic and other humanitarian faculties.
- Scientific (S)
Natural science block. Most often, it is chosen by students who want to improve their knowledge of mathematics and physics, become a professional in engineering or business, enter medical school or find themselves in science.
- Economic, Social (ES)
It is a balanced program at the intersection of humanitarian and mathematical disciplines; it is especially recommended for applicants to economic and law faculties.
French as a Foreign Language program: studied as a supplement to the main course.
This program is designed for a year and is designed for foreign students for whom French is not their native language. In total, about 80 students enter the program: each of them is fully immersed in the language and educational environment, lives on a full board system, constantly communicates with students of other countries in French. After completing this program, the student gets the opportunity to enter any world university - for example, in universities in Switzerland and Germany, education in English will be free (only accommodation fees and a semester fee are charged.)
Preschool program (from 3 to 4 years), Preschool age
- Age: 3-4 years.
- Only full-time education, no accommodation.
Champittet College strives to create a warm, cozy, friendly atmosphere so that children love going to school from a very early age: both campuses accept children from 3 years old.
The bilingual training program fosters curiosity through engaging activities and games of creative practices. Children grow up independent, self-confident, develop motor, counting, language skills (English and French). Small classes allow you to pay attention to everyone, so that the academic and social capabilities of children develop very harmoniously and freely.
Forest School
Since 2020, outdoor activities have become an important part of the preschool and primary school curriculum thanks to the Forest School. This is a great opportunity to stimulate both the mind and the body. Children learn to identify colors and shapes, observe the weather and the changing seasons, play sports and play, explore and dream, learn to listen, observe and concentrate.
High school: Swiss Maturite
- Age: 16-18 years (Grades 9-14).
The high school stage is a time of important decisions about your own future. Students are supported at each stage, strengthening their knowledge and skills necessary to achieve individual goals.
The Swiss Maturite Bilingual Certificate is a rigorous and rich curriculum based on Swiss quality standards, instilling in children discipline and curiosity, leadership qualities and the ability to work in a team.
Language opportunities of the course are additional study of German at the standard/advanced level up to grades 11-14; Italian is available instead of German from grade 9. If a student needs help improving their level of French, they can attend the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) program.
From the 9th grade, students undergo a cycle of consultations, useful recommendations regarding the further educational path: admission to the university (Switzerland and the world) and career.
Accommodation, meals, prices
All boarders are accommodated in the beautiful historical building of the school’s campus with incredible architectural composition, the bedrooms of which are at the same time furnished with a proper level of comfort and convenience.
Each of four residential floors has a shared living room for socialising and entertainment. There is a cozy living room with all the necessary furniture and appliances on each floor: students often come together to chat, watch films, play games and have a snack. There is also a dining room and a library. Facilities and bathrooms can be in a private room or on the floor - there are enough sanitary zones and toilets for comfortable use, they are all maintained in perfect cleanliness. Each room is locked. There are personal safes in rooms, in which students store personal valuables and documents. Laptops should be stored into separate safes at special room.
Girls and boys live on separate floors and nearly all boarders share a room with another student to enhance cross-cultural learning.
College Champittet has organized an incredibly varied, delicious food: the chefs were awarded a special prize - the Green Label, which proves the quality.
The cost of studying (full board):
- From CHF 74’500 CHF per year - five-day boarding school
- From CHF 91'100 per year - seven-day boarding school
Subjects and sports
Activities College Champittet (Switzerland)
Champittet College students have plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities. There are more than 30 hobby communities:
- music,
- theatre,
- dance,
- art studio and visual arts,
- running YouTube channels,
- coding,
- yoga,
- taekwondo,
- basketball,
- kayaking, etc.
Organised for each age group, the guided after-school programmes encourage students to explore their artistic, intellectual and athletic interests while discovering and building new talents. Fun and interesting weekend activities are organized for the students of boarding schools in Switzerland. Activities vary significantly from week to week and according to the time of year.
Examples include:
- Water sports on Lake Geneva (sailing, paddleboarding, waterskiing)
- Cultural visits to different parts of Switzerland, Italy or France
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Shopping trips (such as to the Christmas markets)
- Skiing (every weekend from January, throughout the ski season)
- Visits to local restaurants
Travelling is essential in the cultural education of children. It can be a short weekend trip through Switzerland and Europe, or longer holiday tours - to European countries through Asia or Africa, up to historical explorations of ancient Greece or climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
Advantages
1. A Swiss school, open to the world
Students of 50 different nationalities study here. The school offers bilingual education (English, French or both) and an adaptation programme of French as a Foreign Language (FLE). Multilingualism and multiculturalism are key to the development of students' language skills.
2.The best of Switzerland
Lausanne is considered as one of the 20 best cities for study in the world (QS ranking 2022), and was named best small city in the world by Monocle magazine. It is the cultural capital of the French-speaking Switzerland, offering access to cultural, sporting and creative opportunities all year round. And all this is combined with breathtaking views.
3. Academic excellence
Its 3 internationally recognised diploma programmes – bilingual Swiss Maturité, French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate in English – enable students follow the best pathway for their interests and goals. The school also provides a personalised university and career guidance starting from Grade 11 (age 14/15). Collège Champittet students consistently achieve high academic results, and they go on to study at some of the world’s most competitive universities. 100% of them receive offers from the five universities of their initial choice. Over the past 3 years Champittet students have been accepted to top-tier universities such as:
- University of Oxford
- King’s College
- EPFL
- University of Lausanne
- University of Geneva
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Virginia
- University of Toronto
- École Hotelière de Lausanne
- Hult Business School
- McGill University
- University of Exeter
4. Family values
The Collège Champittet promotes family values, Catholic heritage and fosters important personal qualities such as courage, openness, honesty, respect for yourself and others, ambition, humanity.
5. Outstanding learning experiences
The Collège Champittet successfully collaborates with many prestigious educational centres - The Juilliard School, MIT, UNICEF - providing students with impressive prospects. It is a perfect combination of traditional Swiss academic rigor and modern learning technology. Children are encouraged to explore art, science and the world as a whole, exchanging ideas with peers from around the world.
Facilities and equipment at College Champittet (Switzerland)
All the classrooms are fully equipped with the necessary furniture, appliances, teaching materials and computers. A large-scale modernization of "e-learning" was carried out in 2012 in partnership with Apple, and now every classroom has iPads and other technical equipment, modern laptops are available for self-study and information retrieval on the Internet. In addition, students are granted access to the library's rich resources.
Sports competitions are arranged on the playing fields and grounds for football, volleyball, athletics, basketball and tennis. Experienced and qualified masters and trainers are engaged with the students in the sports sections.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year is divided into terms: autumn (September 1 - December 31), winter (January 1 - March 31) and summer (April 31 - June 30). The academic year usually begins in September and ends in July. Students have weekends and holidays to rest.
Additional fees and charges for boarding:
- Registration fee is 2’500 CHF,
- Air tickets;
- Transfer in both directions;
- Visa fees and services;
- Supervisory support for the student;
- Medical insurance – 2’700 CHF / year;
- Optional trips ;
- Additional cultural, sports, leisure activities (optional),
- Private lessons with the teacher (optional) - 105 CHF / 55 minutes (per lesson).
Extras:
Refundable deposit for the boarding house – 10,000 CHF
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about College Champittet (Switzerland)
Luxury boarding school with huge queues for admission. Do not repeat our mistakes: the daughter entered at the second time.
When choosing a school abroad, we chose studying in Switzerland. It’s fabulously expensive, but the level is beyond education, and equipment, and technical capabilities (well, very nice, well-groomed, near the mountains and a lot of other subjective amenities). However, while the court is on the case, while we lazily chose - when sending documents, we received a polite letter that the places on the course ended.
Not expected, of course. It would seem that pay the money - and you get the place. Then, the documents were straightened out as clearly as possible. Here, thanks to the consultant Alexandra: she, too, was divided up from our "return", so we developed a whole plan for the date of the new reception. Two weeks before the start of the collection of applications, we did all the docks (translated into English, certified by a notary, etc.), prepared a full package - and in the morning (Alexandra clarified the first day of submission) sent all to the school. Accepted! Quickly (until they changed their minds :)) we paid the receipt for the first year (they decided right away, but you could also pay for the semesters) and began to prepare for departure (the school sends an invitation for a visa for students, the ordinary Schengen will not work here).
We've got such an epic: we lost a year, but we tried to use it all the same, and learn from our mistakes. How will the first year come to an end? Let's add a review: the daughter likes it, but it’s not enough time for an objective assessment whether it was all worth it.
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
