How long have you been in secondary education, including your time in boarding schools?
I've been in the education sector for almost 10 years, with 3.5 of those years specifically in secondary education and boarding schools.
What distinguishes Swiss schools, making them highly valued by parents?
Several factors make Swiss schools stand out: safety, the opportunity for year-round sports and activities (like water sports, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, and team sports), and the chance to learn multiple languages amidst a rich cultural backdrop. Swiss education paves the way to top universities, and many state-owned Swiss universities offer world-class education at minimal cost.
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.
When choosing a Swiss school, what key questions should you ask?
Focus on language learning opportunities - our kids learn languages not just in class but also through our bilingual (English and French) boarding environments. Also, consider the mix of Swiss and international students.
When's the best time to apply to Swiss schools, and what preparations are necessary?
The ideal application period is from November to January. Prepare for a personal interview with the director. We look for curious, driven kids who are open to the world and eager to learn.
Which subjects are most popular for the IB diploma course?
Common choices include English, French, mathematics, economics, history, and biology for the IB diploma course.
Do all schools aim to be top-ranked?
There's no single official Swiss school ranking. However, being recognized for academic achievements is always an honor.
How has COVID-19 impacted your school's student body, and how have you supported them during this period?
Switzerland fared relatively well compared to many countries. The government only shut schools once, in April 2020, for about a month. Otherwise, they remained open. At Collège Champittet, we kept our doors open throughout the 2020-2021 school year and swiftly transitioned to online learning when required. We allowed boarders to stay on campus if they chose, with 15-20 students opting to remain, and we cared for them like family.
This school year, we've continued providing the same level of care. Before the start of the new term, we opened early to accommodate students from abroad who needed to quarantine, offering this service for free. We designated our entire campus as a quarantine zone, allowing students to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
A nurse is always on duty, and we routinely check students to ensure their health. Our boarding house has a dedicated quarantine floor for anyone who might feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19, allowing them to isolate safely on-site.
Is it challenging for a talented student to receive financial aid? What are the typical scholarship amounts at Swiss schools?
At Collège Champittet, we don't offer scholarships, but enrolled students can earn discounts for exceptional academic performance.
At what age do international students typically enroll in Swiss schools?
We welcome students from age 11, but most international students tend to join us at around 14-15 years old.
Do all schools provide ESL (English as a Second Language) courses? How crucial are they?
ESL is crucial, considering many students come from various backgrounds and might not have studied in English previously. They need this support to feel more comfortable and confident, especially initially. Most Swiss schools, including ours, offer ESL courses.
What additional annual expenses should be budgeted for, on top of tuition and boarding fees?
While our boarding tuition covers most costs, personal spending money is extra. Optional private lessons or electives, such as learning another foreign language, can cost between 4000-5000 CHF. Also, international trips and excursions, typically during holidays, incur separate charges.
What other factors should be considered when choosing a school, besides teacher qualifications?
Look into the campus facilities, like sports fields and gyms, and the quality of the boarding accommodations, including room conditions and occupancy rates. Consider the diversity of the student body, the educational programs offered (especially regarding diplomas and graduation), the list of universities graduates typically attend, the school's reputation, and the backgrounds of the staff. The school's location is also a key factor.
What advice would you give to potential applicants to Swiss schools?
It's vital to explore multiple schools to understand what each offers uniquely. Try to visit the campus in person or at least arrange a virtual tour, and if possible, talk to current students. Assess your academic strengths and achievements before applying!
