Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Description of Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
- Established: 1993
- Location: St-Légier-La Chiésaz, Vaud, Switzerland
- Students’ ages: from 3 to 18 years. Boarding students’ age from: 11 to 18 years
- Number of students: 600 including 30 boarding students
- Language of instruction: English only, or English & French
- Type of study: private school, boutique boarding experience
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School is located on the shores of the Lake Geneva above Vevey and Montreux and offers prestigious Bilingual (English & French) or English IB Programmes. The school has a vibrant Swiss and international community of 600 day students. It also offers a boarding option to 30 secondary students wishing to benefit from the school’s outstanding infrastructure and location, successful IB programmes and impressive after-school activities (150 clubs to choose from).
Boarders benefit from the high-quality education of a top Swiss IB school combined with family care at its boutique style boarding house ensuing personal care and attention thanks to the limited number of boarders accepted.
The largest nationality groups at the school are:
- Swiss
- French
- British
- American
- German
With over 30 years’ experience, Haut-Lac’s academic and boarding house teams see to it that boarders are able to make the most of their studies and time in Switzerland. They do so with high quality academic lessons followed by diverse in-house after-school activity clubs, supervised evening study sessions, and relaxing downtime before bed.
Educational process
The school employs a team of specialists consisting of teachers of English (EAL) and French (FLA) as complementary languages. Teachers conduct extracurricular activities, helping students adapt to the school environment, improve their knowledge without suspending the main learning process. Sometimes children can be provided with support individually or in small groups outside the classroom.
Faculties and colleges
Haut-Lac International Bilingual Boarding School has several academic departments focused on the education of students of a certain age: middle and senior.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Infant & Primary
The curriculum enables learners to develop versatile lifelong learning skills, not just accumulating facts and figures. In line with the IB and School philosophy, it encourages students to be active, curious, passionate and independent learners. Schoolchildren learn to work together, communicate effectively, recognize and respect similarities, differences, value nature and the world around them.
The bilingual or English program explores topics that encourage curiosity, discovery, literacy, knowledge of mathematics, and versatile skills.
Learning helps you learn how learning topics relate to the real world. Beginning with ancient Greek days and “Roman seminars,” teachers translate theory into practice, making lessons fun, stimulating, and memorable.
The individualized training program is based on four concepts: culture, conflict, communication, conservation. Through creative, innovative, thought-provoking topics, students develop their skills, knowledge, learn to apply them in practice.
- Develops all of each student’s talents through a holistic and interdisciplinary academic programme
- Encourages students to create links between their subjects, as well as between their learning and the real world
- Prepares students for the rigour of the IB Diploma or Career-Related Programmes
- Can be combined with our Swiss Option to benefit from extended maths, French and German lessons.
Swiss Bilingual Cycle (preparation for the Swiss public school entrance exams at the end of MYP4)
The Swiss bilingual cycle is studied in parallel with the Middle Years Program (MYP). Teenagers 11-14 years old receive a double diploma, can enroll in the IB program for high school students, in the cantonal gymnasium.
The program includes:
- Preparation for passing the entrance exams to a Swiss gymnasium
- Advanced German, Mathematics, French Courses with Italian or Mathematics / Physics Option
- Bilingual approach to teaching with additional MYP subjects taught in English or French
- An approach to learning for the development of communication, social, research skills, self-management skills, thinking.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP)
The MYP is a complex structure that encourages students to establish practical connections between learning and the real world. This five-year program is implemented in partnerships between schools and in several formats (two, three or four years). Students who complete the MYP are well prepared for the IB Diploma Program (DP) or Career-Related Program (CP).
The structure of the MYP curriculum includes eight subject groups, providing a broad, balanced education. MYP requires at least 50 hours of study time per subject group for each year of the program. Over the past two years, the flexibility of the program allows students to meet local requirements, personal learning goals.
English, French and Bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program is designed for students aged 16-19. Research shows that there are many benefits to choosing an IB DP. The program is aimed at the physical, intellectual, emotional, ethical development of students, forms a broad outlook, deep knowledge.
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Program (IB CP)
The International Career-Related Baccalaureate Program (IBCP) is designed for students who wish to develop as professionals in the last two years of high school.
It prepares students for success in the profession, provides them with an excellent foundation for further study in IBDP courses, closing the academic and practical gap. IBCP is an international education system that combines the values ​​of IB into a unique program to meet the needs of students in vocational education.
High school students who complete IBCP gain access to higher education, internships, apprenticeships, or positions in their chosen area of ​​interest. Students receive applied knowledge, develop critical thinking, communication skills, intercultural interaction.
- Combines three of the academic IBDP subjects taught at Haut-Lac with practical career-related studies provided by renowned universities
- Provides students with the academic knowledge, personal qualities and professional skills that will make them stand out from other job and university applicants
Professional experience in one of the following:
- Sustainable
- Management
- Art & Design
- International Sports Management
IB Sport & Study Programme
-
Age of students: 14-18 years.
This course is designed for middle and high school students in the IB MYP and IB DP programs. Haut-Lac was the first school in Switzerland accredited by the World Academy of Sport!
It became available thanks to its own Athlete-Friendly Education Centre (AFEC). This is a flexible course, the schedule of which combines intensive sports training and training sessions for the main course. This is an ideal option for students who want to get a prestigious education of the European model and at the same time play sports at a professional level, perform at regional, national and international competitions. Under these conditions, obtaining an IB diploma will take 3-4 years.
Haut-Lac Day Camps
- Age – from 4 to 15 years old,
- Dates: January, April, July-August,
- The duration of the training is from one week.
Day camps at a bilingual international school give children the chance to improve their English/French language skills, as well as have fun with classmates from a variety of nationalities.
The programs have different themes that depend on the season: skiing, snowboarding, surfing, physical activity. Students will devote most of their time to getting new emotions, while attending language lessons and practicing what they have learned on excursions and events.
Haut-Lac Residential Camps
- Age — from 10 to 17 years old,
- Dates: January-February, July-August,
- The duration of the training is from one week.
Seasonal camps, including accommodation in a comfortable residence, are a great opportunity to spend your holidays in a fun and useful way. The programs offered at Haut-Lac International Bilingual Boarding School have seasonal themes:
- January-February – skiing and language learning,
- July-August – Leadership Skills Development/Adventure & Language Learning Program.
The courses are based on bilingual instruction in English and French. Each program includes services that turn your time in Switzerland into an unforgettable adventure: a variety of excursions, campus activities, accommodation with representatives of many countries, comprehensive support and much more!
Accommodation, meals, prices
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Riviera, the family-owned, local international school welcomes and cares for students from Switzerland and abroad. Haut-Lac’s two fully equipped school campuses are only a 5-minute walk apart, and within walking distance of our bright and spacious boarding house.
- A bright and cosy, two-person bedroom with private bathroom
- Power breakfasts, lunches and dinners to boost productivity and energy levels
- Experienced boarding house team and school counselor to ensure their day-to-day safety and well-being
Activities Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers clubs and activities led by the school's teachers and external professionals.
From football, golf, rock climbing, sailing and tennis to German, yoga, dance and choir, the institution offers over 150 clubs, allowing everyone to find what they are looking for. Thanks to its location, the school also offers skiing as part of the curriculum and weekend activities for boarders.
What kinds of sports does Haut-Lac offer:
​​​​
- Sking
- Football
- Basketball
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Rugby
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Unihockey
- Golf
- Rounders
- Lacrosse
- Fitness
- Skiing
- Badminton
- Table tennis
- Taekwondo
- Golf
- Tennis
- Sailing
- Rock climbing.
Extracurricular activities include:
- Art
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Drama
- Mucis band / instruments
- Bollywood dance
- Book club
- Board games
- Orchestra
- 4 Kidz® Cubes
- Cake decoration
- Chess
- Rock climbing remove
- Cooking
- Chorus
- Dancing
- Debate
- Drama
- Eco-club
- Fitness workouts remove
- Painting
- IPad master class
- History
- Gardening
- Robotics
- Origami
- Mathematical clinics
- Booster Club DP Maths
- Model UN
- The photo
- Robotics
- Rocketry
- Teddy club
- Technology
- Spanish language
- Scrapbooking
- Seasonal crafts
- Sewing and textiles
- Yoga
- Creative writing
- Computer programming
- Zumba.
Travel (COVID-19 regulations permitting) is an integral part of school life at Haut Lac - it is aimed at enriching, learning and inspiring students.
Advantages
- A family-oriented school that cares and guides each student along their individual pathway
- 28 years’ experience in bilingual education
- 16 years of International Baccalaureate Diploma results well above the world average (impressive 100% pass rates in 2020 & 2021)
- A pathway to higher education studies at top universities in Switzerland and worldwide. 500+ alumni across top Swiss and International Universities. Graduates received offers from i.e. Yale, Stanford, MIT, EPFL, LSE, King’s Collage, Oxford, Brown and Colambia University.
- An Athlete-Friendly Education Centre accredited by the World Academy of Sport
- Haut-Lac creates an inspiring learning environment in and outside the classroom. Toddlers and primary school children work on a bilingual French-English program taught by native French / English speakers on a daily schedule or in an English-language program.
- The school encourages students to develop physical and creative abilities through numerous extracurricular activities.
- Building trusting relationships between students and their teachers allows them to set individual goals, formulate criteria for success, and increase self-esteem.
- Learning promotes the development of thinking, the desire to explore new opportunities, healthy ambitions.
Facilities and equipment at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
- Two dedicated study rooms to ensure maximum focus during weekend and evening homework time
- A spacious common room, terrace and large garden overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond in which to relax with their boarding family in the evenings and on weekends
- Five outdoor sports fields/courts, a triple sports hall and an indoor fitness room to help them stay active and/or relax after a day of learning
- Activities and experiences led by the supportive tutors, and caring boarding house parents to ensure their physical and mental well-being
Admission dates and extra charges
Exam costs:
- MYP5 = 1750 CHF
- DP2 = 2500 CHF.
Additional expenses:
- Non-refundable one-time enrolment fee - 3500 CHF. Payment of this fee ensures the child's seat is reserved;
- Enrolment fee (incl. visa) - 4000 CHF;
- Deposit for personal expenses - 5000 CHF;
- Medical insurance - 4800 CHF;
- Language support - from 3'000 if required;
- Individual needs - priced upon request.
Payment terms:
31 July: enrolment fee + deposit + 50% of annual fees;
31 January: 50% of annual fees.
Enrolment process
Applications for admission are accepted all year round. The admission procedure consists of several stages:
- Communication with school representatives: clarification of dates and conditions, organization of a trial day or an online conversation,
- Filling out the registration form, providing documents,
- Payment of entrance fees,
- Interview
- Receiving a positive response from the admissions committee,
- Arrival at the campus: accommodation in the residence, start of training.
Enrolment statistics
Preference for admission is given to candidates who apply at the beginning of the semester. Potential students are evaluated based on their school reports, interviews.
Perspectives
To date, more than 480 students have completed their education at Haut-Lac International Bilingual Boarding School, earning competitive diplomas that have provided them with the best opportunities to continue their academic path. High school students entered such universities as:
- University of Geneva,
- University of Lausanne,
- University of Munich,
- American University, Washington DC,
- Boston College, Massachusetts,
- California College of the Arts,
- Cornell University,
- University of Toronto,
- International University of Monaco,
- Abertay University,
- Bournemouth University,
- Brighton Institute of Modern Music,
- Cardiff Metropolitan University,
- City University London,
- Coventry University.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The receipt of the application by the school does not guarantee a place. The school will inform the parents in writing of its decision after careful consideration of the submitted documents (including previous school reports) and a personal interview (if possible).
Scholarships Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
The institution does not offer scholarships. Students who live in Switzerland and do not receive school allowances are entitled to a 10% discount on tuition fees for the first child and another 10% for each subsequent child.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
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. |
