Primary, secondary education in Montreux 2024

Secondary Education in Montreux. Guide for foreign students 

Montreux, a renowned educational hub, offers secondary education that combines Swiss efficiency with various international academic programs, including British, Italian, American, and German models. Secondary education in Switzerland is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16, with early development programs engaging children as young as 4 years old. The local education system is known for its early focus on career orientation, allowing students to dive deeper into subjects like art, sciences, or languages, setting a strong foundation for higher education.

Advantages of Studying in Montreux's Schools for International Students

• High-Quality Education: Montreux centers rank among the top European educational institutions, with a reputation for excellence validated by PISA studies.

• Multilingual Environment: Reflecting Switzerland's multilingualism, these educational institutions offer instruction in German, French, Italian, Spanish, and English, catering to a diverse student body.

• Prestige: Studying in Montreux is synonymous with high status, attracting children from global financial, cultural, and political elite families. The relationships formed here often lead to lifelong connections and collaborations.

Prominent Private Schools in Montreux

Private schools in Montreux, like TASIS, Leysin American School, La Garenne International School, and Surval Montreux, are known for their unique educational ethos, blending European traditions with modern innovations. These educational institutions focus on holistic development, offering a range of programs for different age groups and interests. Membership in the Federation of Swiss Private Schools underscores their commitment to high teaching standards and international education.

Types of Secondary Schools in Montreux

Montreux features a variety of secondary school options:

• Boarding Schools for Girls: Focusing on humanitarian disciplines, arts, and sports, these centers foster higher academic performance in a gender-specific environment.

• Schools for Boys: Emphasizing competition, exact sciences, and decision-making skills, these centers prepare boys for adult responsibilities.

• Mixed Schools: The most common choice, where boys and girls study and participate in extracurricular activities together, often housed separately.

Languages Taught in Montreux Schools

In line with Switzerland’s multilingualism, Montreux academies offer education in German, French, Italian, Romansh, and English. Students typically learn at least two languages, achieving near-native proficiency by the end of their schooling.

In summary, Montreux provides a rich and varied educational landscape, combining Swiss excellence with a multilingual environment, making it an ideal choice for families seeking top-quality secondary education in a prestigious setting.

Secondary Schools in Montreux. Cost and Fees for foreign students  

In Montreux, there are several secondary schools that cater to international students. Here are some notable ones along with their fees for foreign students:

• St. George's International School. This school is known for its high academic standards, including a 100% pass rate in the IB program. The fees for studying here start from 109,190 CHF per year​​.

• Institut Monte Rosa. Offering a family-based atmosphere and individually tailored study plans, Institut Monte Rosa charges around 67,000 CHF per year​​.

• Haut-Lac International Bilingual School. Recognized for its bilingual education, Haut-Lac International Bilingual School has fees starting from 86,000 CHF per year​​.

• John F. Kennedy International School. This school, which offers a pleasant learning environment, charges fees starting from 73,300 CHF per year​

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What makes Swiss schools so special? Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Switzerland so much?

There are many reasons: safety, the opportunity to participate in activities and play sports all year round (water sports on local lakes, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and trekking, team games), the chance to learn several foreign languages thanks to the rich culture. Switzerland provides education leading to the best universities in the world, and Swiss universities are not only world-class, but almost free (if state-owned!).