Ecole Chantemerle Private School
Description of Ecole Chantemerle Private School
The Ecole Chantemerle school is located in a quiet and peaceful area near Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city of Blonay has only 11,000 inhabitants. It is an ideal place for a quiet and persistent learning: the rhythm of big cities does not interfere with the students, but it is quick and easy to get to Geneva with its busy life and infrastructure.
There is a friendly, warm atmosphere in the school, pupils from any country of the world feel comfortable here, national peculiarities and traditions of everyone are respected. Its creators are Matilda and Jean Vegümüller, the school was opened in 1966.
Total number of students: 60, of which 45 are studying on a full board basis (only for students of 16 years old).
What are the most important factors parents should consider when choosing a school?
Parents should consider the school’s academic record, philosophy and pastoral support network. The most important factor is ‘fit’, is this an environment my child will thrive within.
Educational process
New technologies help to make the educational process more effective, simpler and more accessible, but students' screen time is limited and controlled by staff, teachers, and mentors of the educational institution. Computers, tablets, phones, and other digital devices are used both in and out of the classroom, but mainly for project, research purposes.
Faculties and colleges
Chantemerle has formed academic departments, each aimed at educating students of a specific age: elementary, middle, and high school. There are two departments that provide training in French and English diploma programs.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Ecole Chantemerle Private School
Swiss Pathway: Primary School
- Age — from five years old,
- The duration of the study is five years.
At Chantemerle School, the youngest students are taught according to the Swiss curriculum. Children aged 5-10 are taught in French for five years.
The curriculum is divided into two sections: preparatory and elementary.
- Preparatory is aimed at students aged 5-7 years, consists of classes focused on the development of fine and gross motor skills, creative and physical skills, exploration of the world around us, communication with peers and older people. In small classes, students will master the basics of basic subjects, learn counting and writing, sculpting, and drawing. Classes are not limited to the walls of the school - adventures also await students in the fresh air: hiking, games, exciting master classes and other activities that allow them to adapt to the school team, acquire communication and social skills, and make friends.
- The initial stage of Primary School is almost the same set of educational activities, but in a slightly stricter format: students prepare for the transition to secondary school, so they study mathematics, language, and natural sciences in more depth.
Swiss Pathway: Secondary School
- Age — from 11 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
The 4-year secondary school program complies with French national guidelines and the requirements of the Plan d'Etudes Romand (PER). Upon graduation, students can continue their studies at a public or private high school or join a vocational training program.
The curriculum is centered around five core skills:
- Three languages: French, English, German,
- Teaching methods, tools: digital tools, project implementation, study skills,
- Mathematics, Science, Technology: Scientific Methods, Curiosity, Observation, Problem Solving,
- Space, Time: Understanding Society, Man and Relationships,
- Global Citizenship, XXI Century Skills: Respect, Critical Skills, Rights, Responsibilities.
The main language of instruction is French, and English and German are intensively studied from the very beginning of secondary school.
Swiss Matura: High School, Swiss Diploma Program
- Age — from 16 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
Chantemerle School prepares students for the Swiss Diploma of Maturity: it is the only diploma that provides automatic access to all Swiss universities, engineering schools (EPFL, ETH). It is also very well received abroad: according to the U.S. Embassy in Bern, those who receive Swiss Matura are secured by transferable credits equivalent to one to two semesters of university credit in the U.S.
The program is taught in French, with a special focus on speaking skills. German or Italian is taught as a second language and English as a third.
The high school program offers a variety of options:
- Bilingual Swiss Diploma of Matriculation: International candidates with a B2 level of English proficiency can opt for this option, which is partially taught in English,
- Advanced EPFL Preparation: Students wishing to enroll in prestigious engineering schools in Lausanne or Zurich can enroll in an advanced program in Mathematics, Physics,
- French Baccalaureate Mathematics/Physics Option: Students wishing to specialize in Mathematics (6-9 hours per week), Physics (6 hours per week) can opt for this option from the second year of the General Curriculum.
The exams for high school students are conducted by the Swiss Maturity Commission (CSM) and cover 13 examination subjects, 9 written and 8 oral tests. In accordance with federal exam regulations, the subjects assessed in the exam are divided into two parts. To graduate, students must also complete a personal research project.
The first exam session will include written examinations on six topics:
- Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
- Social Sciences: Geography, History, Art.
The second session consists of seven topics in oral and/or written formats:
- French, German/Italian, English,
- Mathematics
- Special disciplines: Economics, Law, Mathematics/Physics, Biochemistry, Fourth Foreign Language,
- Additional subjects: Philosophy, Higher Mathematics,
- Individual project.
Cambridge International Pathway: Lower Secondary
- Age — from 11 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
Chantemerle School is a registered Cambridge International School, offering Cambridge Pathway, an international curriculum for children aged 11 to 18. The curriculum is based on the UK National Curriculum, taught in English, adapted for non-native English students.
The Cambridge Pathway program here consists of three stages, from junior high school to pre-university training. Each stage is based on the development of the students compared to the previous one, but can also be offered separately.
In junior high school, students can choose between several subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science, and have the opportunity to take the Cambridge Checkpoint exam. The program provides parents with a structured report on their children's progress. It also allows the school to ensure that students are effectively prepared for the IGCSE course requirements that await them in later grades.
Cambridge International Pathway: Upper Secondary
- Age — from 14 years old,
- The duration of the training is two years.
The English-language Middle School curriculum prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE exam – the International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Over the course of two years, students develop their knowledge and skills in various disciplines in preparation for further education. The curriculum includes subjects such as:
- English language
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Business Research,
- Social Research.
At the end of the programme, students can opt for the official Cambridge IGCSE exam, which is equivalent to a GCSE qualification in the UK: it marks the completion of the secondary school programme, preparing students for an A-Level certificate.
Cambridge International Pathway: High School
- Age — from 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is two years.
The high school program provides students with a wide variety of subjects to choose from, as they will have to consciously choose a combination of disciplines for the final exam, admission to the university of their choice. In general, students take two or three subjects studied at the standard level, and three more at the advanced level. In addition to the subjects, students are required to complete three compulsory electives:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK),
- An extended essay on their chosen topic,
- CAS: Service, Activity, Creativity.
Students receive an internationally recognized International Baccalaureate diploma, which allows them to enter many prestigious universities in Europe.
Summer Camp: Football Academy UWA
- Age — from 12 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from one week.
In the summer months, teenagers who are in love with football and want to improve their English and French language skills can participate in an exciting sports program.
UWA Football Academy – daily football training, language classes under the guidance of experienced athletes, native-speaking teachers. Many of the coaching staff are UEFA certified coaches.
Each day in the schedule is enriched with language classes in English and French. The days in the camp are balanced, which allows students to gain not only high-quality knowledge and new experience, but also participate in excursions, relax in the fresh air and enjoy the summer holidays.
Summer Camp: Football & Language
- Age – from 8 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from two to five weeks.
Djourou Elite Football Camp is all about training in a professional environment, going beyond your limits and progressing with fun. The program allows students to develop their interest and abilities in football under the guidance of experienced coaches-teachers. The training method was developed by Johan Juru, an international Swiss player who guides the classes throughout the course. Participants are motivated by the experience of elite football, they participate in two training sessions every day.
During their stay at the camp, students attend weekly:
- Daily football training,
- Campus Activities: Creative Workshops, Evening Collective Events, Trips and Walking Tours of Natural Attractions,
- Two-day trip to Europa Park, Germany.
Students live in the residence and receive three meals a day, are around the clock in a caring and safe environment under the supervision of teachers, staff and medical workers.
International Summer Camp in Switzerland
- Age — from 6 to 16 years old.
The school offers students aged 6 to 11 (children's groups) and 12 to 16 years old (teenage groups) a summer program that combines an exciting international learning experience, a variety of activities and the improvement of language skills.
Each student will be able to choose the profile of their summer course from the following offers:
- Languages – Learning English, French or German. Classes are taught by native teachers who have up-to-date knowledge of education and use innovative approaches to teaching children. Lessons will be based on basic skills: reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, listening, vocabulary,
- Innovation and Leadership is a course with a focus on the study of engineering and new technologies. Students will gain knowledge about working with artificial intelligence, will be able to assemble, configure and learn how to control their drone,
- Math – Math classes are held for middle and high school students. In-depth knowledge, new methods of problem solving, and an interactive approach to complex topics will help students improve their understanding of mathematics.
The student's chosen academic pursuits are complemented by exciting on-campus and off-campus activities. During their time at the camp, students can expect:
- Sports events: games and training in football, volleyball, basketball, rugby. The infrastructure of the campus allows children to try their hand at climbing, swimming, cycling and other activities,
- Arts: dances, music lessons, discos and theme nights, every week children will have workshops in drawing, cooking and baking,
- Hiking: kayaking, sailing, camping in the middle of lakes and mountains, camping and much more,
- A two-day trip to Europa Park in Germany.
During their stay in the camp, students are accommodated in a comfortable residence, receive daily balanced three meals a day and round-the-clock care from teachers, staff, and medical workers.
Summer Camp: DLang NBA Basketball School
- Age – from 8 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from two to five weeks.
Students who are passionate about basketball have the opportunity to improve their playing skills and develop language abilities in one of the school's most outstanding summer programs. The vacation course combines effective basketball training with language lessons: English, French or German. Students can supplement their schedule with thematic seminars in the following areas:
- Innovation & Leadership – Learning new technologies, working with artificial intelligence, building and controlling drones,
- Math – Advanced math lessons for middle and high school students.
A rich program of sports, creative, recreational activities, cultural visits and outdoor adventures are organized throughout the program. Students can expect:
- Daily basketball training,
- Sports games,
- Creative workshops,
- Evening activities,
- Hiking, water sports,
- Two-day excursion to Europa Park in Germany.
Students are accommodated in a comfortable residence, provided with three meals a day and round-the-clock supervision.
Summer Camp: Golf & Language
- Age – from 8 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from two to five weeks.
Based on the latest technology and proven teaching methods, the Montreux Golf Club and its Swiss PGA coaches are partnering with the Chantemerle School to organize a summer golf camp. Pupils will be able to combine effective training in small groups with individual lessons, which are complemented by a programme of sports, art, leisure, cultural events and nature excursions.
Students can expect:
- Half-day golf lessons,
- Optional elective lessons: learning languages (German, English or French) or artificial intelligence and technology,
- Daily campus activities: creative workshops, evening barbecues, movie screenings or participation in shows,
- Hiking trips, hiking tours in nature,
- A two-day trip to the entertainment "Europa Park" in Germany.
A balanced schedule allows students to get the most out of their participation in the program: a lot of time is devoted to academic and sports development, but recreation and entertainment are also a mandatory element of school holidays.
During their stay in the camp, students live in a residence, receive three meals a day and all the necessary support.
Summer Camp: Horse Riding & Language
- Age – from 8 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from two to five weeks.
Founded in 1968, La Tour de Peilz, in collaboration with the Chantemerle School, offers an exciting summer program for teenagers from 8 to 16 years old. The course is a great opportunity to get acquainted with one of the friendliest, most intelligent and interesting representatives of the animal kingdom – horses.
Under the guidance of experienced coaches and teachers, students will be able to try their hand at various disciplines of horse riding: hunting, jumping and cross-country riding, polo. The horse camp program can be combined with active, practical and fun language classes. In addition to the academic and sports component of the course, there is always entertainment: sports and creative classes, master classes and seminars, excursions and nature tours.
The program already includes:
- Horse riding practice,
- English, French or German language courses,
- Science and Innovation Program,
- Accommodation in the residence, three meals a day,
- Extracurricular activities,
- Cultural trips and leisure activities,
- Two days at Europa Park, Germany.
Summer Camp: Innovation & Leadership
- Age — from 12 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is two weeks.
The Summer Course, which focuses on learning innovative technologies and developing leadership skills, is a two-week camp with a balanced schedule, accommodation in a comfortable residence and an exciting program of extracurricular activities.
Students learn weekly how to design, build and implement humanitarian, social or innovative solutions using flying drones. From idea to project, from project to implementation – they are supported at every step by qualified teachers and mentors.
In addition to interesting technological classes, the program includes lessons in English, German, and French: students can choose a language according to their needs, attend classes in several of them, creating an individual flexible schedule.
Outside of school hours, students can expect exciting activities on campus and off-campus: sports games, creative workshops, group recreation, excursions and hiking trips to nature. The course is complemented by a two-day trip to the entertainment "Europa Park" in Germany.
Summer Camp: Tennis & Language
- Age – from 8 to 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is from two to five weeks.
Chantemerle School offers one of the best summer tennis programs in the country. The course is a combination of daily training led by professional athletes, language classes and exciting on-campus and off-campus activities. For the duration of their stay in the camp, students are accommodated in a residence, receive three meals a day and round-the-clock support.
Each student can supplement their schedule with electives: math classes for middle and high school students, or seminars on artificial intelligence, innovation, and leadership.
A balanced schedule each day includes several hours of tennis in small groups, language lessons, group recreation outside of school hours. On some weekdays and weekends, students go to explore the surrounding attractions and natural beauty. They will also have a two-day trip to Germany to visit Europa Park.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The campus of the Ecole Chantemerle school includes male and female hostels (boys and girls are living separately): depending on the age of the pupils, they live in the bedrooms for 2-4 people. Also in the residences representatives of the school, curators and educators live, who control order in the buildings and ensure the safety of students around the clock. Meals are arranged three times a day in a common spacious dining room. Students can also use the laundry for a small additional fee.
Subjects and sports
Activities Ecole Chantemerle Private School
In extracurricular time, Chantemerle School students pay attention to their interests and hobbies — programs of sports, art, and cultural events are organized on campus. Under the guidance of dedicated, experienced professionals, students develop important values and skills such as perseverance, leadership, and team spirit.
Sports taught at Chantemerle School include:
- Archery,
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Martial Arts,
- Skiing,
- Running
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Horse riding.
The second half of the Wednesday is reserved for practical classes in nature, and the second half of Friday is dedicated to fine and performing arts, represented by the following areas:
- Music
- Choir
- Dancing
- Drama
- Circus art,
- Painting
- Photography
- Playing the piano,
- Ballet
- Gaming, 3D design.
In partnership with clubs and schools of the highest level, specialized programs bring together talented young athletes, artists who want to combine academic training with artistic or sports training of the highest level. Such courses are represented by specialized schools, offer from 8 to 12 hours of training, rehearsals per week:
- Sports Academies: Football, Basketball, Tennis, Golf, Horse Riding, Skiing, Hockey,
- Schools of Arts: Ballet School, Conservatory (piano, violin, cello).
In all seasons, the school organizes exciting adventures in the fresh air, allowing its students to immerse themselves in the study of the history, culture, and natural beauties of Switzerland. Students will be able to try their hand at kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, go hiking or go on a sightseeing tour. Thematic master classes in cooking, gardening, minor repairs and other areas are periodically held for them.
Advantages
- Official French studying program
- Daily intensive classes in basic disciplines: mathematics, English
- Presence in the curriculum of foreign languages ​​(English and German, also you can learn French as foreign)
- Full immersion in the French cultural and linguistic environment.
Facilities and equipment at Ecole Chantemerle Private School
Ecole Chantemerle has fully equipped classrooms, auditoriums and lecture halls, a common spacious dining room, a sports hall, a dance class and creative studios. Also for extra-curricular activities and electives there are equipped tennis courts and football fields, grounds for basketball and volleyball, halls for aerobics and fitness, sites for martial arts and archery. In winter, students enjoy skating, snowboarding and skiing with pleasure. For creative children, numerous studios, classes for playing the flute or piano, a drama club are open.
Admission dates and extra charges
The following documents must be prepared for admission:
- Copy of passport (current)
- School characteristics
- 4 passport photos
- School report on progress (data for the last 3 years).
Dates of trimesters:
Autumn: August 31-December 18 (holidays from October 23 to November 1)
Spring: January 3-March 24 (vacation from February 2 to February 15)
Summer: April 10-June 24 (Holidays from 4 to 9 May, extended weekends).
Tuition is already included in the cost:
- Studying
- Accommodation and meals
- Laundry services.
Extras:
- Medical insurance 6 CHF
- Transfer (return) 100 CHF
Enrolment process
The registration procedure is represented by several stages, most of which can be completed online. The family of the future student will have to:
- Fill out registration applications, questionnaires, provide the required documents,
- Get a positive response from the admissions committee,
- Pass an interview, possible entrance exams,
- Receive an official invitation, with the help of which you can apply for a visa,
- Pay a portion of the tuition fee to cover the deposit to book a place in the residence and class,
- Arrive at the campus to start classes.
Enrolment statistics
As the Chantemerle School is a small institution, admission is limited to the number of available places in the classes.
Perspectives
At the end of diploma programs, graduates achieve excellent results both in final exams and in admission to universities. About 90% of high school students take places in the specialties in the universities that they have chosen in the first place, most of the universities that accept graduates are located in Europe: Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Poland and other countries.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
International students applying to one of Chantemerle School's programs must provide:
- Personal documents: passport, birth certificate, health insurance, health certificates, visa or residence permit,
- Academic transcripts for the last two years of study, assessment certificates, exam results, if any.
For comfortable learning, the applicant will need a conversational level of French or English. When filling out an application for admission, it is necessary to note the existing level - if there is insufficient knowledge, the enrolled student can take advantage of additional classes with teachers in order to keep up.
Scholarships Ecole Chantemerle Private School
Chantemerle School supports its students by providing scholarships and financial aid upon request.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Ecole Chantemerle Private School
In our opinion, Swiss schools fit girls are perfect. Actually, the admission conditions for girls are some of the mildest. And the town is beautiful, small, cozy. There are a lot of circles for students, new occupations (from the knitting club to the choir and the culinary club), and the sport is very balanced - they are not trained as Olympic champions, but for general development, for healthy body. Well, if you also choose a private boarding school with etiquette courses and the "school of young ladies", it is quite understandable here.)
Initially, my daughter wanted to go to England, but now she has been studying here for the second year, and according to her opinion, she doesn’t regret, she likes everything very much.
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. |
