Institut Florimont Private School
Description of Institut Florimont Private School
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland,
- Founded: 1905,
- Language of instruction: English, French,
- Type of study: blended.
Institut Florimont is a bilingual school offering programs for children from 3 to 18 years old.
Based on more than a century of experience, Institut Florimont offers the best of the Swiss, French and international education systems to all students from kindergarten to graduation. Through a unique blend of tradition and modernity, the institute provides excellent education in STEAM subjects: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, and is dedicated to developing students' personal skills through collective community activities.
Institut Florimont has established many cultural, sports partnerships with local organizations, with a strong focus on the development of students' artistic and physical skills. The infrastructure of the educational area allows students to develop existing skills and acquire new ones, testing their skills in previously untested activities, scientific and social activities.
Institut Florimont offers bilingual instruction in French and English in kindergarten, students choose between two language streams when entering secondary school.
Institut Florimont is the only private school in Geneva that has the right to prepare students for three diplomas: the French Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate and the Swiss Diploma of Matriculation. All three programs are taught over a period of four years, in which all students are fully and comprehensively supported by subject educators, mentors, and staff.
Institut Florimont consistently demonstrates outstanding exam rates, opening the doors to the best universities around the world for graduates. Students and their families have access to career guidance, which provides information and advice on how to create a personal career plan for admission to universities in Switzerland and abroad. All students are offered one-on-one counseling, a variety of elective resources focused on achieving their goals, both academically and personally.
Educational process
A feature of education in middle and high school is individual support, which is offered by mentors when doing homework, with additional study of subjects. Personal chaperones together with subject teachers offer students a number of opportunities in addition to their main studies: preparation for external language exams, practical work in the world of industry, participation in Olympiads in various subjects, participation in the Athena project of the University of Geneva, social projects and discussions.
Faculties and colleges
Institut Florimont has four academic departments, each focused on teaching children of a specific age: kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school + in the summer months there is a themed camp.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Institut Florimont Private School
Maternelle (Kindergarten), Kindergarten
- Age — from three years old,
- The duration of the training is three years.
The Maternelle Early Childhood Education program lasts three years and prepares children for the transition to primary school, which will build on their early education both at home and in small kindergarten groups. Learning at this stage is possible both throughout the day and a few hours on selected weekdays – flexible options provide students with the opportunity to adapt to the school environment smoothly.
Academic classes in kindergarten are aimed at developing motor skills, their interpersonal skills and intellectual curiosity. Teachers strive to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere so that children feel confident and enjoy learning. The sense of community between teachers and students is based on respect, courtesy, and friendship.
In the last year of Maternelle, children begin to read and write using not only cursive writing but also different forms of letters, deepen their understanding of numbers by following the French curriculum, develop language skills by increasing their vocabulary, improve their writing work by paying more attention to accuracy. The curriculum alternates tasks that develop basic skills with educational games: lotto, dominoes, puzzles and construction, manual activities: drawing, coloring, coloring and sewing, music classes: singing and rhythmics.
Primary School, Primary Classes
- Age – from six years old,
- The duration of the study is six years.
The goal of primary school is to give students a solid academic foundation and the social skills they will need in the future. The approach to learning is always aimed at creating a supportive environment, increasing the level of academic achievement, while maintaining the educational principles of Institut Florimont.
From 6 to 11 years old, children study the following subjects:
- French, German,
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology & Digital Skills,
- Social Sciences,
- Art
- Music
- Physical and social education.
For students wishing to take part in religious education, Institut Florimont provides additional lessons highlighting Christianity.
Bilingualism is the foundation of primary education, with students aged 6-8 attending six English lessons, four sports and arts lessons in English per week. This ratio gives students significant opportunities to learn English during these two years, with a focus on developing reading and writing skills in French. Over the past three years, the proportion of primary students in the bilingual program has increased to 60% in French and 40% in English.
Lessons are taught by a team of highly qualified teachers in a multilingual, multicultural environment. The main goal is to take into account the needs and abilities of each student, to provide a solid foundation for literacy and numeracy.
Primary education develops key skills such as communication, cooperation, independence, and creative thinking. To balance what students learn in class, Institut Florimont offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from fencing, basketball to drama, piano, chess, programming.
Middle School, Middle Classes
- Age — from 11 years old,
- The duration of the training is three years.
The three years of secondary school are taught in two available formats: in French or in a bilingual form (French + English). From the age of 11-12, students are grouped according to their English/German language proficiency levels, having previously passed either the Cambridge Preliminary English Language Test (PET) or the Trinity exams + FIT German exams. From the age of 13, they can also learn Spanish as a second language.
Art education, which is included in the curriculum along with the science, humanities, social and natural sciences, is practical in nature and includes participation in the orchestra and choir, visits to galleries and live events. Students have access to high-quality sports facilities, can participate in sports at all levels, including competitions and tournaments.
At the end of secondary school, the student will have to choose a further academic path, represented by three diplomas: a certificate of Swiss maturity, French and international baccalaureates.
Swiss Maturité
- Age — from 14 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
Swiss Maturité is taught in two formats: entirely in French or in French + English. The programme is a four-year curriculum established by the Swiss federal authorities and the Geneva Department of Education; The diploma obtained at the end of the course is accepted by all Swiss universities.
From the age of 14, students will have to choose several subjects:
- Art / Second official language of Switzerland / Subject of natural sciences,
- Mathematics: Standard or Advanced.
The curriculum includes such disciplines as introduction to economics, law, scientific approach; Humanities, social sciences, exact sciences along with sports and creative subjects remain mandatory for study.
From the age of 15, the curriculum of students will include 14 subjects. Students choose the option of specialization: Biology-Chemistry, Economics-Law, Spanish or Physics-Applied Mathematics. Additional options for subjects in the chosen profile are also included in the last two years of the program.
In the last two grades, students are required to prepare a Travail de maturité, an independent research paper. The choice of possible topics and the breadth of research encourage personal commitment, independent thinking. Students submit their work to the school committee, which is similar to a university assessment.
French Baccalauréate
- Age — from 14 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
The Institut Florimont is an institution licensed by the Académie de Grenoble, a member of the GESBF (Association of Swiss Schools Teaching the French Baccalaureate). The French Baccalaureate program covers a broad and balanced curriculum consisting of the following areas of study:
- Humanities: Latin, French, Philosophy, Foreign Languages,
- Social Sciences: History, Geography, Social and Moral Education, Economics,
- Sciences: Physics, Life and Earth Sciences, Information and Digital Technologies,
- Mathematics
- Art
- Sports, physical education.
The program is in line with the curriculum of the French Ministry of Education, covers key areas of knowledge, provides opportunities for an interdisciplinary approach, often using digital technologies. Students learn through hands-on projects, a series of activities, demonstrating connections between different subject areas.
International Baccalauréat
- Age — from 14 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
The International Baccalaureate program aims to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The program encourages students around the world to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
At the heart of the curriculum is the development of certain skills, personal qualities known as the Learner Profile: learners are inquisitive, knowledgeable, risk-taking, principled, open-minded, caring, level-headed, and thoughtful.
The International Baccalaureate at the Institut Florimount is taught in a bilingual format: in English and in French. It has several stages:
- 14-15 years old – preparatory years, providing an interdisciplinary approach in all subjects, based on the best of the Swiss, French and English-language curricula,
- 16-17 years old are years devoted to the study of six elective subjects: three at a high level, another three at a standard level. Students will have to choose one discipline from each category: literature, modern languages, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics and art. Students are required to study general core subjects: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity and Service. Artistic and sports activities are encouraged.
At the end of the course, students have the opportunity to enter almost any university in any country.
Summer camp for 4 to 9-year-olds
- Age – from 4 to 9 years old,
- The duration of the training is from one week.
The summer camp, created especially for children from 4 to 9 years old, offers a rich schedule of sports, games and educational activities from 8:00 to 17:00. Students are provided with lunch, after-school additional care under constant adult supervision. The curriculum of the camp is diverse, including thematic lectures and master classes, sports activities, handicrafts and other forms of art, outdoor games.
Summer camp for 9 to 15-year-olds
- Age – from 9 to 15 years old,
- The duration of the training is from one week.
Together with the sports partner Kombak, Institut Florimont organizes a summer camp for children from 9 to 15 years old. Those who would like to participate in the summer program in August will be able to attend additional language classes with native French and English speakers, attend elective lessons in mathematics.
In the safety of the campus and under the constant supervision of adults, children will be able to enjoy a busy program from 8:00 to 17:00, including a lunch break. Every day in the camp is full of a variety of activities: lectures and master classes, football, boxing, water sports.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Institut Florimont does not provide on-campus accommodation.
School lunches are provided by catering provider Novae, run by Chef Alexandre Etienne and his team of five chefs. The team prepares more than 1400 meals a day, observing the highest standards of hygiene and quality. The menu is created in conjunction with a nutritionist to ensure that it is nutritionally balanced and complies with the Fourchette Verte healthy food label. Children are offered a choice of several types of menus, including vegetarian, dietary dishes, soups, hot dishes with side dishes, snacks and drinks for lunch. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, predominantly provided by local farmers.
If the child has a special nutritional need, the team of chefs will provide an alternative menu.
Activities Institut Florimont Private School
More than 50 thematic clubs and sections are organized at Institut Florimont: sports, academic, creative, social communities offer students comprehensive development, achievement of personal goals, and acquisition of valuable skills:
- Afro-Cuban dances,
- Athletics
- Ballet
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Ceramics
- Chess
- Chorus
- Mountaineering
- Cookery
- Drama
- Fine Arts,
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Robotics and more.
Extracurricular activities are conducted by qualified, experienced teachers. Lessons are held in an interactive way, allowing students to focus on what they love and not get overwhelmed.
The school works closely with a number of organisations, such as Foyer Handicap and Aigues Vertes, various social health institutions in Geneva, to engage students in local volunteer activities and provide ongoing support to people in need. The spirit of volunteerism is the motivation for a number of sporting, cultural events and community initiatives, including the Escalade Run, work to preserve and clean up the shores of lakes.
Introduced in 2020, the Arts and Sports program is available to students who are engaged in art or sports disciplines at a high level, as well as any other student who simply wants to work on a project in these areas. A specially adapted program allows students to maintain the highest level of academic education while engaging in creativity or sports. Children practice their specialization in the afternoons, except Mondays and Fridays; In addition to providing an adapted timetable, the program provides students with access to qualified professionals in their respective fields who support them as they progress. Thanks to its history and reputation, Institut Florimont has established collaborations with the most prestigious artistic, sports institutions. Two art partners in Geneva, MAMCO and Musée Ariana, share their experience and inspiration with students by providing exhibits for an exhibition at l'Attique, a specialized art unit.
Advantages
- Bilingual education: English and French,
- Accreditations of QSC, Geneva Association of Private Schools, International Program of the Foundation for Environmental Education, ISO,
- Excellence in high school students: 94% in the Swiss Matriculation Diploma, 100% in the French Baccalaureate, 95% in the International Baccalaureate,
- More than 100 years of educational activity,
- Comprehensive development of students, including STEAM skills,
- Career support during the high school stages.
Facilities and equipment at Institut Florimont Private School
The Institut Florimont campus is located in the countryside near Geneva, allowing students to have a learning experience in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, while at the same time having easy access to the city's public spaces. A well-developed transport infrastructure provides transportation between the study area and Geneva, Lausanne - the road to the cities, the international airport, attractions, cafes and restaurants will take from a few minutes to two hours.
Institut Florimont boasts modern equipment of educational and extracurricular facilities: classrooms, specialized laboratories, computer classes, creative studios, self-study areas and many other rooms have interactive whiteboards, projectors, computers, high-speed WiFi connection. A special feature of the campus is a magnificent sports center with indoor halls, outdoor areas for team games and individual training. Students have access to facilities such as:
- Three multifunctional halls,
- Climbing wall,
- Fencing Hall,
- Open fields for team games and competitions.
The entire territory is completely safe, is under round-the-clock security and is 100% equipped so that children can both immerse themselves in learning, develop the skills they are interested in, and relax.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year of Institut Florimont students lasts from September to the beginning of summer, includes study days from Monday to Friday, seasonal holidays and rest on national and international holidays. In weekday mornings and afternoons, subject classes are held on campus, followed by extracurricular electives.
An approximate list of additional costs:
- Registration fee,
- Educational supplies,
- Meals and accommodation,
- Some extracurricular activities,
- Individual needs,
- Additional academic support,
- Out-of-schedule childcare.
Enrolment process
Admission procedure:
- Contacting the Admissions Office for information about admission, exact dates, admission criteria, availability of places in classes,
- Filling out the application, providing the required documents,
- Passing possible entrance exams,
- Receiving an official invitation,
- Arrive at campus for orientation activities and start of classes.
Enrolment statistics
Admission of new students is subject to availability and compliance with the specified class/stage criteria. An important aspect of admission is full compliance with the admission criteria.
Perspectives
Long-term statistics of outstanding results of final exams show the effectiveness of training, the modernity of pedagogical approaches and the integrity of student learning. In almost 100% of cases, high school students successfully pass their chosen disciplines, receive an internationally recognized diploma and enter leading universities around the world.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Future students arriving from abroad must provide a package of personal documents: passport, birth certificate, health insurance, visa or residence permit. Visa documents can be processed during the application process – the staff will assist in filling out and obtaining the necessary forms.
Depending on the class of admission, the admission requirements will vary: the youngest students do not need a high level of language proficiency, and level criteria are imposed on those entering middle and high school. In any case, each foreign applicant will receive additional language support if there is insufficient knowledge in one of the two languages taught.
Academic transcripts for the last few years of study will be required from those applying to elementary school and beyond. Letters of recommendation from teachers of languages and mathematics will be a plus to the submitted application, as well as individual achievements in extracurricular activities.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Institut Florimont Private 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. |
