Haut-Lac International Bilingual School, an independent day and boarding school, opened its doors in 1993 with thirteen students and continues to grow and develop. It’s location and highly diverse, international student body give students a wealth of opportunities to examine their own and other cultures in a global context.
Small class sizes enable the teaching staff to follow the progress of individual children closely. The students are actively encouraged to adopt a positive, responsible and caring attitude within the classroom as well as towards the wider school community and beyond. A good relationship between the school and the parents, over 150 extra-curricular activities and the many opportunities to become involved and act cooperatively with others provide a stimulating and caring environment in which they are able to develop their potential to the full.
An English-only stream runs parallel to the bilingual stream through every level of schooling at Haut-Lac for families on short-term contracts to Switzerland or not seeking a bilingual education. Of course, the door is always left open for students to transition into the bilingual stream, should they wish to at any time.
The bilingual French/English programme in the Infant/Primary sections is delivered by native French- and English-speaking teachers on a one day-one day schedule, alternating the language of instruction from one school day to the next. The children spend an equal amount of time in each language environment, so that by the time they move up to secondary level, they are comfortable in both of the school’s working languages and can continue to benefit from bilingual IB MYP, IB Diploma and IB Career-Related Programmes.
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides an in-depth study of conventional subject areas within a challenging framework which emphasises the teaching of life skills for students aged 11 to 16. It is a five-year programme that allows schools the liberty to be creative in the development of their curriculum, but closely disciplines them through a rigorous assessment system. Fundamentally, the IB MYP aims to show how school subjects are inter-related and teaches students that consideration of issues and problems in their widest scope will enhance their critical thinking. Their ability to find acceptable solutions to a range of problems and adapt them to a variety of situations is developed through five cross-curricular perspectives, termed ‘areas of interaction’. This holistic approach to education combined with the fostering of inter-cultural awareness and communication promotes in students the values of understanding, tolerance and respect. In consequence, adolescents are helped to grow into responsible members of a world community.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) continues the philosophy of encouraging students to follow a broad-based educational programme. They study six subjects selected from the following subject groups: Language A, Language B, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. At Haut-Lac, students are able to benefit from the possibility of taking the IB Diploma in French, in English or bilingually (i.e. some subjects in each of the school’s two languages). In order to meet all the requirements, students must also complete three compulsory elements that are central to the IB Diploma Programme philosophy: writing an extended essay (EE), participating in a theory of knowledge (TOK) course and demonstrating creativity, action and service (CAS). In this way the aim of offering students a holistic education that provides them with the skills and knowledge to cope with the challenges of further education and life beyond is fulfilled. The IB Diploma is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.
As well as our flagship secondary IBMYP and IBDP programmes, we also run a number of other programmes. These cater for students who wish to pursue intense sport training schedules alongside an IBMYP, IBDP or IBCP (IB Sport & Study Programme), to complement their school studies with practical work experience (IBCP), to complete the final years of their schooling in a Swiss state school (Swiss Option), to get into US or Canadian universities (US High School Diploma).
And as of September 2022, Haut-Lac’s English, French and bilingual programmes will also be available to international students and athletes seeking a family boarding experience on the Swiss Riviera. With local international peers, a caring boarding team, and exciting evening and weekend activities, they too will be able to grow into confident, global citizens ready to take their place in the world.
Life at Haut-Lac as a Student
Academics
Curriculum
Theme-based Infant/Primary Programme, IBMYP, IBDP, IBCP, Swiss Bilingual Cycle = IBMYP with extended maths French and German, US High School Diploma
Languages of instruction
English & French
Foreign languages
German, Spanish, Italian
Examinations
MYP5 E-Assessment, IB Diploma, US High School Diploma, and IBCP
University counseling
Yes
Learning support
Yes
Extra-Curricular
A wide variety of extra-curricular clubs are offered each year based on teacher qualifications and student demand, such as Badminton, Basketball, Horse-Riding, Sailing, Football, Swimming, Table-Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Art, Band, Chess, Debating, Drama, Caring for the Environment, Global Issues, Photography, Spanish, Guitar, German, Taekwondo, Choir, Gymnastics, MUN.
Great school. My daughter was lucky to study here for 2 years. Excellent teachers and staff. They really give individual care and try to advance every student depending on their level.
— Testimonial 4 for Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
I would like to thanks Haut Lac School Teachers and Team, for all the great support during this fantastic last 5 yeas. It has been great time for my kids to grow up in a nice environment learning with love, passion, discipline with a human touch and a super diverse environment that will allow them to continue to fight high.
— Testimonial 3 for Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Haut-Lac is not just a school, it is a community for families where children and parents alike can form long lasting bonds of friendship. My children had five very happy years there, the standard of education delivered is very high by a team of dedicated, incredibly hardworking staff and they are reaping the rewards of such a start now in their new schools. What they have also learned thanks to the IB programme is how to grow and develop into mature, responsible young adults, very aware of the issues of their world and how to take a pro-active stance to address them. Thank you Haut-Lac for an amazing experience and hopefully we will return to visit you all again soon.
— Testimonial 2 for Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
My two sons actually started school at Haut Lac back in the early days in 2000 and with the exception of our 6 year expatriation, did all of their schooling at Haut Lac. They have now graduated and both have gotten accepted to their first choice Universities and are now pursuing their dreams.
It is my feeling that my children received an excellent education at Haut Lac, but so much more. They have made amazing lifelong friends from all nationalities, they were and still are a part of the amazing Haut-Lac community which never ends. Once you are a part of this school community, you are for life, myself included! Today my children are two incredibly well rounded young men with a global perspective on life and very open minds, and i have no doubt that they will go very far in life. I credit a large part of who they are today to the school, the teachers, the community and the friends that they made at Haut Lac.
I can without a doubt, highly recommend this school. It's not just a school, it's an experience within itself.
— Testimonial 1 for Haut-Lac International Bilingual School
Co-Education (3-18)
Day School & Boarding School 
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