The Montreux and Lake Geneva region is home to some of the world's most prestigious international schools. For families relocating to Montreux with children, the choice of school is one of the most important decisions of the relocation. This article provides an overview of the leading international schools in the region.
Institut Le Rosey
Institut Le Rosey — founded in 1880 — is widely regarded as the most prestigious boarding school in the world. Located in Rolle, between Geneva and Lausanne, Le Rosey offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French Baccalaureate to students aged 8 to 18. The school has a unique two-campus model — students spend the autumn and spring terms at the main campus in Rolle and the winter term at the ski campus in Gstaad.
Le Rosey is a boarding school — the majority of students board during term time. Day student places are available but limited. Annual fees are among the highest in the world — approximately CHF 130,000 to CHF 140,000 per year for boarding students. Applications should be submitted 2 to 3 years in advance.
Collège Alpin Beau Soleil
Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, located in Villars-sur-Ollon (approximately 30 minutes from Montreux), is a leading international boarding school offering the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Middle Years Programme to students aged 11 to 18. The school is set in the Alps at an altitude of 1,200 metres, offering exceptional skiing and outdoor activities alongside a rigorous academic programme.
Beau Soleil is a smaller school than Le Rosey — with approximately 250 students — which allows for a highly personalised educational experience. Annual boarding fees are approximately CHF 100,000 to CHF 110,000 per year. Applications should be submitted 1 to 2 years in advance.
Aiglon College
Aiglon College, located in Chesieres-Villars (adjacent to Beau Soleil), is a co-educational boarding school offering the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE to students aged 9 to 18. Founded in 1949, Aiglon has a distinctive educational philosophy — combining academic rigour with outdoor adventure, community service and personal development.
Aiglon has approximately 380 students from more than 50 countries. Annual boarding fees are approximately CHF 90,000 to CHF 100,000 per year. The school has a strong tradition of outdoor education — skiing, mountaineering, hiking and other Alpine activities are integrated into the curriculum.
Local international schools and Swiss public schools
In addition to the prestigious boarding schools, the Montreux region has several excellent day schools for international families. The International School of Montreux (ISM) offers the IB curriculum to students from pre-school to Grade 12 and is conveniently located in Montreux itself. The Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR) in Lausanne offers the IB and the French Baccalaureate.
For families who prefer a Swiss education, the local public schools (écoles publiques) in Montreux offer a high-quality education in French. The Swiss public school system is excellent — and for families who are planning a long-term stay in Switzerland, integration into the local school system has significant social and linguistic advantages.
Key points
- Le Rosey: most prestigious boarding school globally; CHF 130,000–140,000/year; apply 2–3 years ahead
- Beau Soleil: IB boarding school in Villars; CHF 100,000–110,000/year; apply 1–2 years ahead
- Aiglon College: IB boarding school; CHF 90,000–100,000/year; strong outdoor education tradition
- ISM: IB day school in Montreux — convenient for local families
- Swiss public schools: excellent quality, French-language — good for long-term integration
Contact Montreux Real Estate for guidance on international schools and to discuss family relocation to Montreux.
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