Frazer Cairns
School Director
ISL is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School
We offer the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes for children aged 3-18. We are known for our academic excellence and rigorous teaching which encourage children to achieve the highest standards. But good grades aren’t enough to succeed in a complex, changing world. That’s why we develop creative and independent children who can solve problems and adapt.
An ISL education
The world is increasingly interconnected. Many of today’s challenges require clear thinking, dialogue, and cooperation. ISL prepares children for the complexities and uncertainties of our multicultural, interdependent world so that they can contribute productively.
An ISL education provides young people with:
• a rigorous intellectual base so they can think critically
• opportunities for innovation and independent problem-solving
• the ability to effectively cooperate across cultural boundaries
• a genuine sense of caring for the well-being of all community members
• confidence and the courage to be themselves
| Number of students |
865 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
75 |
| Most common nationality |
American, British, Swiss & French |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1/4 local |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, mostly. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French as a Dual Language Programme for several year groups and Arabic, Dutch, German, Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish. |
| Max. number of students per class |
Early Childhood - Max. capacity of 20
|
| Average number of students per class |
19 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
IPads are provided by the school in Primary School. In Middle School, laptops are provided by the school, whereas in High School, we apply a "bring-your-own-device" policy. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
| Results in these examinations |
37.5 average score, 100% success rate |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
It is appropriate to each year group. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
More than 90%. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We provide appropriately matched support services in accordance with students’ needs as well as provide a learning structure for classroom teachers. - Progress Plan – Students with mild needs receive support according to the data collected from classroom teachers and, when necessary, external evaluations. This may include classroom and test-based accommodations.
We also provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and have a well-being programme. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
By differentiation within the class. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
In some cases, an interview or a language test may be required before admission. The School maintains an "open enrolment" policy whereby a standardised entrance test is not generally given to applicants. However, in some cases, the School may test if it has reason to believe the applicant may not meet the criteria for enrolment. |
| Waiting list |
Yes, for certain year levels. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We have a rolling admission policy. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 for Primary School and 8:25 for Secondary School. |
| School finish time |
15:30 for Early Childhood and 15:40 for the rest. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
The extended care programme allows parents an opportunity to have their Early Childhood and Primary School children supervised from 15.40 to 18.00 when they are not participating in an after school activity or supervised by an adult. |
| School bus service available |
Yes, as from 5 years of age. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
ISL offers its students a rich After-School Activities programme, with over 130 different offerings, encouraging students to develop their interests and talents and discover new ones from a wide range of activities in sports, performing arts, technology and other curriculum-related areas. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education, swimming, ice skating and skiing. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
ISL participates in approximately 200 competitions during the school year–either hosted at ISL, at other Swiss venues, or even internationally. We have a team of dedicated coaches from within the ISL faculty, along with external coaches. They all work hard to ensure that each student has a memorable time. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, cafeteria, auditorium, gallery exhibition, recording studios, science labs, makers studio, a community garden and bee keeping facilities. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
A football pitch, a tennis court, a basketball court, a sport hall with a fitness centre and yoga studio and an outdoor playground. The School uses local swimming pools and, of course, the nature surrounding us, such as the forests or the mountains for outdoor activities. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Founded in 1962, the International School of Lausanne is a non-profit, English language, IB World School set in beautiful Le Mont-sur-Lausanne. It welcomes students from three to 18 years of age, from over 75 nationalities, into a supportive environment that is intellectually stimulating and responsive to the students’ changing physical, social and emotional needs. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
The International School of Lausanne is committed to excellence in education; it strives to fulfill the unique potential of each student in a supportive and challenging holistic learning environment that prepares him or her for continuing education and an active and responsible role in a multicultural world. |
The Early Childhood programme immerses children into an exceptional English setting with daily French activities. The programme encourages children to explore its principles of respect, responsibility, and community. The result is an atmosphere of collaboration where children learn while playing in a welcoming, positive, and safe environment.
Children in the Primary School learn according to the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme. Through a carefully designed learning environment which places strong emphasis on student well-being, children at ISL are nurtured towards being caring and active participants in a lifelong learning journey.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an international curriculum designed for students aged 11 to 16. The MYP helps our students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. The programme allows children to build on their personal strengths and to embrace challenges in subjects in which they do not excel.
The Diploma Programme (DP) is designed for students from the age of 16 to 18. This programme at ISL aims to provide students with an opportunity to study a broad and varied range of subjects, whilst providing them with the depth of knowledge and skills necessary to progress to higher education.
Often the greatest lessons our students learn take place outside the classroom. From student journalism, drama, and music to the Student Council, Model United Nations or sports—The International School of Lausanne works hard to create an environment where young people can find their voices and be who they want to be. ISL is a special place—vibrant, dynamic, warm, and fun. Whether your child is meeting new friends over lunch, or competing internationally, we want them to feel that anything is possible.
The After-School Activities programme encourages students to explore their talents and develop new skills, laying the groundwork for them to remain active and involved throughout their lives. Most of our activities are included in the school fees. More than 90% of students take part in at least one activity per week.
Our modern campus is linked to our goal to create tolerance and collaboration between students.
Modern and Open
Close to nature and the city, students can engage with their surroundings
Built to learn
A place built with student well-being in mind
A place for creativity
Spaces encourage interdisciplinary learning and creativity
The International School of Lausanne welcomes students throughout the year. Our Admissions team is here to guide you with passion and professionalism.
If you would like to be contacted by our Admissions Team, please complete an inquiry form below.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
