Best IB Schools in Lausanne

Lausanne and the wider Vaud region are home to several IB World Schools, but the range of their programmes differ. Some offer the full pathway from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma, while others focus on the Diploma Programme for older students alongside other curricula. This guide compares the best IB schools in Lausanne by programme, age range, language, location and tuition fees so you can get a sense of which one might be the right fit for your child and family.

best IB schools in Lausanne

The Best IB Schools in Lausanne

Here are five schools to consider if you’re comparing IB education in and around Lausanne: These schools differ in programme availability, age range, language, location and day or boarding provision. Some run the full IB continuum, while others combine the Diploma Programme with Swiss, French or British pathways.
International School of Lausanne

The International School of Lausanne offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). It is the only school in this comparison to provide all three programmes, ensuring continuity throughout primary and secondary education.

The school has extensive facilities for sports, creative arts and technology, including a 400-seat auditorium, recording studio, maker spaces, three gymnasiums and four tennis courts. Students can also participate in theatre productions, orchestras, choirs and instrumental music lessons, with LAMDA opportunities available.

In 2026, the school reported an average Diploma score of 36.2 and a 100% pass rate. ISL suits students seeking a continuous IB education alongside opportunities in performing arts, technology and sport.

École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR)

École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR) provides the IB Diploma alongside the Swiss Maturité, giving students a choice between international and Swiss academic qualifications. The school also has day and boarding options.

One of ENSR’s distinctive features is its Sport and Study Programme, which helps promising athletes balance academic commitments with high-level training and competitions. The school also has a longstanding skiing tradition, organising winter camps with supervised activities, ski instruction and opportunities to prepare for interschool competitions.

Beyond sports, ENSR introduces students to robotics, coding and artificial intelligence, helping them develop practical digital skills. Its combination of academic flexibility, sports support and technology-focused learning makes it particularly attractive to students pursuing competitive athletics or interested in emerging technologies.

Collège Champittet

Collège Champittet has three senior qualifications: the IB Diploma, Swiss Maturité and French Baccalaureate. Students can follow a preparatory pathway before progressing to their chosen qualification.

As part of Nord Anglia Education, Champittet benefits from educational collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The Juilliard School. These provide opportunities for hands-on STEAM challenges and enriched music, drama and dance education. Its Forest School programme also encourages outdoor learning through nature exploration and practical activities.

The school’s foundation supports humanitarian projects in Madagascar, Thailand, Lebanon and Switzerland. Students can participate in fundraising and community initiatives, developing social responsibility and global awareness. Champittet may appeal to families seeking academic choice alongside creative learning, outdoor education and community involvement.

La Côte International School

La Côte International School offers a curriculum that progresses from the Early Years Foundation Stage and International Primary Curriculum to Cambridge IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. It provides the Diploma Programme but isn’t authorised to deliver the IB Primary Years or Middle Years Programmes.

The school has specialist facilities for film, design technology, IT and art, alongside modern science laboratories and a theatre seating over 200 people. These spaces support filmmaking, technical design, scientific investigation and live performance.

LCIS also has an Exhibitioner Award recognising achievements beyond the classroom. Through Nord Anglia Education, students can participate in international collaborations with MIT and Juilliard as well as citizenship expeditions to Tanzania and outdoor challenges in Switzerland. The school is particularly attractive to students interested in creative subjects, technology and experiential learning within a British-style curriculum.

St George’s International School Switzerland

St George’s follows the Cambridge curriculum and IGCSEs before providing upper-secondary qualifications, including the IB Diploma. The school has weekly and full boarding arrangements, giving families flexibility according to their circumstances.

One distinctive feature is its META mixed reality programme, which uses interactive technology to support classroom learning. Specialist science and design technology laboratories also provide opportunities for practical investigation and experimentation.

As part of the Inspired Education network, St George’s provides international exchanges and holiday programmes where students can connect with peers from other schools. Its renovated boarding accommodation includes single and double bedrooms, communal areas and dedicated study spaces. St George’s is particularly suitable for students seeking technology-supported learning, international experiences and a structured boarding environment.

Why Choose an IB School in Lausanne?

Recognised by universities worldwide, the IB Diploma follows a consistent framework that can support internationally mobile families and students applying to institutions in different countries. Its core strengthens independent research and critical thinking while developing the whole child and encouraging involvement in creative, physical and community activities.

The IB approach encourages students to analyse information, support their ideas and learn independently. Lausanne’s multilingual international classrooms also provide opportunities for pupils to work with people from different backgrounds.

The Diploma’s broad subject structure and design clearly emphasises well-rounded development which allows students to maintain several academic interests before university. This requires steady organisation across coursework, examinations and the core components. Extra school services that families should enquire about include  study-skills guidance, subject support and university counselling.

If you’re still weighing up your options more broadly, our guide to the best international schools in Lausanne covers schools beyond the IB group too.

How Much Do IB Schools in Lausanne Cost?

Tuition varies by school, year group and day or boarding provision. Fees generally increase in the secondary years, while boarding costs considerably more than day tuition. 

Parents should also budget for the following costs:

  • Registration or application fees, paid upfront and usually non-refundable
  • Transport, whether that’s a school bus service or your own daily commute
  • Meals, if not already included in the tuition fee
  • Extracurricular activities, trips and clubs
  • Examination fees, particularly in the Diploma years
  • Boarding-related costs, if relevant, such as uniforms, weekend activities and travel home during holidays

Ask each school for an itemised quotation because inclusions vary. Our guide to international school fees in Lausanne explains these costs in more detail.

When comparing quotations, check whether the figures cover a full academic year and whether fees are paid annually or by term. Families joining during the year should also ask how tuition is calculated and whether deposits are refundable.

How to Choose the Right IB School in Lausanne

Compare each school using the same practical criteria:

  • The IB programme on offer: Primary Years, Middle Years, or Diploma only
  • Age range, and whether the school covers your child’s full schooling or just part of it
  • Language of instruction, and how much French your child will need
  • Location and how that commute will actually work day to day
  • Whether day places, boarding places, or both are available
  • Fees and any additional charges 
  • How much choice students get over Diploma subjects
  • The level of learning support and university guidance 

A full-continuum school can provide long-term IB continuity. A DP-only school may work well for an older student transferring from another curriculum, as previous MYP study isn’t required.

Subject choice deserves particular attention for Diploma students. Requirements for medicine, engineering, languages and other university courses can affect which Higher Level subjects a student needs. Discussing these plans with the school before enrolment can prevent timetable or subject-choice difficulties later.

During school visits, parents can ask how new students are supported, how frequently progress is reported and how the school handles transitions into the Diploma. These practical details can reveal important differences between similar options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best IB schools in Lausanne? 

The main options in Lausanne are ISL, ENSR, and Collège Champittet. La Côte International School and St George’s are great options a short commute away from Lausanne. 

Which schools in Lausanne offer the IB Diploma? 

All five schools in this guide provide the IB Diploma, sometimes alongside British, Swiss or French pathways.

Which school in Lausanne has PYP, MYP and DP?

ISL is the only school listed where students can follow the complete IB pathway, from the PYP and MYP through to the Diploma Programme.

Are there IB primary schools in Lausanne?

Yes. International School of Lausanne, École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR), Collège Champittet, La Côte International School and St George’s International School Switzerland, provide primary and secondary education. However, ISL is the only one offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the full IB continuum, while the others introduce the IB Diploma at upper-secondary level.

Are there bilingual IB schools in Lausanne? 

Several schools have bilingual routes. ENSR teaches in French and English, while La Côte and St George’s have bilingual Diploma options. Champittet’s wider curriculum is bilingual, although its IB Diploma is primarily taught in English. 

How much do IB schools in Lausanne cost? 

Published day fees range from CHF 12,750 for half-day preschool to CHF 49,250 in the senior years. Boarding can reach CHF 132,400, with some additional costs charged separately.

Are there boarding schools near Lausanne that provide the IB? 

ENSR, Collège Champittet and St George’s combine boarding with access to the IB Diploma. 

Can students join the IB Diploma without completing the MYP? 

Students can enter the Diploma Programme from another curriculum, subject to the school’s academic and language requirements.

Articles

Explore more articles about international schools and education opportunities in Lausanne, Switzerland, and beyond. From choosing the right IB school and understanding the International Baccalaureate curriculum to comparing admission requirements and preparing for future university pathways, discover practical advice and expert insights to help students and families make informed education decisions.