International Boarding School in Switzerland

Institut Le Rosey, Rolle:
Located in Rolle, beside Lake Geneva and between Lausanne and Nyon in the Canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, Institut Le Rosey is a prestigious, international, boarding school and the oldest private boarding school in Switzerland. We cater for boys and girls from class 9 (US 3rd grade, UK year 4) to class 1 (US 12th grade, UK Year 12). Le Rosey’s 380 students are all boarders and share life on two campuses, the first in Rolle and the second in Gstaad (winter months).

All students must sit either the International Baccalaureate (IB) or French baccalauréat after following an academic programme with the chance to take each subject in either English or French, as well as studying one, two or even three further foreign languages. Foreigners become friends, and using foreign languages becomes second nature. Roseans have sports and artistic activities every day, and are encouraged to develop their multiple intelligences and talents.

* All teaching is available in two languages – and this bilingual system incorporates different cultural approaches so as to provide Roseans with keys to both English-speaking and French mindsets
* Academically rich and demanding
* All Rosey students sit official external examinations: the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the French baccalauréat
* The school system of privileges is directly linked to academic results and effort
* Teachers, as well as being well-qualified and dedicated professionals, are available to help students at all times within the framework of boarding school life.
Roseans may study up to four foreign languages
* The teacher-student ratio is 1:5, and teachers’ average length of stay at Le Rosey is over ten years

Le Rosey’s philosophy is inspired by what Harvard educationalist Howard Gardner has called “multiple intelligences”: its aim is to develop all Roseans’ talents through academic, sporting and artistic programmes.

Bilingualism and Biculturalism:
For over a hundred years both English and French have been the languages of instruction at Le Rosey. For many years, they were informally mixed; subsequently they were separated into two distinct “sides”. Now they are combined in a bilingual system, providing all students the chance to learn in two languages.

On arrival, students decide on their principal learning language (either English or French) and follow their curriculum in this “L1” but they also learn the other language; and, as soon as they are able, they also begin to learn in that other language.

The results are remarkable: Rosey students can achieve an enviable level of mastery of both English and French – but perhaps even more importantly they are exposed to two differing but complementary mindsets. Hence, Roséens become “bicultural” – and through this they learn a greater respect for and understanding of the challenges of a global and multicultural society.

And with its multicultural and international student intake, other languages are also present on campus – indeed, over 20 different mother tongues have been taught for the IB at Le Rosey over the last five years. In fact, language learning is a special strength of the school and the levels of fluency particularly impressive

- Boarding Programs for boys and girls from class 9 ( US 3rd grade, UK year 4) to class 1 (US 12th grade, UK Year 12)
- Bilingual French/English System
- Academic Curriculum is based on that of the French national curriculum for subjects studied in French, and on the UK National Curriculum for those taught in English.
- Students take either International Baccalaureate (IB) or French Baccalauréat
- College and University Guidance
- Active Summer Camp

Le Rosey’s boy campus is set in 28 hectares of magnificent landscaped grounds where age-old trees frame our buildings and sports facilities. This exceptional environment offers a full range of academic, sports and arts facilities.

In each boarding house, teachers living with their families ensure discipline, tidiness and are available to listen to any problems, big or small that Roseans may be faced with in their day to day life.

The girls’ campus, La Combe, is situated just a few hundred metres away from Rosey. Four attractive maisons built in the local vaudois style house our 170 Rosean girls and their teachers in a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. La Combe is both an extremely pleasant and magnificently equipped campus. Rosean girls join the boys on the Rosey campus for class.

Le Rosey is committed to ongoing investment to continue to improve accommodation, teaching, sports and leisure facilities.

Students are housed in pleasant single, double or triple rooms depending upon their age. They may decorate their rooms to their taste and use them as a study area, or they may simply relax and listen to music there.

Numerous activites are on offer to occupy students’ leisure time: sports clubs (including flying lessons, horse-riding, golf, sailing, karting, sub-aqua diving, and shooting) clubs devoted to literature and culture, excursions and outings with teachers, to shows in Geneva or Lausanne.