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Your boarding experience
What makes our school special A world-class education on the shore of Lake Geneva Since 1903, Collège Champittet has been a place of learning, joy and discovery. Today, we care for boarding students from age 11 until graduation. In a family-like atmosphere, we guide our students as they develop both academically and personally. Our pedagogical approach is influenced by the time-tested standards of quality Swiss education and the latest curriculum innovations. Through bilingual immersion and an international environment, we inspire children to grow as leaders for a better world. Our students graduate with a globally recognised diploma and the life skills to achieve success – whatever they choose to be or do.
Steven, International Baccalaureate Diploma, 2022 When Steven, from China, began boarding at Collège Champittet, he had no prior knowledge of French. Within 3 years he passed the B2 level certificate, opening the door to his acceptance at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), one of the world’s top universities (16th best university in the world for 2023, QS World University Rankings).
“We feel extremely lucky that Steven landed from the beginning at Champittet, the best life-launching platform for our son.” – Steven’s parents
5 reasons why Collège Champittet is the right school for your child
1
A Swiss school, open to the world
In French, in English, or bilingual – we offer students the flexibility to choose their diploma path, and we support non-native French speakers with our specialised French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programme. With classmates representing more than 50 nationalities, our students develop global awareness and multicultural sensitivity in addition to foreign language skills.
2
The best of Switzerland
Ranked among the world’s top 20 student cities (QS 2023) and named best small city in the world by Monocle Magazine, Lausanne is the cultural capital of French-speaking Switzerland. Our students enjoy the best of both worlds: a dynamic city, home to leading universities and the International Olympic Committee, and the natural environment of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with year-round access to outdoor sports such as sailing and skiing.
Collège Champittet Pully Lausanne
Lake Geneva
Vevey Montreux
Nyon
Geneva
Lara, French Baccalaureate Diploma, 2022
Yuri, Swiss Maturité Diploma, 2022
Lara, from Switzerland, successfully passed her French Baccalaureate at Collège Champittet and has been accepted to École Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), the world’s prime hotel school, ranked number one among hospitality management universities worldwide.
Swiss student Yuri achieved the highest final exam marks among private school students in French-speaking Switzerland. He has received an acceptance offer from ETH Zurich (9th best university in the world for 2023, QS World University Rankings) to study mathematics.
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5
Academic excellence
Our 3 internationally recognised diploma programmes – bilingual Swiss Maturité, French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate in English – let students follow the best pathway for their interests and goals. We also provide personalised university and career guidance counselling from Grade 11 (age 14/15). Our students consistently achieve high academic results, and they go on to study at some of the world’s most competitive universities.
4
Family values
Our core values of courage, ambition, integrity, respect and openness make Collège Champittet much more than a school. Inspired by our Catholic heritage, we are dedicated to caring for our close-knit community and helping every child to flourish. This commitment extends to the global community. Through the humanitarian work of the non-profit Collège Champittet Foundation, we awaken students to the power of social entrepreneurship and their ability to make an impact on the world.
Over the past 3 years our students have been accepted to top-tier universities such as:
Outstanding learning experiences
We blend Swiss academic rigour with the best modern learning experiences for a truly exceptional education. Our collaborations with renowned institutions, such as Juilliard, MIT and UNICEF, bring students opportunities to learn through meaningful projects and challenges. These exciting educational programmes encourage children to explore the arts, sciences and world affairs, while our Global Campus invites students to exchange ideas with international peers.
Boarding life at Champittet Our boarding school is committed to the overall development and wellbeing of our students. As a boarder, your child will have daily opportunities to grow academically, socially and personally, all in a safe, caring environment.
Lifelong habits for health and wellbeing Just 300 metres from Lake Geneva, our boarding school offers a peaceful, stimulating environment to support our students’ physical and mental wellbeing. In the autumn and spring, students can take sailing classes, while winter is the perfect time for skiing. Our boarders follow a nutritious diet, participate regularly in physical activity and enjoy many opportunities to form positive social relationships. Personalised health and wellness guidance is provided to all students to help them develop healthy habits for a balanced lifestyle.
Interpersonal skills and confidence We believe that soft skills are key to making a successful transition to life beyond campus. Through our exclusive partnership with acclaimed hospitality business school EHL, our students receive expert training in leadership, manners and etiquette, as well as practical savoir vivre skills such as housekeeping. Outside the classroom, students can practise their communication skills in the Model United Nations Club and Creative Writing Club.
Global leaders and changemakers We invite students to reflect on their place in the world, and to discover their ability to make a positive impact. Through Model United Nations conferences, the Villars Symposium and visits to international organisations (such as the UN and the ICRC), our students learn about issues ranging from climate change to economic development. In addition, students can gain hands-on experience in humanitarian work through our non-profit Collège Champittet Foundation. Uniting students, parents and staff for a common purpose, the Foundation supports schooling projects in Madagascar, Thailand and Lebanon, as well as for children with disabilities in Switzerland.
New horizons, unforgettable life experiences Our boarding students enjoy many opportunities to travel throughout the year. Weekend trips and activities are included in our boarding fees. Older students can travel abroad to cultural destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa, while students of all ages can join weekend excursions across Switzerland and Europe. From skiing in the Alps and water sports on Lake Geneva to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and exploring Ancient Greece, our trips introduce unforgettable challenges and adventures to stimulate the body and mind.
Safety and wellbeing Your child’s safety is our priority. Switzerland is a peaceful country, and our supervised campus on the shores of Lake Geneva provides an extra level of security for our students. Our Boarding House Team is on call 24/7 to support our students and address any concerns. Boarding students can also make an appointment to speak confidentially with our dedicated school counsellor.
Cultivating inner talent Music, theatre, dance, studio arts, yoga, taekwondo, basketball, kayaking, coding, Youtubing – our exciting range of more than 30 extracurricular activities offers something for every learner. Organised for each age group, our guided after-school programmes encourage students to explore their artistic, intellectual and athletic interests while discovering and building new talents.
The boarding house and family Our boarding house is a welcoming home away from home. We make it our mission to provide excellent facilities and a supportive, familial environment so that our boarders can learn and thrive. Living and studying in our international boarding house is a memorable experience: it is an opportunity for students to develop confidence and make connections with friends from around the world.
Number of students Our boarding house is home to a dynamic, international community of up to 100 girls and boys, aged 11 to 18.
Boarding House Team The Boarding House Team is an essential part of the personalised experience of boarding at Collège Champittet. With members living on every floor, our team knows every child by name and serves as a constant source of support for our students. Boarders can speak to our staff members about any concern, day or night. Parents can also easily reach our team through a dedicated app. Our staff members are glad to provide help on all matters related to the student experience, including visa permits, medical insurance and overall wellbeing on campus.
Tiziana Patella, Boarding House Director
“We aim to share experiences that embrace active healthy living, enriched culture, love of languages and provide opportunities for travel and adventure.”
A prime location with world-class facilities Facilities
Rooms
Next to Lake Geneva, our historic 4-hectare campus includes a forest and a river, giving students plenty of space to enjoy nature. Students can also exercise by using our modern sporting facilities, such as outdoor pitches, tennis courts, a running track and a gym. Our campus also has an on-site chapel, which offers optional formal Catholic services and is open to students of any faith for their own contemplations.
There are four residential floors, each with a shared living room for socialising and entertainment. Girls and boys live on separate floors. Nearly all boarders share a room with another student, and we intentionally pair roommates of different nationalities to enhance cross-cultural learning. Residential staff are available on every floor to provide support as needed, while cleaning service and laundry service are provided daily and once per week, respectively.
Typical weekday schedule
Weekend activities
Time
Monday–Friday
07:00
Rise and shine
Fun and interesting weekend activities are organized for the boarders who stay in school. Activities vary significantly from week to week and according to the time of year.
07:30
Breakfast
Examples include:
08:00
Classes
• Water sports on Lake Geneva (sailing, paddleboarding, water-skiing)
12:15
Lunch
• Cultural visits to different parts of Switzerland, Italy or France
13:15
Classes
15:10
Free time
• Mountain biking
15:30
After-school activities
• Shopping trips (such as to the Christmas markets)
17:55
Supervised study
19:00
Dinner
20:00
Supervised study
21:00
Free time
22:00
Lights out (depending on age)
• Climbing • Hiking
• Skiing (every weekend from January, throughout the ski season) • Visits to local restaurants
What is life like at Champittet’s boarding house? Watch this 60-second video
Admissions and application process Admissions open throughout the year
1
Learn about us
Contact us by email or phone: admissions@champittet.ch / +41 (0)21 721 05 05 Schedule a 1:1 meeting (online or in person).
2
Apply online Submit your application and supporting documents online. We might organise an assessment and/or interviews and/or trial day. Receive a final answer within 10 days.
3 Questions? Our Admissions team would be glad to provide guidance and counselling: admissions@champittet.ch + 41 (0)21 721 05 05
Enrolment
To reserve the place of your child sign the acceptance letter and pay the relevant joining fees. We can put you in touch with teachers or other parent/student ambassadors. We then look forward to welcoming you at school!
Manuela, student of French as a Foreign Language Manuela, from Brazil, had never studied French before coming to Collège Champittet. In just 10 months, she achieved a C1 level in the language.
“At first, I was afraid I would not be able to learn and achieve the B2 level in just one year. However, as the time went by, I learned quicker than I had expected and set a new goal for the end of the year: achieve the C1 level. It was not easy, but with hard work and the supportfrom my teacher, I passed my C1 exam at the end of the year and achieved my goal. My classmates became a new family to me and I will never forget this year.”
Home* *to the pioneers of tomorrow
Collège Champittet Pully Chemin de Champittet 1, 1009 Pully, Switzerland +41 (0)21 721 05 05 admissions@champittet.ch
champittet.ch