Welcome
to La Garenne
AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN FROM 4 TO 18 YEARS OLD
An International Boarding School in Switzerland
Parents describe La Garenne as one of the best boarding schools in the world. Our school is an international boarding and day school for children aged 4 to 18, located in Villars, a beautiful, sunny ski resort in the Swiss Alps.
Founded in 1947, we have been offering generations of students a safe and inspiring environment in which to learn and grow. We are a family-run private school known for our strong values, close-knit international community, focus on well-being, and our commitment to developing responsible global citizens. Our motto is Be Happy, and Never Never Never Give Up.
Boarding
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La Garenne has been run by two generations of the Méan family for decades. This continuity is at the heart of what makes us a true 'Family Away from Home' for our boarding students.
Families choose La Garenne for many reasons: from academic excellence and structure, to personal growth, independence, and a safe environment in the heart of the Swiss Alps. La Garenne is proud of all the students who have walked through our doors and placed their trust in us.
We welcome boarders in our Primary, Middle, and Senior sections, along with a small number of local day students. With up to 200 students from more than 40 countries, the school is a welcoming, international home where everyone feels they belong. Living and learning together creates lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community, both within the school and with the village around us.
Primary School
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RECEPTION (ages 4 to 5)
La Garenne welcomes children from the age of 4. Our Early Years Centre offers a warm, homely environment where each child is gently guided through their first steps in learning.
Reception is not just an introduction to school: it is wraparound care for our youngest boarders and day students as they grow, make friends, and find their way in the world. With personal attention from our Early Years specialists, and plenty of time to explore and be curious, every child builds confidence, discovers their interests, and prepares for Primary school in a natural, joyful environment.
PRIMARY SCHOOL (ages 6 to 10)
La Garenne International Primary School offers students a personalised, creative curriculum that blends traditional foundations with innovative teaching. We follow both the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), ensuring academic rigour while supporting each student’s individual pace and style of learning. Our approach places strong emphasis on both academic and personal development, preparing students for a smooth transition into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
But growing up is about more than just academics. In these formative years, we guide students as they begin to take more responsibility, develop independence, and learn to care for themselves and others. We place great care on their wellbeing – encouraging outdoor play, building friendships, and fostering resilience in a safe, supportive setting. Every day offers space to grow not just as a learner, but as a whole person.
La Garenne welcomes children from the age of 4. Our Early Years Centre offers a warm, homely environment where each child is gently guided through their first steps in learning.
Reception is not just an introduction to school: it is wraparound care for our youngest boarders and day students as they grow, make friends, and find their way in the world. With personal attention from our Early Years specialists, and plenty of time to explore and be curious, every child builds confidence, discovers their interests, and prepares for Primary school in a natural, joyful environment.
La Garenne International Primary School offers students a personalised, creative curriculum that blends traditional foundations with innovative teaching. We follow both the English National Curriculum (ENC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), ensuring academic rigour while supporting each student’s individual pace and style of learning. Our approach places strong emphasis on both academic and personal development, preparing students for a smooth transition into the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
But growing up is about more than just academics. In these formative years, we guide students as they begin to take more responsibility, develop independence, and learn to care for themselves and others. We place great care on their wellbeing – encouraging outdoor play, building friendships, and fostering resilience in a safe, supportive setting. Every day offers space to grow not just as a learner, but as a whole person.
Secondary School
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IB Middle Years Programme (ages 11 to 16)
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an academic programme created by the International Baccalaureate organisation for students aged 11 to 16. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The programme is academically challenging but inclusive, catering to all abilities. As part of the academic pathway in the Secondary School, La Garenne offers an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for the last two years of the MYP programme, providing students with internationally recognised qualifications before they progress to their final diploma.
IB DIPLOMA & HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES (AGES 16 TO 18)
In the final two years, flexible subject choices allow students to follow their personal learning goals and future educational plans. After completing their MYP studies, they can choose between two distinct academic paths: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD). Small class sizes support a personalised learning experience, with a strong focus on inquiry, research, and real-world application.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an academic programme created by the International Baccalaureate organisation for students aged 11 to 16. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The programme is academically challenging but inclusive, catering to all abilities. As part of the academic pathway in the Secondary School, La Garenne offers an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for the last two years of the MYP programme, providing students with internationally recognised qualifications before they progress to their final diploma.
In the final two years, flexible subject choices allow students to follow their personal learning goals and future educational plans. After completing their MYP studies, they can choose between two distinct academic paths: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the High School Diploma (HSD). Small class sizes support a personalised learning experience, with a strong focus on inquiry, research, and real-world application.
Primary Campus
La Garenne
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Our boarding school has two campuses, just a five-minute walk apart. The Primary and Middle School Campus has four traditional Swiss mountain chalets which provide both living and learning spaces. Chalet La Garenne is home to students in our Primary School. Chalet Beau Site serves as a boarding house for students aged 11 to 13. The nearby Millenium building is our Early Years Centre for Reception through to Year 3, and the Academia building is the dedicated learning space for Years 4 to 9.
Secondary Campus
Le Roc
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Le Roc, our Secondary Campus, stands as an architectural landmark. Situated just steps away from the main Villars ski lift, this recently renovated building seamlessly blends traditional Alpine charm with contemporary design. Equipped with the latest technology, it offers everything students need for academic focus and comfortable living. Inside, students find bright and spacious twin en-suite bedrooms, each with stunning views of the surrounding Alpine peaks. The interior boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, a design studio, a fitness centre, a spacious refectory, libraries, and a versatile community floor. Le Roc is where senior students live, learn, and grow, together and independently.
Extracurricular Activities
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When our students want to explore a new skill, pursue a hobby, or develop their passion for sport or the arts, we make it happen. With over 50 activities on offer, there is something to suit every interest: from mountain biking and music to robotics and MUN.
Whether you choose something fun and energising, or focussed and relaxing, extracurricular activities help you grow in a well-rounded way – building confidence, creativity, and friendships that stay with you for life. Here we help you to Unleash your talents, inspire the world.
Summer Camps
Get ready for an unforgettable summer of adventure in the Swiss Alps, filled with mountain hikes, lake activities, arts, sports, and more fun things to do. At La Garenne Summer Camps, you choose your activities, set your own rhythm, and discover just how much joy learning and growing can be.
Along the way, you will make international friends, build your confidence, and even boost your English or French. And best of all? You will get a real feel for boarding life in a warm, welcoming community that might just become your second home. Summer Camps are open for students aged from 6 to 16.
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Winter Camps
Fresh snow, mountain air, and days on the slopes, our Winter Camps are all about making the most of the season. Whether you are skiing for the first time or already racing down black runs, you will train with top Swiss instructors and enjoy winter sports up to four times a week.
With flexible options from 1 to 10 weeks, students aged 5 to 14 can combine skiing or snowboarding with English or French lessons in a fun, international environment. It is the perfect way to learn, grow, and discover the magic of boarding life, all while having the time of your life in the heart of the Alps.
And for those students who want to experience life at La Garenne before committing to a full academic year, we offer an Integration Programme. It offers a true taste of school life, fully integrated into the Academic Programme and daily school timetable.
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Come visit us
La Garenne locations:
Primary School
Chemin des Chavasses 23
1885 Chesières, Switzerland
+41 (0) 24 495 24 53
info@la-garenne.ch
Secondary School
Route des Layeux 28
1885 Chesières, Switzerland
+41 (0) 24 495 24 53
info@la-garenne.ch