La Garenne Included in the Spear’s Schools Index 2026

We are proud to announce that La Garenne International School has been included in the Spear’s Schools Index 2026, among the 100 leading private schools in the world. The index is compiled by Spear’s, in collaboration with its expert partners at Thuso and a panel of independent educationalists from around the world. Being included in this international selection is an important moment for our school community. It offers an opportunity not only to celebrate external recognition, but also to reflect on the educational values that have shaped La Garenne over generations. For families considering an international education, a school’s identity, relationships and approach to individual development can be just as important as its academic programmes.

Recognition of the La Garenne Approach

This recognition is a testament to La Garenne’s distinctive identity as a co-educational, family-run IB boarding and day school, where Swiss tradition meets international innovation. As a family-run school with a history spanning eight decades, La Garenne combines continuity with a commitment to meeting the changing needs of young people. Our relatively small school community allows relationships to remain at the centre of everyday life, helping students feel known, supported and encouraged to develop their individual interests. This sense of belonging is an essential part of our identity and something we seek to preserve as the school continues to evolve.

In its feature, Spear’s highlights the strength of our international and bilingual approach, our warm and family-oriented atmosphere, and the exceptional opportunities our students enjoy both inside and beyond the classroom, including academic excellence, Alpine experiences, sport, culture, and personal growth. These opportunities reflect our belief that education should develop the whole person. Alongside academic achievement, we place importance on helping students discover their strengths, pursue meaningful interests and grow through experiences that challenge them. Whether a young person finds their passion in music, sport, creative activities or academic study, our ambition is to support their individual development rather than expect every student to follow the same path.

A School Where Every Student Is Known

At La Garenne, individual attention is central to our educational philosophy. We recognise that children arrive with different experiences, ambitions and ways of learning. Understanding these differences allows us to provide appropriate guidance and encourage students to work towards their personal potential.

Our approach is based on the belief that academic excellence and personal development should support one another. A student who feels confident, understood and motivated is better placed to engage with new ideas, embrace challenges and take responsibility for their progress. This is why relationships between students, teachers and families are such an important part of school life.

Individual growth is not always measured by examination results. It can also be seen when a student develops the confidence to speak in front of others, discovers a new passion or learns to persevere through a difficult experience. These moments contribute to the character, independence and curiosity that we hope our students will carry into the future.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our Alpine surroundings offer a distinctive setting for learning and personal development. Outdoor experiences provide opportunities for students to develop resilience, teamwork and an appreciation of the natural environment. They also encourage young people to explore unfamiliar situations and recognise what they can achieve through preparation and determination. Beyond the classroom, sport, music, creative activities and school experiences allow students to explore their interests and contribute to the wider community. These opportunities are valuable not simply because of the skills they develop, but because they help young people discover what motivates them and how they can work constructively with others.

For an international school community, learning alongside students from different countries and cultures adds another important dimension. Everyday interactions encourage openness, communication and an appreciation of different perspectives, preparing students to participate thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Importance of Belonging

One of La Garenne’s defining characteristics is its family-oriented atmosphere. We believe that a strong sense of belonging provides an important foundation for both academic progress and personal wellbeing. When students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and seeking support, they are better able to approach new experiences with confidence. This sense of community extends beyond lessons. Shared activities, everyday conversations and relationships across the school contribute to an environment where students can feel valued as individuals. For boarding students in particular, the relationships formed within the school community play an important role in creating a welcoming home away from home.

Our ambition is to combine a supportive environment with opportunities for students to become increasingly independent. Encouragement and structure help young people develop the confidence to make decisions, accept responsibility and learn from their experiences. In this way, belonging and personal growth become complementary parts of their education.

While inclusion in the Spear’s Schools Index is a welcome recognition, our purpose remains focused on the students and families who place their trust in La Garenne. The most meaningful measure of our work is the progress young people make, the confidence they develop and the relationships they build throughout their time with us. We see this recognition as an encouragement to continue strengthening the qualities that make our school distinctive: individual attention, a family-oriented community, academic ambition and meaningful opportunities for personal development. These values guide our decisions and shape the educational experience we aim to offer every student.

We are delighted to see La Garenne’s educational philosophy and values recognised in this year’s index, and we extend our sincere thanks to our students, families, staff, and wider community, whose continued trust and commitment shape the spirit of La Garenne every day.

To read the full Spear’s feature on La Garenne, please click here.