Many thanks in advance.
We're contemplating a move to Switzerland and schools are a major concern for us. Our kids will be 14, 13, 11 and 4. Anyone have feedback on the International School of Lausanne? Or any other schools in that same price range? Or any advice on picking schools?
I failed to mention that we will be living somewhere between Rolle and Montreaux.
First thing to check is whether they have a waiting list for you children's respective classes. Otherwise, it's an international school like any other. The usual IBO stuff. If you want IB, any IB school will do. If you want local, you need to be more precise with geography and just go to the local authorities, no real issues there either.
Between Rolle and Montreux is a large area for Swiss geography... the nearest school might be in Montreux, in Lausanne or the one in Rolle (Le Rosey). If you live at one end, schooling at the other end is not possible.
And there is also a new international school due to open this year in Etoy, so you may also want to take a look at this is the already established schools don't have places for your children.
http://www.gemsworldacademy-etoy.com/
Although I have no idea how the school will run or know anything about the organisation.
Not sure I would agree with this. I think it also depends on how much experience the school has with the IB program, as some of the IB schools in Lausanne have only a few years under their belts. Definitely ask to see what the IB exam scores have been in the past few years. ISL has an impressive record and I hear many positive things from ISL parents that I know.
However, if your eldest will complete the equivalent of her junior year here, then she would be 1/2 way through a 2 year IB diploma program, which only makes sense if she will be able to finish at an IB school in the US when she returns. And even then, my understanding is that it is difficult to complete the second year of the IBDP at a different school.
If I recall correctly, I thought the Int'l school of Lausanne was one supported by a number of multinationals, i.e., if your employer was one of these companies, no problem you children got in and got priority, if not, then I think the chances of getting a place were slim or a long waiting list ensued.
Anyhow when choosing a school, I think the most important thing is the curriculum and language. Depends if you are here for a short or long time as well. If here for a short time, would need to ensure that the curriculum matches where the children will eventually graduate from and are recognised or transferable. If here for a long time, ensure that the degree or curriculum allows them to get a job or be accepted for further education in the country or field for further studies.