Collège du Léman: Geneva's Prime Location for Academic Success

Located in Versoix, just outside Geneva, Collège du Léman is a renowned school offering both day and boarding options to students. Founded in 1960, it has become a popular choice for families from all over the world. The school is known for its commitment to academic excellence, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for prestigious universities worldwide.

The school’s proximity to Geneva enhances this academic experience by offering easy access to a variety of extracurricular activities. Students can engage in skiing, hiking, and water sports among many others, benefiting from the region’s natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. 

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This ideal location allows for a balanced education that combines rigorous academic programs with enriching extracurricular activities, ensuring the holistic development of each student.

The ability to participate in outdoor adventures and cultural experiences year-round not only promotes physical well-being but also fosters teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. Collège du Léman leverages its location to provide a unique educational journey, blending academic excellence with the vibrant cultural and recreational offerings of the Geneva area.

Shaping Well-Rounded Students and Global Citizens

Collège du Léman (CDL) offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture well-rounded students and global citizens. Recognizing that each child has unique abilities, ambitions, and interests, CDL provides a personalized learning journey supported by a globally recognized faculty. Students can choose from a wide range of diplomas, learn in multiple languages, and participate in various sports and creative activities, fostering their growth in a multicultural environment.

Curriculum Offferings

Preschool (Ages 2-6):

  1. Provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for the youngest learners.
  2. Focuses on early childhood development and foundational skills.

Primary School (Ages 6-11):

  1. Builds a solid foundation in various subjects.
  2. Encourages a love for learning through engaging and interactive lessons.

Middle School & Secondary I (Ages 11-14):

  1. Allows students to explore their interests more deeply.
  2. Offers a broad curriculum that prepares students for the rigors of high school.

High School & Secondary II (Ages 14-18):

The high school and Secondary II offer a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the unique strengths and aspirations of each student.

The Baccalauréat Général Français is a globally recognized diploma fostering intellectual development and rigorous thinking. Students study core disciplines and specialized courses in science, literature, or economics. Over two years, it combines final exams with continuous assessment, considering grades from Première and Terminale. CDL students are “candidats scolaires” due to an agreement with the Rectorate of Grenoble and the Groupement des Ecoles Suisses.

The Maturité Fédérale Bilingue at CDL offers a bilingual diploma (French/English) recognized internationally. Geography, History, and the Complementary Option are taught in English. Starting in Troisième, students choose advanced subjects in sciences, medicine, law, economics, or literature. This education enhances autonomy, culture, and critical thinking, preparing students for higher education and professional life, with personalized support and three annual mock exams.

CDL also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Career-related Programme (IBCP). The IBDP is a rigorous pre-university program recognized worldwide, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and international mindedness. In contrast, the IBCP integrates academic study with practical, career-related learning, offering a balanced and challenging education tailored to students’ career aspirations.

Additionally, students can pursue the Cambridge IGCSE and the High School Diploma. The Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad and balanced curriculum, preparing students for further study and employment by developing their skills in creative thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving. The High School Diploma follows the American educational system, offering flexibility and a wide range of courses that allow students to tailor their education to their interests and college goals.

These programs offered at Collège du Léman’s high school and Secondary II prepare students for admission to prestigious universities, both in Switzerland and all over the world.

Students Well-Being

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At Collège du Léman, the well-being of boarding students is a top priority. For over 60 years, the school has developed a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of student care. This includes 24/7 medical support, specialized counseling, healthy meals, and a wide range of activities. To keep parents informed, the school provides a quarterly well-being report, tracking each student’s personal and social development.

Boarding houses at CDL are designed to create a family-like environment. Each house is overseen by House Parents who live on-site and are supported by a team of qualified assistants and resident tutors. This dedicated team ensures the safety and well-being of the students, providing a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that mirrors the comforts of home.

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"Everyone is so friendly here, and it creates a safe and comfortable environment for me to study and discover the world."
Logo of college du leman Swiss boarding school
Renée
Boarding Student at CDL

Excursions and Extracurricular Activities

 

Collège du Léman is ideally located in Geneva, providing a rich variety of extracurricular activities and local excursions that greatly enhance the educational experience. Geneva, as a hub of international diplomacy and culture, offers students unique opportunities to engage with the world beyond the classroom.

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The school’s proximity to the French Alps and Swiss ski resorts allows students to enjoy skiing and other winter sports just 1.5 hours away. In warmer months, Lake Geneva offers a variety of water sports, while the surrounding area provides excellent hiking opportunities. These activities not only contribute to the physical well-being of the students but also promote teamwork and personal growth.

Local excursions are an essential part of the school’s program, allowing students to apply their classroom learning in real-world contexts. Younger students enjoy safe and fun sledging adventures in La Givrine, cultural presentations at the Théâtre des Marionnettes, and exhibitions like Enzo Mari. Primary school students improve their skiing skills with weekly trips to the slopes and explore significant themes through visits to places like the Chaplin Museum and the Grottes de Cerdon.

Middle School students take advantage of the local geography with excursions on the Versoix River and cultural visits to the FIBA Museum and Frida Kahlo exhibition. End-of-year trips, such as to a regional adventure park, provide opportunities for fun and team building. High School students participate in a variety of enriching experiences, from art exhibitions in Geneva and Lausanne to physics classes at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. These excursions not only broaden their academic understanding but also expose them to the cultural and scientific vibrancy of Geneva.

 

In essence, Collège du Léman offers an exceptional educational and boarding experience, thanks to its ideal location near Geneva. The proximity to ski resorts, Lake Geneva and numerous excursion possibilities greatly enhances students’ well-being. These natural advantages perfectly complement our rigorous and diverse academic programmes, preparing students for success at prestigious universities around the world.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be pleased to organise school visits to present the campus and the community.