Choosing the right primary school in Geneva is a significant decision for families, who increasingly seek more than strong academic results. They desire an environment where children develop a love for learning, cultivate real-world skills, express creativity, and grow in confidence. At Collège du Léman (CDL), a leading international primary school, this holistic vision is brought to life daily. The transition from Pre-school to Primary is a crucial milestone, transforming early curiosity into structured exploration and establishing the foundational academic and personal skills essential for success in Middle School and beyond.
At CDL Primary, learning is active, creative, and deeply connected to real-world experiences. Students engage in hands-on projects that spark curiosity and encourage metacognitive thinking—the ability to reflect on their own learning processes. Teachers employ simple thinking routines, such as "What do I know? What do I wonder? What have I learned?" to make thinking visible. This approach helps children become aware of how their understanding develops, fostering critical thinking and independence. Whether writing and performing stories, exploring mathematics through problem-solving, or developing digital skills in robotics and coding, learning is purposeful and engaging.
The school offers three tailored language pathways—Anglophone, Francophone, or Bilingual—with full immersion in English and French. Students follow either the Cambridge Primary Curriculum or the Éducation Nationale Française in core subjects, ensuring academic rigour while supporting each child's linguistic development. This personalised approach, combined with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and specialist subjects like Arts and Computer Science, creates a balanced programme that nurtures academic excellence, creativity, and international-mindedness.
Student wellbeing and holistic development are central to daily life at CDL. Children practise mindfulness to build self-awareness and focus, and engage in initiatives promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Outdoor learning and experiential opportunities, such as Upper Primary mountain and ski camps, foster independence, teamwork, and resilience. Social and emotional growth is prioritised through collaborative projects, leadership roles like Primary Ambassadors, and a buddy system where older students welcome and support newcomers. This creates a strong, supportive community across age groups, exemplified by initiatives like the High School STEAM rocket club inspiring Primary students.
Learning is further enriched through global opportunities via Nord Anglia Education's Global Campus, and specialised collaborations with institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The Juilliard School. These programmes enhance STEAM and performing arts education, providing students with unique, inspiring challenges. Academic growth is ambitious and closely connected to each student's interests and future pathways, ensuring they are both challenged and supported.
At Collège du Léman, academic excellence and wellbeing are inseparable. A dedicated pastoral team, small class sizes, and supportive educators ensure every child feels seen and valued. For families considering Collège du Léman, we invite you to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and witness our Primary programme in action. Contact our Admissions Team at +41 22 775 56 56 or admissions@cdl.ch to book a tour or learn more about our academic programme.
