International School of Lausanne

"The International School of Lausanne (ISL) is a private, English-language international school situated in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, a village nestled just north of the city of Lausanne in Switzerland."

For families relocating to the Lake Geneva region — whether drawn by the area's thriving international organizations, multinational corporations, or simply its extraordinary quality of life — ISL represents one of the most established and respected educational choices in the canton of Vaud. The school traces its roots back to 1962, when it was founded as the English School of Lausanne to meet the growing demand from international and local families seeking a rigorous, internationally oriented education. As the school's community evolved, so too did its identity: it was renamed the Commonwealth-American School in 1963, reflecting the diverse English-speaking population it served, before ultimately becoming the International School of Lausanne in 1997. In 2005, the school took a significant step forward by consolidating its former campuses in Pully and moving into a purpose-built facility, giving students and staff a cohesive, modern environment designed with contemporary learning in mind. ISL delivers its academic program entirely in English and follows the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB), one of the most globally recognized and respected educational frameworks available. The school offers both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), providing a continuous and coherent educational journey from early childhood through the secondary years. The IB philosophy places inquiry, critical thinking, and international-mindedness at the heart of learning, making it particularly well-suited to the diverse, globally mobile families that make up the ISL community. Students are encouraged not only to excel academically but to develop a genuine curiosity about the world and a deep respect for different cultures and perspectives. The school's student body is drawn from a wide range of nationalities, reflecting the cosmopolitan character of the broader Lausanne area, which is home to numerous international institutions, including the International Olympic Committee and a host of global companies. This diversity enriches daily life at ISL, where children learn alongside peers from across the world, building friendships and developing the intercultural fluency that will serve them throughout their lives. The campus itself benefits enormously from its setting. Le Mont-sur-Lausanne offers a tranquil, village atmosphere while remaining conveniently accessible to the city of Lausanne and its extensive amenities. The surrounding landscape — with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps — provides a stunning backdrop to school life and speaks to the broader Swiss quality of life that draws so many expatriate families to the region. For parents seeking a school that combines a long and proud history with a forward-looking educational philosophy, ISL offers a compelling proposition. Its decades of experience serving international families, its commitment to the IB framework, its fully English-language environment, and its welcoming, multicultural community make it a natural home for children whose lives and futures will span borders and continents.