International School of Lausanne

What ISL is

The International School of Lausanne is a not-for-profit International Baccalaureate World School founded in 1962. It welcomes students from age 3 to 18 and is the only IB World School in the Lausanne area offering all three programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma). The school serves the region's expatriate families and operates with a student body of 845 students from 70 nationalities, supported by 135 teachers.

Arrival-facing, the key point

Families relocating to Lausanne with school-age children will find ISL explicitly structured for them. The school's admissions page directly addresses incoming international families through an inquiry form where you supply family details and receive tailored information about programmes, bilingual pathways, and campus life. Tours are scheduled on demand to accommodate your arrival timeline. The school's bilingual programme option runs alongside its standard English curriculum, so whether you are coming mid-year or planning ahead, the admissions team works with arriving families as a core part of their business.

For a family arriving in Lausanne without yet speaking French, ISL's English-language curriculum means children can begin school immediately in a language they understand, while the bilingual option allows gradual French acquisition through immersion rather than formal classes. A child entering ISL at any age can progress without repeating years or facing gaps in the curriculum. The school's structure from age 3 through 18 means families do not face the disruption of switching schools unless they deliberately choose to move their child elsewhere.

The programmes and structure

Early Childhood covers ages 3-5; Primary Years Programme spans 5-11; Middle Years Programme runs 11-16; and Diploma Programme covers 16-18. The site emphasizes academic excellence and highlights the bilingual pathway option within the Primary School, which serves students who need either English-language instruction or exposure to French alongside English. The school's curriculum includes service learning and the International Baccalaureate's core approach across all three levels.

The school publishes extensive information about how to apply: an inquiry form, admissions policy, terms and conditions, school calendars, and a Parent Hub portal for enrolled families. The site says admissions are handled by the Admissions Team, who provide tours on request and respond to inquiry forms with programme details and next steps.

What stands out academically

ISL graduates in 2026 averaged 36.2 in the IB Diploma, compared with a global average of 30.9 that year. All ISL students passed the IB Diploma in 2026, with the school explicitly stating this outcome in its public materials. The school describes itself as "recognised among Switzerland's Top IB Schools" and emphasises that "students leave with a sense of unlimited opportunity." The site lists student support services as a priority and highlights the school's commitment to recognising the unique potential of each student.

This 6.3-point differential above the global average is substantial and reflects institutional investment in rigorous teaching and genuine student preparation. For families familiar with IB scoring, knowing that 100% of ISL students achieved passing scores indicates consistent academic quality rather than a school that admits a narrow elite.

Beyond academics, the school operates a broad co-curricular life: the Impact Hub community engagement programme, Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, the PTA, alumni engagement, and after-school clubs and activities. The site emphasises service learning across all three IB programmes, meaning students are expected to engage in meaningful community work as part of their curriculum, not as an optional add-on. Transport, cafeteria, and extended care services are available, which matters for working parents and for families whose commute to school otherwise would be complex.

What ISL does not settle

The site publishes no pricing information. School fees are listed as a section header on the admissions page but the actual amounts do not appear in the web content. Families need to contact admissions to request a fee schedule or have a conversation about cost.

The site also does not specify how quickly an application can be processed or when mid-year placements typically start. The admissions terms and conditions are referenced but not displayed in full. For English-language learners new to Switzerland, the site describes bilingual and English instruction but does not detail whether additional language support or ESL programmes exist for students who arrive with limited English.

Who this suits

ISL is for families with children aged 3-18 who are moving to the Lausanne region and want a rigorous, English-language international education. The school is explicitly family-oriented: it emphasises belonging and personal development alongside academics, operates holiday camps during breaks, and maintains active parent engagement through the PTA and Parent Hub. The student body of 70 nationalities suggests a genuinely international culture rather than a single expat cohort drawn from one expatriate community.

The bilingual option makes sense for families who want their children to maintain English but also gain real French fluency during their years in Switzerland. Unlike schools that teach French as a subject, the bilingual stream immerses children in French daily, producing actual bilingual capability rather than school French that children leave behind on graduation. The IB pathway appeals to families planning to move again or attend university internationally, since the IB Diploma is recognised globally and portability is built into its structure.

Families who value strong academic credentials and measurable outcomes will appreciate the public reporting of IB scores and pass rates. The inclusion of service learning and the Impact Hub suggests the school approaches education as preparation for global citizenship, which appeals to families who want their children exposed to community engagement and social responsibility from an early age.

ISL is less suitable for families seeking a heavily Swiss-German education (the school is English-primary with optional French), a smaller, more intimate school community (845 students is sizeable), or highly specialised support for learning differences beyond what mainstream student support services offer (the site mentions student support services but does not detail their scope or what conditions they serve). Boarding is not mentioned anywhere on the site; this is a day school only, which matters for families who need residential care. Cost is not published on the web.

The verdict

ISL is Lausanne's obvious choice for an English-language international education, with strong credentials and explicit systems for welcoming arriving families. The school's non-profit status, active admissions engagement, and top IB results make it the reference point for expatriate families in the region. Expect to contact admissions early and request a fee discussion, since cost is not published on the web. Getting a response and arranging a campus tour are straightforward steps once you reach the admissions team.