My child is in CdL. When we were planning to come to Geneva our first choice was Ecolit. Unfirtunately there were no seats available.

CdL:

- crowded: facilities do not fit the number of kids. Agree that tey have some nice facilities but mostly for boarders. As we are speaking about facilities: the PE classes in winter are in an inflated balloon placed on the tennis court. My kid's class studied one year in a container building which they set up because the heating system in the school building crashed in full winter. When the spring started the container would heat up and there was no air conditioners in the classes.

-the cafeteria is only used for those who are subscribed for hot lunch. In previous years the kids who are not in lunch programme did not have a proper place to have their picnics (also in winter) and they are not allowed to stay inside the buildings during the break.  My son quit the hot lunch programme because he spent his break in the line to get the food and no time left for playing. Also the variety of the food was not great. I've heard that it is improved since last year as the school changed the catering company.

-I've also heard that the staff turn over is high. I cannot comment on this. But just one example, a French teacher is an anglo-saxon and has a strong anglo-saxon accent. I have absolutely nothing against anglo-saxons and I would accept it if we were in English speaking countries with shortage of native French speaking teachers. 

-communication with parent is another weackness. Though since last year they have finally an electronic bilingual bulletin. It is not very informative and user-friendly, but better this than nothing. As a ful time working single parent, communication with the school and getting information about the school life was hallenging for me.

-positive side is that if you do not have job and have plenty of time in the morning or during the day, there are plenty of activities for parents to keep them busy with preparing different charity events and socialising...and  organising lunches and gifts for teacher to thank them for their work. May be to keep them motivated.

My kid is an international school kid and we have seen them in different parts of the world. Honestly, CdL was and still a shock for me...especially when you pay so much.

I did not mean to destroy your plans but thought it is good to know the reality. Good luck!

We are very happy with CdL. Our daughter is in primary. She adapted very well. It is true that last year there was a crash of heating system but the temperature was -17 !!

We are extremely happy with the teachers that were very helpful and always reply to our emails. I do not have the feeling of problematic communication.

High school is overcrowded. It seems that their results are really good.

PFA is very active and helped a lot the school community.

On Saturday 8 June 12:00 is Primary International Day, worths a visit.

The food is not great but better than previous  year and no big lines anymore. I heard that from next year will be further improvement (menu).

I heard also about a high staff turn over as salaries are lower than other Swiss schools. On the other hand this cannot be confirmed for at least the last two years.

The last two years at least it seems that they hear the parents suggestions and they improve what was pointed out.

CdL is very expensive but less expensive than Ecolint. I am not shocked, this is Switzerland, extremely high salaries, extremely high expenses.

I disagree that the nice facilities are for boarders only. Everything is available to everyone (depending the student age).

Hope I helped

Fan, primary school is in a different campus. I was talking about the middle school. 

It is true that the new director is trying to improve things. Glad that you and your daughter are happy with CdL. 

Why not try institute international de Lancy (IIL)... No problems such as these...

There are lots of international schools in Geneva which would suit your children. Don't just look at the big ones.

Hi 

You'll find lots of parents of CDL children and other international schools here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsingeneva/

good luck with your search

My family and I are moving to Geneva later this year and currently looking into international schools for our two boys.  Can anyone comments on Institute International de Lancy, in terms of quality of education, facilities, faculty, etc. Would really appreciate any information you could share.

Aziz..our 15 yr old is entering his 3 rd year at IIL and we and he has found it great. Very focused academically and it has a strong work ethic.

Thank you very much Jeffery, for your response. Much appreciated.  Could you tell me if there is also emphasis on sports, music, arts, etc. And, not necessarily just after school.  Many thanks!!

Aziz - more the music and arts as opposed to sport I would say..there is no organised sport during school time (a shock to us coming from Melbourne where it was compulsory !!) - in saying that they have a very strong after school netball group. I think they are looking to have a football team this year as well. Ground space is at a premium which precludes a lot of sport. My son is not into the arts as such and prefers his sport so I am not up with the play regards music etc..

We preferred the school due to its smaller class sizes and emphasis on discipline - the only thing possibly going against it (and other int schools in Geneva) is that it doesn't offer A Levels  - I believe the British School of Geneva is the only one in town to offer that although I am open to correction on this.

any more updates to this post? We are moving this summer and applying for our 3 years old in both? Ecolint seems harder to find a spot... any experience with the bilingual program in either schools? appreciate any feedback...

many thanks

We chose Ecolint La Chat and the kids love the school. At the end they found a spot for my daughter in the English 60%, which I would say it is more like 85%. Thinking about putting her in extra french classes...

Neither one of them. Go for Institut International de Lancy. No question about that. It's the best in town. If that is what you are looking for.

We  eventually decided to sent our kids to IIL.  As Jeffery mentioned earlier, the school as a great work ethic.

Thanknu all but i hear IIL is extremly tough that kids have no time for activities after school....m

any experience with bilingual system? 

Several years have gone by from when these posts were written. I was wondering if the comments still apply? We are looking for a bilingual school for our son who will be 4 this July, with a strong academic reputation but that focuses on the child and his/her development. After school activities are crucial for us because we both work full time. We are in Canton de Vaud so we are looking into Ecolint La Chataigneraie or College du Leman, IIL is too far away for us. 

My husband is Swiss and I am an expat, but we are settled here and would also like our son to school with friends that will grow up with him and not leave all the time. 

Would be grateful for any comments or advice!

As a former CDL teacher who put his two sons through high school, that is an issue with all international schools. After graduating, only a few students succeed  in making friendships last.

I suggest Ecolint La Chataigneraie as your first preference. Both CDL and Ecolint are good, academically and perhaps Ecolint may have a more wide ranging extra currricular activites program.  There is no harm in considering a swiss public school, which are very good - though it will in French - but at 4 years of age, there should not be a problem. 

My son went to IIL, and he has a solid group of friends. 

Hope this is helpful. 

The public school system is excellent in Geneva.

Adding to my previous comment about the public schools being excellent: if extra help is needed for your child (eg in French), the schools don't really do this, you are kind of on your own.

However, it is easy to find excellent tutors at a reasonable price from ARA https://ararep.ch/ 

I went to Ecolint. It's a good school with the IB program.