Boarding Life and Well-being
Boarding life is about being part of a close-knit family, making friends, and enjoying shared meals, activities, and experiences that make every day exciting. La Garenne’s boarding facilities are spread across several buildings, each fitted to match the needs of students of all ages, from the smallest children to young adults. Our boarding houses follow our philosophy of providing a holistic and supportive structure, giving each student the opportunity to flourish and become curious, creative, and independent critical thinkers. And while every boarding house has its own unique character, they all offer comfortable bedrooms, welcoming common areas, and a strong sense of belonging.
Boarding Houses
La Garenne Boarding House
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The house that started our school in 1947 is now the primary residence for boarders aged 4 to 10. This authentically Swiss chalet has been renovated and enhanced to make a modern but cosy home environment. There are playgrounds for our young boarders to use up all their energy, indoor facilities to learn and study, and large, comfortable lounges with books and toys to relax and unwind.
Joining La Garenne at a young age can be the easiest way to assimilate into boarding school life. Our youngest boarders embrace their new experiences with joy and curiosity. They quickly make new friends and adapt to their new daily rhythm.
We are known worldwide for our pioneering and enduring approach to caring for and educating children from as young as four years old. We place particular emphasis on making this boarding house as much like a family home as possible. Our House Parents and boarding assistants act in loco parentis at all times. Your child will receive continuous attention throughout the day, from morning routines of getting dressed and brushing their teeth to story time in the evening. And we will never forget to celebrate their milestones, like losing a first tooth or learning how to ride a bicycle.
Chalet La Garenne offers care in the truest sense of the word: all day, every day, your child is supported emotionally, physically, and academically. We gently encourage their first steps toward independence, always respecting their unique rhythm, and surrounding them with House Parents and staff who provide consistent, attentive care tailored to their individual needs.
Staying in touch with family is especially important for younger children. We set aside dedicated times each week for video calls, and, true to their nature, children are usually more than happy to chat at length about all the big and little things they’ve experienced. While we provide the technology to make these moments possible, we give you the space to connect privately. If anything requires your attention, we will be in touch with you separately.
You will also receive continuous updates about the well-being of your child, including pictures and videos, so that you don’t miss an important moment. You also have the option of ordering a photo package with all the greatest moments of your child’s year, and a high-quality book at the end of each year.
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Boarding House La Garenne
A HOUSE MADE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
La Garenne’s boarding facilities are thoughtfully designed with younger students in mind. From practical areas for changing into outdoor or ski gear, to the cosy dining spaces where they enjoy three meals a day with friends, every detail supports comfort, routine, and connection.
Students sleep in spacious rooms shared with up to 4 others, creating a warm family feeling. Each child has their own personal space for their belongings, and for moments when they want to feel close to home and connect with you.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Our boarding students spend a lot of time in outdoor activities such as sports, hikes, or ski lessons in winter. But we also dedicate time for them to be in nature and learn about it. To make our students acquainted with the natural world, we follow the Forest School educational path.
A Forest School is an outdoor learning approach where students develop confidence, resilience, and practical skills through hands-on experiences in nature. We embrace this method to help students connect with the environment, build teamwork, and learn in a way that fosters curiosity and independence. Please contact us for details about our outdoor learning programmes and how they enhance your child’s experience.
Beau Site Boarding House
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To mark the important transition from Primary School, students aged 11 to 13 move into their own dedicated boarding house: Beau Site. Located just across the field from La Garenne, this recently built chalet is thoughtfully designed to support the needs of teenage students. While the exterior looks traditionally Swiss, Beau Site’s interior is equipped with the most recent technology to ensure comfort and safety for all residents. You will also find outdoor play and exercise equipment, as well as comfortable indoor lounges where you can relax and socialise.
At this age, students begin to seek more freedom – an essential part of growing up. As a resident of Beau Site, you will have more time to explore your own interests and hobbies. As you start thinking and acting more independently, discovering your identity, and taking on new responsibilities, it helps to be surrounded by others going through the same changes. At Beau Site, you will share this experience with your friends while still receiving consistent care, structure, and support from our House Parents. They are always there to guide and encourage you, helping you feel confident every step of the way.
At Beau Site, girls and boys live on separate floors, with secure access controlled by personal electronic keys unique to each room. Students share bright, spacious rooms with up to three others, creating a warm and social atmosphere while still allowing for personal space. Each room includes its own private bathroom, individual workstations for study, and plenty of space for books, clothes, and meaningful reminders of home. Large windows open onto stunning views of the mountains, reminding you each day that you’re living in the heart of the Alps.
As you begin to enjoy more freedom, some structure remains in place to help you make healthy choices. Use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is still carefully monitored to ensure a good balance between rest, social life, and screen time. Your well-being comes first, and your room becomes both your retreat and your launchpad for everything else La Garenne has to offer.
One of the key aspects of boarding life at Chalet Beau Site is learning to take on more responsibility and independence in a safe and supportive environment. While discipline and boundaries remain in place, you are gradually given more freedom to make choices and manage your daily routines.
With the guidance of House Parents, you will start to plan and take initiative, both within and beyond the boarding house. For example, weekend activities may include a themed movie night, which you created and planned; a cultural evening based on your national dish, or a supervised group trip to another Swiss town or a European city. You and your teammates will work within a set budget and take part in planning itineraries and logistics and managing the process: all important life skills you will need later in life.
Daily life at Beau Site offers a mix of activities that encourage creativity and social connection. On the weekends, students like to cook together. They prepare and share meals in the dedicated kitchen space, often creating dishes inspired by their own cultures. A relaxed in-house breakfast replaces the weekday dining routine, giving students a slower, more home-like start to the day. For those interested in Performing Arts, Beau Site also houses a fully equipped music and performance studio, where they can play instruments, rehearse, or just enjoy music with friends.
Through it all, the House Parents are a constant and caring presence. They live on site, know every student personally, and are there to help with everything from sorting laundry to navigating friendships or schoolwork. No concern is too small: from a missing pencil case to a tough maths problem, they’re ready to step in with support and reassurance. And for more personal or emotional challenges, students can speak in confidence with our full-time Student Counsellor or the school’s well-being lead.
Above all, Beau Site is a welcoming, secure space designed to help young teenagers find their feet as they move through the Middle Years Programme. By the time students are ready to transition to Senior School at Le Roc, they’ve gained the confidence, independence, and practical skills they need to take on the next stage of their school journey with assurance.
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Boarding House Beau Site
ALL THE SPACE TO PLAY AND SHARE
While the atmosphere is still very homely, Beau Site residents enjoy more independence. Moving here marks a transition from a small child to a more responsible young person. To meet their changing needs, we fitted Beau Site with everything that makes student life fun: a vast outdoor playground, a music room, an art room, a game room, 2 living rooms, an outdoor Bubble Lounge, and reading facilities. In other words, there is never a moment to be bored.
ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS
Every student is enrolled in at least 2 extracurricular activities and sports. You can choose from a vast variety of options, such as Swimming, Football, Horse riding, Boxing, Skiing, or Golf, to name a few.
Balancing the sports, we also encourage all students to enrol into music, art, theatre, or dance clubs. Having an active, varied life outside of the boarding house doesn’t just keep young people fit and healthy: it also fosters lifetime friendships and stimulates language learning and integration.
Complementing the academic programme and Extracurricular Activities, we organise a variety of things to do during weekends. You can expect trips to discover Switzerland and other European countries and cities, getaways to Theme Parks or the Zoo, visits to museums or interesting production facilities like a chocolate factory. The programme is dynamic, changing according to the weather conditions and students’ requests.
Check out the list of possible activities on the Extracurricular page or call us. We look forward to talking to you.
Le Roc Boarding House
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Peaking above the Villars ski lift, our most recent boarding house is an architectural landmark of the village. Freshly renovated and thoughtfully designed with input from both students and staff, Le Roc combines modern comfort with state-of-the-art learning spaces. Inside, you will find bright classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, a multilingual library, latest-generation computers.
The building also features a spacious dining room, cosy student lounges, a fully equipped gym, and welcoming social areas throughout. Boys’ and girls’ floors are securely separated, with personal digital key access for privacy and safety. Each floor has dedicated communal spaces where you can relax, play, and enjoy time with friends, making Le Roc not just a place to live and learn, but a home with heart and purpose.
Charting a path through these later teenage years is not always easy. For this reason, Le Roc’s House Parents are required to complete specific and regular training courses for working with teenagers. Our House Parents truly understand the challenges of teenagers and know exactly when to help, when to step in, and when to leave them alone. We celebrate success and we applaud those who go the extra mile in the boarding house. We all have the same aim: to see our students become confident, sociable, responsible, empathetic, and happy young adults.
While academics become more important during these four years, life at Le Roc isn’t only about studying. As a senior student, you will take part in sports, cultural activities, and educational trips designed to broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of the world, and inspire personal growth. You will also enjoy new privileges, like visiting the nearby village of Villars for shopping or a café visit.
You will also have regular access to your phone and other devices, though usage is carefully managed and not allowed during classes or physical activities.
Growing up also comes with a growing responsibility. As a Le Roc resident, you will have weekly duties to help the boarding house run smoothly. You will be building life skills that you will need beyond school, like managing your time or finances, looking after yourself, and preparing for independent study at university.
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Boarding House Le Roc
MODERN LIGHT AND OPEN COMMUNITY SPACES
Le Roc is not just a beautiful building, its modern interior and cutting-edge facilities were designed and renovated with the input of students, teachers, and boarding staff. The result is a light, modern space where students learn and live.
The dining area with its open kitchen plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of Le Roc. Sharing meals and spending time with friends is an important part of growing up. Our international community, with over 40 nationalities, is the perfect environment to appreciate the immense and exciting diversity of our world. The Le Roc boarding experience prepares every student for a successful future.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Residents of Le Roc are young adults who need their privacy and independence. We offer them spacious two-bed suites, each with its own bathroom and study space. The inspiring mountain views are the perfect backdrop to encourage effort and concentration.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
When you move into Le Roc, you have the opportunity to make it your own space. Bring your personal photos, artworks, a memory from a trip, or something that will remind you of home, and add your own touch to your room.
And don’t worry if you are unsure about starting boarding life straight away. Our flexible integration programme of a few weeks, allows you to experience boarding life first, helping you to settle in before committing to a full school year. We will always strive to make it as much of your home away from home as possible.
House Parents and Boarding Staff
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Studying and boarding are more than just class schedules and daily routines for a student, particularly a young child. Only if they feel at home and safe can they really focus on their study and development. To help students settle and enjoy school life, we employ full-time House Parents and Boarding Staff for each house. These pastoral care professionals live full-time in our boarding houses and take on all the responsibilities of a parent, from morning wake-ups to bedtime check-ins and everything in between.
These experienced, internationally minded professionals bring warmth, consistency, and a deep understanding of young people to daily life. They welcome each student as part of the La Garenne family, creating a comfortable, supportive environment where students can grow with confidence.
Our House Parents are crucial for a safe and comfortable boarding life. They don’t just tie shoelaces or make sure everyone eats healthy. First and foremost, they offer a kind, empathetic ear to all children as they settle in and grow. Each individual House Parent team specialises in the age group it caters to (e.g., Le Roc’s House Parents are required to complete specific training courses for working with teenagers).
In addition to daily care, House Parents play an important role in students’ personal and educational journeys. They work closely with teachers to monitor academic progress, guide behaviour, and offer encouragement when it’s needed most. But like any good parent, they do not hesitate to be firm and establish borders. As consistent, trusted adults, they help students develop good habits, resilience, and a strong sense of discipline: skills that stay with them long after school life.
House Parents actively encourage students to explore their talents and interests by taking part in a wide range of extracurricular activities. From music, visual arts, and performing arts to a variety of sports, especially skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, there is something for everyone.
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House Parents
House Rules
House rules are designed to create a respectful, balanced, and supportive community. Students are expected to be polite, considerate, and inclusive, fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Respecting personal and shared spaces, keeping shared spaces tidy, and following daily routines will help you maintain order and responsibility.
Living together with like-minded people in a multicultural community means that each student learns about other cultures, other food, other habits, and other views on current issues and events. If there is a disagreement, you will look for solutions together while taking other perspectives into consideration. That is how each student becomes a global citizen and grows into a curious and caring individual.
To encourage a healthy balance, the use of electronics is limited during certain times, ensuring students are present in the moment, engage with friends, and get enough rest. Punctuality, good manners, and participation in school life are key values, reflecting the Swiss boarding school tradition of discipline, mutual respect, and personal growth.
Individual care and community
The main task for our boarding staff is to create a home where every student is seen, heard, and supported as an individual. Our role is not only to care but to guide; helping each student recognise their unique strengths, overcome challenges, and grow into the best version of themselves.
At the same time, we nurture a strong sense of community. Students are encouraged to be independent, while always feeling part of something greater. Whether through one-on-one conversations, shared meals, or activities like baking and evening activities, we create a space where everyone feels valued, connected, and truly at home.
Safeguarding
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When choosing a boarding school, safety and well-being are among the most important factors for any parent. You need complete peace of mind knowing that your child is in the safest and most caring environment possible. Safety and security are our top priorities, and we are fully committed to ensuring student protection at all times.
Ensuring the safety of children is a collective responsibility shared by the entire school community. This includes school staff, students, parents, volunteers, and external providers, all of whom play a vital role in identifying and reporting any concerns regarding a child’s well-being. Child safeguarding is integral to every aspect of school life, embedded in daily practices, policies, and interactions to create a secure and supportive environment.
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Safeguarding
La Garenne operates a child-centred and coordinated approach to safeguarding. Our Safeguarding policy creates an environment where our students feel they are respected and listened to, so that if anything goes wrong, they can report it and be taken seriously. Our procedures ensure that all staff, from teachers and House Parents to cleaners and catering, understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
New staff are subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity, criminal background (as well as a special extract from the Swiss criminal records for people working with children), qualifications, and employment checks. All staff are required to complete and upgrade regular training programmes, including first aid, medical response, child safeguarding, and pastoral care.
Our mission is built on our belief and commitment that every student should thrive in the safest possible environment. We empower students to make informed decisions and educate them about consent, personal safety, and online security through Physical Sports and Health Education (PSHE), E-Safety awareness, and dedicated assemblies at both the whole-school and key stage levels.
La Garenne International School’s Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually.
Well-being
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Student life can come with challenges: academic pressure, new environments, and personal growth. We are dedicated to making sure that you feel supported every step of the way. Taking care of both physical health and emotional well-being of our students is our most important task.
Our House Parents, pastoral, and teaching staff understand the ups and downs of a young person’s life and are always there to provide guidance and reassurance. Whether it’s help with schoolwork, adjusting to boarding life, or simply needing someone to talk to, you know that you have a trusted support system.
To ensure the best possible care, our team receives regular training in child, teenager, and young adult psychology and well-being, staying up to date with the latest research. A student who feels happy, safe, and valued learns better, and we strive to create an environment where every student can grow with confidence.
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Well-being
COUNSELLING
If a student is feeling overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or generally emotionally unwell, our in-school counselling service is there for them. The service is open to all. We always respect students’ privacy and the need for confidentiality. The trust built between counsellor and student is key. Sometimes we need to contact outside agencies for more in-depth support. This is always done with student and parental consent. But we find that most issues can be dealt with successfully here at La Garenne. Our team includes a psychologist and special needs and disability specialists. We also offer a package of wellness therapies for older students.
School Meals
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For our student community, mealtimes are more than just a break in the day – they are a time to recharge, connect with friends, and share tasty food. Every meal is freshly prepared by our Head Chef and his team, following nutritional standards designed to support students’ growth, energy, and well-being.
We carefully balance variety with dietary needs, ensuring that meals provide the right nourishment for students at every stage of development. You can count on us to take into account allergies, intolerances, and cultural preferences.
Food is also a way to celebrate life at La Garenne. Throughout the year, we mark special occasions with festive meals, bringing our international community together in shared traditions. Whether it’s a weekday lunch or a special celebration, students can always expect delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals in a warm and welcoming setting.
If you would like to learn more about how we support student well-being through nutrition, or have any other questions about our school food, please contact our Admissions team for more details.
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Healthy Eating
Students at La Garenne enjoy three meals a day, along with special menus for celebrations and events. You can also enjoy a snack in the morning and afternoon breaktimes. Our chef and his team work closely with dietitians to create well-balanced, seasonal meals that cater to allergies, dietary preferences, and cultural needs.
Our catering is provided by Eldora, ensuring high standards in every meal. Cooking all meals in our own kitchens allows us to control food quality and variety from farm to table. We aim to use locally sourced products wherever possible.
Shared Meals
Every meal we share is tasty, entertaining, and happy. We all eat together in our relaxed and spacious dining areas, which offer spectacular views over the surrounding Alps. The students are seated in different places at each meal, which encourages them to mix and make new friends. Mealtimes are supervised by adults. The executive team shares meals with students as a way to find out first-hand how their day is going.
Birthdays are special occasions. At La Garenne these are celebrated with a cake shared with friends.
Cooking Club
If you are interested in food and cooking and want to try your hand at the latest trend, join the club! We encourage students to have an open mind to food and to try new flavours and food combinations. You can develop your passion for food through our popular cooking club.
Boarding Activities
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Weekends and Free time – A Vital Part of Growth
Life as a boarding student is about more than just studying. After a busy week of classes, extracurricular activities, and school clubs, weekends offer the perfect balance of rest, fun, and personal time.
Free time is essential for the well-being and development of all students, from small children to young adults. It’s a chance to relax, recharge, and explore their own interests. Our staff organises a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, tailored to the weather and the season, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do. Whether you prefer an active adventure or a quiet moment to unwind, weekends at La Garenne are dedicated to helping you make the most of your time.
La Garenne House System
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At La Garenne, you will be part of a House, just like all other students and staff members. Throughout the year, you take part in events where you earn points for your House, building a sense of teamwork and friendly competition. Being in a House helps you connect with others, make new friends, and feel part of something bigger. Every victory brings a sense of pride, making your House and the whole school community feel like home.
The point scoring is updated every week, and at the end of the school year, the winning House enjoys a mystery reward. Every student looks forward to the end-of-year prize with pride and excitement of celebrating the achievement with their House family.
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The four Houses
Our four House Mascots stem from the wild animals that live in the Alps that surround us. In Swiss culture, they all carry their special powers and strengths
Bouquetin, or Alpine ibex, is esteemed in Switzerland as a symbol of resilience and strength.
Bouquetin, or Alpine ibex, is esteemed in Switzerland as a symbol of resilience and strength. Free to roam the highest altitudes, it represents agility, sure-footedness, and endurance. The Bouquetin House motto is Rise Above, Never Back Down (Sursum Tende, Nunquam Rende).
Buse, the buzzard, is associated with adaptability, patience, and keen observation. This smart bird of prey represents watchfulness, intelligence, and a strong connection to nature. The Buse House motto is See Further, Think Deeper (Longe Specta, Alte Secta).
Cerf, the noble deer, leads with empathy and understanding. They value teamwork and harmony, creating a supportive and respectful environment for all. And like the majestic stag standing tall, they carry themselves with dignity and confidence. The Cerf House motto is Honour and Compassion (Honor et Caritas).
Lynx, the mountain cat, is independent, resourceful, and skilful. They are quick learners, adapting to changes easily, and getting to their goals both through wit and strength. The Lynx House motto is: By skill and strength (Arte et vi).
Each House has an equal number of students of all ages, and all have proudly won the school prize in past years.
Every student joins one of the four Houses and shares competitive school activities and other ways to gain points. It is a great way to learn that actions have consequences, and that positive attitude and perseverance always pay off.
But more importantly even, a House is a way to connect with students of all ages, for the younger students to look up to the older ones, and the senior students to take responsibility for their actions and show a good example to the younger students. This is one of many experiences that makes life at La Garenne truly unique.
Photography Package
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Preserving the Moments That Matter
La Garenne is more than a school, it is a home, a community, a family, and a place where lifelong memories are made. The friendships, discoveries, and experiences that shape each student’s journey here deserve to be remembered for years to come.
To help capture these unforgettable moments, we offer the opportunity to order a professional photo package for the full year or a trimester. Our in-house photographer documents daily life at La Garenne, from routine activities to milestone events, ensuring you can relive these special times. You can enjoy these photos that capture the spirit of life at La Garenne.
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Photography Package
Through a private platform, you will have access to a regularly updated selection of photographs, which you can easily share with family and friends. At the end of the year, you can also order a beautifully crafted photo album of high-quality photos. This elegant keepsake will become your main memorabilia for the incredible student journey.
A year passes by quickly, and with everything that’s going on, it is not easy to keep up with the activities and experiences. It is even hard for our students to remember everything.
That is where your unique photo album can make a difference. You can enjoy a rich and lasting memory of each school year. The high-quality box will protect the book for decennia to come, and with years going by, the book will become a meaningful family heirloom.
And one day, when former students become parents themselves, they will cherish their memories and share the photos and experiences with their children.
If you want to order the photo package and album, please let us know. Our dedicated professional photographer will ensure you have all the visual memories of life here at school.
Educational Trips
As a student at La Garenne, you will have the opportunity to explore incredible destinations around the world. This year alone, the school is organising trips in Asia, Africa, America, and Europe, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, unique experiences, and real-world learning.
These journeys go beyond adventure, challenging you to step outside your comfort zone, take part in humanitarian aid projects, and contribute to environmental initiatives. Past trips have taken students to Tanzania, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Azores, where they’ve engaged in hands-on projects that made a real impact.
Each trip is carefully designed to match your age group and academic programme, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience. With small group sizes, every student is actively involved in all activities, fostering teamwork, respect, and cultural understanding.
Our school trips combine both learning and relaxation, offering a packed itinerary filled with discovery, hands-on experiences, and exciting group activities. It’s not just a holiday, but a chance to explore, grow, and create unforgettable memories while having fun along the way.