The fees may be steep, but the amenities are impressive.Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil/Facebook
When it comes to education, only the best will do for the offspring of the super-rich.And, as it turns out, the creme de la creme of boarding schools are all situated in Switzerland.
The small country has the second best education system in the world, and is one of the most tolerant, prosperous, eco-friendly and progressive countries in the world. It boasts no less than four national languages: German (the Swiss speak both High German and Swiss German), French, Italian, and Romantsch.
It also has the highest boarding school fees in the world, making its schools the most expensive — and the most popular among children of the rich and famous.
While the fees may be steep, parents of Swiss boarding school kids get a lot in return.
From private boats to equestrian centres, scroll down to see some of the most exclusive and picturesque boarding schools in the world, ranked by tuition fee, from cheapest to most expensive.
Note: Business Insider looked at rankings of the most expensive schools in the world from The Independent and The Telegraph as well as the official yearly costs of full boarding at each school to produce the list. It does not take into account any extra costs.
10. Brillantmont International School
Brillantmont
Fees: CHF 70,000 (£56,048.27) – CHF 76,000 (£60,852.41)
Founded: 1882
Number of students: 150
Perks: Brillantmont offers students the oppotunity to pass British and US exams in Switzerland. The school also participates in TEDx conferences, works with Habitat for Humanity, and sends groups of students to help build houses for families in need.
Horse-riding, yoga, pilates, drawing, photography and even a “rock band” are only a few of the activities available.
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Fees: CHF 72,100 (£57,729.72) – CHF. 82,500 (£66,056.89)
Founded: 1904
Number of students: 300
Perks: Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz prepares children for end of year exams such as the German Abitur, International Baccalaureate, and Swiss Matura. The 110-year-old is set in the spectacular Alpine landscape of St Moritz, where kids can ski and take part in plenty of sports, as well as artistic activities. Children can also take part in aid projects lead by the Corps of Volunteers.
The American School in Switzerland
Fees: CHF 83,000 (£66,457.24)
Founded: 1956
Number of students: 720
Famous alumni: Billy Zane (best known for playing in the Titanic and Twin Peaks)
Perks: TASIS is surrounded by Lake Lugano and the Swiss mountains, where students live in 17th-century buildings, as well as state of the art eco-friendly dorms. Students at TASIS are prepared for the International Baccalaureate.
Arts programs are extensive at TASIS and students can pick from around 20 programs in visual arts, drama, and music. Every year, the student’s art is showcased at the Spring Arts Festival alongside famous artists. Kids can also take part in plenty of outdoor activities which vary depending on the season.
Institut auf Dem Rosenberg/Facebook
Fees: CHF 84,000 (£67,241.96)
Founded: 1889
Number of students: 300
Perks: The picturesque Institut Auf Dem Rosenberg, located in St. Gallen, is one of the oldest private schools in Switzerland. The school prepares children for Italian, German, Swiss, French, British and US leaving exams. One of the highlights of the year is the Rosenberg ball, where children are coached by professionals to master, and showcase their skills.
Students can take part in a plethora of sports including rowing, horse-riding, ice-skating, skiing, water-skiing (the school has its own boat), and much more. Of course, kids can partake in creative activities such as drama, music, as well as art and design.
Leysin American School/Facebook
Fees: CHF 85,000 (£68,079.78)
Founded: 1961
Number of students: 320-345
Perks: At the end of their time at LAS, students will either leave with the International Baccalaureate or the US High School Diploma. They can take part in sports such as swimming, rowing, rugby, and skiing, and can also join the LAS Alpine Institute and Alpine Club.
Famous alumni include Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and members of the Saudi royal family.
5. Collège du Léman International School
College du Leman/Instagram
Fees: CHF 76,000 (£60,871.33) – CHF 89,000 (£71,283.54)
Founded: 1960
Number of students: 2,000
Perks: At the Collège du Léman International School students can undertake an International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Swiss Maturité, American High School Diploma, or Cambridge IGCSE and can learn English, French, German, Mandarin, Italian, or Spanish.
They also have a prestigious “Juilliard Performing Arts Social Hub,” a music curriculum in partnership with the world-renowned Juilliard school. Famous alumni include Russian figure skater Anna Ovcharova.
4. Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil
Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil/Facebook
Fees: CHF 98,500 (£78,892.45)
Founded: 1910
Number of students: 250
Perks: As well as leaving with either an International Baccalaureate or a French Baccalaureate, students can take part in plenty of sports such as horse riding, MMA, swimming, and tennis. They also ski two to three times a week, as the campus is based in the Swiss mountains.
Famous alumni include Princess Marie of Denmark and Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
St George’s International School/Facebook
Fees: CHF 78,280 (£63,587.63) – CHF 99,700 (£80,987.31)
Founded: 1927
Number of students: 480
Perks: Students can leave St George’s International School with either an International Baccalaureate or the American High School Diploma. Students can also choose from over 60 extracurricular activities. The main campus is situated next to the Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva.
2. Aiglon College
Aiglon College/Instagram
Fees: CHF 66,450 (£53,222.37) – CHF 102,600 (£82,176.30)
Founded: 1949
Number of students: 400
Perks: Aiglon is an international school inspired by a British-style education. Life focuses on the outdoors, as it’s nestled in the Swiss mountains. Students are required to participate in morning meditation, and can take part in art programs, sports, expeditions, and humanitarian work. Famous alumni include Princess Tatiana of Greece and Denmark and former Google CFO Pietro Dova.
Harold Cunningham/Getty
Fees: CHF. 108,900 (£87,279.31)
Founded: 1880
Number of students: 420
Perks: Le Rosey boasts beautiful campuses in two different locations in Switzerland. During the spring and summer, students get to live at the 14th-century Château du Rosey, and in winter they head about two hours east to the quaint town of Gsdaat.
Students at Le Rosey are expected to be bilingual, and can learn a third language.
The school is extremely well-equipped, with an equestrian center with 30 horses, a private nautical center, and spa for kids to unwind in.
Famous alumni include King Albert II of Belgium, the Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and King Farouk of Egypt.
