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1. Please mention about the school and its mission/vision and various infrastructural facilities.
Founded in 1927, St. George’s International School combines its well-structured, traditional ethos with academic excellence in an international environment. Enjoying a safe and beautiful location, our whole school community fosters mutual respect and understanding whilst cultivating individual talents and potential.
As stated in our motto, «Levavi Oculos», St. George’s International School encourages students to lift their eyes and recognise positive qualities within themselves and others and to nurture a caring and dynamic attitude in today’s demanding world.
Our 12-acre campus is located in the residential suburb of Clarens, near Montreux, overlooking the Lac Leman and the Alps. The outstanding campus facilities include tennis courts, sports hall, adventure playgrounds, astroturf pitch, dance studio, music studio, art rooms, science laboratories, design and technology lab, fitness centre, library and a beautiful Swiss chalet which houses the Early Learning School and the Lower Junior School.
2. Kindly mention about the prominent personality of the school and his/her role in the development of the school.
Jenny Aviss, Principal at St. George’s International School. Mrs Aviss was the Head in London top schools for 16 years and the Director of Alpha Plus Group for 9 years.
As Principal of the school, it is important to Mrs Aviss to be connected in all areas of the school, academic and operational. Spending time in the Chalet with our youngest children is as important as discussing exam performance of our Senior students. Ensuring that the school is engaging teachers of the highest calibre is a fundamental necessity for students to be able to achieve their maximum potential. Everything begins with the teaching and learning and the importance in how staff are valued for their contributions to the development of their faculties and the consistent drive for excellence. This sits at the heart of her role and its oversight of the school’s development.
3. Kindly describe about the various courses offered by the school and their salient features.
At St. George’s International School, we combine well-structured, traditional ethos with academic excellence in an international environment.
Junior School
Our Bilingual Junior School experience is designed to immerse children equally in both English and French. Children access a dual French/English language curriculum in equal division.
Children may join us at any time with various levels of development of English and French. Our school values home language learning and facilitates opportunities in class and outside of school.
Our teachers’ expertise in language acquisition enables every child to enjoy learning through experience and in a caring and supportive environment. We see bilingualism as a process that is unique to every child.
Our bilingual programme is specifically designed to ensure that it is international in its content. Our “Learning means the World” curriculum leads seamlessly into the “Perspectives Globales” course in Middle School.
Middle School
Our St. George’s Bilingual or Multilingual Certificate encourages the use of French in and out of school and promotes students’ home language(s), raising the importance of languages within the school community.
From language acquisition to first language levels, students join us at different stages any time of their language development process in both English and French.
As they progress, they develop confidence and cognitive growth. Our “Perspectives Globales” programme in French enables students to build on their language journey. German and Spanish are also introduced and students’ home languages, including German are actively supported.
The Cambridge International curriculum is an important structured pathway towards the students’ Senior School years. Our students are taught in Middle School by the same highly qualified and skilled teachers who teach the Senior School academic programmes that are to come.
Senior School
Our students come from multiple educational experiences and diverse language backgrounds. Whether they are bilingual /multilingual or they are starting to learn a second language, they progress in an international learning environment and develop language and cultural awareness. Every student’s language profile is discussed to plan an individualized language pathway to suit their needs and aspirations. We have a deep understanding of multilingual learners and believe that language acquisition and development in at least two languages is essential in today’s academic and professional life. Our teachers understand every student’s language journey and are committed to supporting their content and language integrated learning. Students join us at any stage of their journey and have equal access to the International Baccalaureate programme in their last two years, before they embark on university.
4. Please mention what steps are you taking beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the students?
Students at St. George’s International School have a wide range of opportunities at school, from Foundation stage to Year 13, preparing for University through our dedicated University counsellor. The Inspired philosophy embraces the three pillars of education: Academic, Sports and Performing Arts- these sit at the heart of the school and everything we do. This philosophy ensures that every student has a unique depth and breadth of education that develops their overall academic , social and emotional development. This is complimented by a life skill programme and a range of more than 60 extra -curricular activity clubs, that ensures every student has a truly holistic education at St. George’s School and every student experiences the euphoria of success. We know that a balanced and varied educational programme contributes to the overall confidence of a student and confidence itself brings success. The better a student feels about him or herself, the more they can and will achieve.
5. What steps does the school take to motivate and develop the students’ interest towards education?
First and foremost, a student will be motivated if they feel that they are invested in by their teachers. Generally, we find young people have a huge capacity for self-motivation and this is fuelled by teachers who are genuinely passionate about their subject and have a real commitment to their students. The students’ natural interest in acquiring knowledge and the desire to succeed, is a natural pathway for their future aspirations to be realised.
We are an international school and so the development of international mindedness amongst our students is absolutely key on our agenda. The wide and diverse mixture of nationalities we have, simply ensures that our school is a dynamic, vibrant, diverse and appreciating community. International Mindedness and inter-culturalism is the key to being successful in our world today and our students leave well prepared and excited for these challenges ahead.
6. What are the career opportunities available to the students after completion of their courses?
The IB of course is a gateway to universities around the world which is why the IB DP is such a popular course. We have a designated university counsellor who will guide each student from Year 9 upwards, from Options at IGCSE to IB subjects and career opportunities. Knowing our students well, which is one of our key successes, enables us to consider every student’s possibilities for their future. We find that most students have a good idea of what they want to study and their interests, and ensuring students study subjects which stimulate and excite them is the key to a successful career path. Opportunities follow with careful oversight and experienced and professional guidance.
7. Other than traditional occupations, what other career field options are available for them?
It is very unlimited; students choose between a myriad of careers from business to the Performing Arts; we respond to each and every student’s aspirations and guide them successfully in the direction of their chosen field .
1. Please mention about the school and its mission/vision
and various infrastructural facilities.
The International
School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) is a place where students feel at home away from
home. The international day and boarding school is renowned for its family-like
atmosphere. It is located in the northern part of Switzerland, 35 minutes from
Zurich airport. The ISSH strives to develop young people to their full potential.
Lifelong learning, confidence and open-mindedness are not just words but values
and attitudes which stay with ISSH students for life and provide a strong
foundation for their success. Schaffhausen is a small, safe and charming city
with much to offer to students and their families.
Over 40
nationalities are represented in our student body, which encompasses children
of 3 months through young adults graduating from our Diploma Programme. This
diversity of cultures, languages, faiths and experiences creates a learning and
living environment which is extremely rich in perspectives and where care and
respect for one another are fundamental. In addition to its expatriate and
boarding students, the ISSH also has many students from the local community, who
appreciate the school’s international offering.
We take pride in
being able to cater to individual needs and to meet particular parent or
student requests. Our teachers are well-qualified, experienced and highly
enthusiastic and passionate about their specific subjects and the school
experience in general. The small class sizes allow more time for individual
attention, enabling our staff to build strong relationships with each student
and to cater to different needs.
The facilities at
ISSH are first class. Classrooms, laboratories, media centres, sporting and
cultural venues are equipped with the latest technology. Classrooms are
spacious and friendly and fully networked with laptop computers and iPads for
students to use.
There are excellent
sports facilities on campus and in the surrounding Schaffhausen community. The
spacious grounds include all-weather surfaces and a well-equipped, full-size
gymnasium. The laboratories for biology, physics and chemistry support hands-on
experiments.
2. Kindly mention about the prominent personality of the
school and his/her role in the development of the school.
Gundula Kohlhaas,
as the founding Head of School has been leading the organization since its
beginning stages in 1999. Her team of department leaders form a diverse and
highly committed group of educators who lead their departments with a wealth of
experience and expertise. They are committed to the School’s Motto “Each Mind
has its own method” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) and together developed the ISSH Core
Values “BE UNIQUE”, “ACHIEVE YOUR POTENTIAL” and “TAKE RESPONSIBILITY”.
3. Kindly describe about the various courses offered by
the school and their salient features.
As an IB World
School the ISSH has a long-standing history with the International
Baccalaureate programmes that will open doors to universities across the world.
The two-year IB Diploma programme is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading
educational programmes and is recognized by over 60 countries worldwide. The IB
is designed to meet the needs of international students, both mother-tongue
English and EAL (English as another Language).
The IB diploma not
only opens the doors to universities worldwide but also focuses on the
development of the whole person through one of the core requirements called CAS
(Creativity, Activity, Service). CAS encourages students to be involved in
artistic pursuits, sports and community service, thus fostering their
appreciation for life outside the academic arena.
Our values ‘Take
Responsibility’, ‘Be Unique’ and ‘Achieve Potential’ are represented in every
aspect of our school, especially in our residential programme.
Boarding (Residential) Programme
The ISSH boarding
programme is for senior students (aged 15 to 18). Younger boarding students (12
to 14) live in carefully-selected, host families.
The two ISSH
boarding houses, each consisting of single-sex apartments and a shared living
area with a well-equipped kitchen and lounge, are located near the Schaffhausen
town center. The Head of Boarding and his team of boarding staff cater to the
needs of our boarding students. On the weekends, they learn how to live
independently, taking responsibility for organizing the weekend shopping,
cooking and outings. In their home away from home, our boarders all engage in
and contribute to community life.
During weekends our
students explore the area, take trips or participate in sporting, artistic or
service activities as required by the IB CAS. Students are encouraged to
develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.
4. Please mention what steps are you taking beyond the
traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the students?
Languages are the
key to success in a global society. The ISSH is an English-speaking community,
whereby English is the language of communication and instruction. We have
structures in place that provide extra support to students for whom English is
not their mother tongue, so that they can reach their full potential. As the
host country language, German can also be taken as an additional language.
There are different levels of German on offer ranging from basic to
mother-tongue courses. The German-speaking environment and the school’s strong
links to the Schaffhausen community enable our students to practice their
German outside the classroom regularly. We also offer French and Spanish.
Our Career
Counselling and university services enable students to understand the different
avenues, options and choices at hand when planning their future. The service
comprises aptitude tests and profiling as well as information on different
career paths, university requirements and course options.
The ISSH organizes
various Clubs for after-school activities to allow students to delve deeper in
topics of their interest with their colleagues.
Student councils as well as the Parents Association plan a number of
events during the year to support our ISSH community.
5. What steps does the school take to motivate and
develop the students’ interest towards education?
The overall
educational programme of the ISSH aims at creating a balance between the
academic skills and the development of students in their social and other life
experience skills. By providing the students with a number of opportunities to
serve their school and the community, they develop a stronger sense of purpose
to their studies and the life ahead of them.
An essential
element of our career guidance programme is our work experience programme. We
want our students to experience first-hand the world of work.
We collaborate with
local companies to offer trial days or weeks for students who are interested in
a particular profession. An insight into the day-to-day routines and challenges
of a potential future job is of essential value and helps students make the
right choices.
Many internationally
operating companies have established their headquarters in Schaffhausen. We can
thus enable our students to get a glimpse of the workings of such global
players with their different departments and operations units. We also
cooperate with social institutions and many local companies and can offer a
wide choice of internships to suit our student’s career interest.
6. How are you providing financial assistance to the
students in need?
ISSH offers a number of scholarships and
reduced fees packages each academic year. The different types are each granted
under specific conditions.
The ISSH (merit and
need-based) Scholarships are granted to students of the Junior College
(IB-Diploma Years Programme grades 11-12), who live in the ISSH boarding house.
The scholarship programme has been set up in view of creating a record of
academic excellence. Students need to pass the IB entrance examinations with
excellent results and have to prove that they come from a background of modest
means. As a part of their application they outline their prior academic and
other achievements and describe their future goals for university and life in
general. The scholarships are granted for up to two years, and conditions are
specified in a contract. They can range between 30%-100% and include the
tuition fee and cost of accommodation, food and school material.
The ISSH Reduced
Fees Fund (need-based) has been installed to support current and future ISSH
community members, who are in a temporarily difficult financial situation or
who do not have the means to pay the full school fees. The application
procedure is uncomplicated. The request for documents and information needed
for decision-making will be case-based, as is the reduction and the length of
time granted.
7. What are the career opportunities available to the
students after completion of their courses?
The IB Diploma
Programme (DP) is renowned for its depth and breadth of study. Students take 6
subjects plus “the core,” which comprises the Extended Essay, a Theory of
Knowledge course and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). The IB is recognized
for its academic rigour and universities across the world consider the DP as
one of the most prestigious university entrance certificates. Admissions
officers know that an IB graduate is well prepared to tackle the challenges of
university studies, as they have successfully mastered challenging and in-depth
studies. IB graduates can choose to apply in over 60 countries. The subject
choices allow for a specialization in the traditional fields of Sciences,
Social Studies or Languages but each student takes courses in all fields. Thus
the choice of which university pathway to take can remain open and the breath
of study ensures a broad general knowledge in all fields. Most U.S.
universities offer course credits to IB students in recognition of the rigour
of the programme. This means that IB students can start with 2nd or 3rd
semester courses due to their excellent foundation in the subject.
8. Other than traditional occupations, what other career
field options are available for them?
ISSH has recently established a cooperation
with the newly-founded Schaffhausen Institute of Technology (SIT), a
leading-edge, research-led university. SIT focuses on the strategic research
domains of quantum technology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence,
deep learning, and cybersecurity. It is
our intention to build up a strong curriculum in IT and these related fields
through this cooperation.
9. Please enlighten us about the school’s major
awards/achievements, its accomplished/renowned alumni, remarkable
collaborations, and major accreditations.
The ISSH is
certified in all 3 levels of the IB Programme (Primary Years, Middle Years,
Diploma Years) and has an average point score for its graduating body that is
above the average of the worldwide IB schools.
However, the ISSH really prides itself for giving individual and
personal attention to every single student. The small and caring environment
enables the ISSH to bring out the best in young people so that they achieve
their full potential. The ISSH not only develops the intellect, it also
nurtures the mind and body of the students through an enriched environment and
by giving guidance and care through an excellent team of dedicated
professionals.
10. Kindly elaborate about the future plans of the school
in the same.
One of the future
plans of the school is to elaborate on the collaboration with the Schaffhausen
Institute of Technology (SIT) by establishing summer camps and preparatory
courses. We want to contribute to building the next generation of digital
leaders.
1. Please mention about the school and its
mission/vision and various infrastructural facilities.
Institut Montana
opened its doors to six students on May 3rd, 1926. It would grow into a
much-loved Swiss international boarding school.
There are around 330
students aged 6 to 19 from more than 45 countries across our boarding school
and day school. It is a supportive environment where we treat each other with
fairness and mutual respect.
We have outstanding staff from all over the world and an average class size of
around ten students. Teachers who are passionate about their subjects, caring
house-parents, counsellors and mentors who support you through life’s
challenges, people who keep our school clean, maintain it and prepare our
nutritious food – everyone is part of the Montana Family. You are surrounded by
companions who are sharing your journey. Some will be friends for life.
We have built on our
past. Modern advances in knowledge about learning have shown that
educationalists like Pestalozzi were right. Intellectual development is best
achieved by attending to each student holistically and as an individual; it all
comes together to nourish your mental, emotional and physical health.
We look to the
future. The world for which we are educating today’s young people will be very
different by the time you graduate. We cannot predict what career opportunities
await you, but we can prepare you for a changing world.
Our students will be
clear thinkers, problem solvers and able to apply their thinking skills across
a wide range of applications. They will be creative lovers of art, music,
theatre and film, from the most classical to the most experimental. They will
have a sound grounding in scientific method and use of technology. They will
understand and appreciate cultural complexity and be able to make a good case
for their beliefs. They will be equipped with a moral compass to act as a guide
through the ethical questions of tomorrow. They will be generous of
spirit. And you can be one of them.
2. Kindly mention about the prominent
personality of the school and his/her role in the development of the school.
The founder of
Institut Montana, Dr Max Husmann, was ambitious. He dreamed of an international
boarding school which would teach young people how to build a peaceful world.
Dr Husmann’s core
idea was simple. If young people of many nationalities went to school together,
learning to respect different cultural backgrounds, and if they were taught to
think clearly, they would grow to be tolerant and fair-minded. War would be
history.
He had a clear vision
for his international boarding school. It would have natural surroundings and
fresh air; it would be a sanctuary and an inspiration. Following the ideas of
Swiss educationalist Johann Pestalozzi, it would see each student as a whole
person and an individual. It would use the best of modern technology and
teaching methods; it would be a caring community. With intelligence, ethics and
compassion, these students would help towards the harmony that might, one day,
achieve world peace.
Dr Husmann’s ambition
to strive for peace was put into action when, in 1945, he helped organise and
mediate Operation Sunrise, the secret negotiations that brought the surrender
of the German army in Italy and the end of World War II. Then, in 1947, the
highly respected graphic artist Hans Tomamichel designed the emblem, with its
eloquent representation of healthy growth towards a peaceful world, that we
still use today.
3. Kindly describe about the various courses
offered by the school and their salient features.
We offer a choice of
academic paths, depending on whether your longer-term ambition is to graduate
with the Swiss Matura or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Swiss Pathway
Our Swiss programmes,
in accordance with the decentralised Swiss education
system, are based on the
framework provided by the Canton of Zug. We adapt them to the context of our school and offer an international
approach that includes bilingual (English and German) tracks.
Our Bilingual
Elementary School is for children from age 6. The classroom is bilingual,
German and English. Learning a second language at a young age helps cognitive
development as well as encouraging understanding in how our world is made up of
many different cultures.
At age 12, you can
choose between our Swiss Secondary or High School sections, or our
international section.
The Bilingual
Secondary School follows the newly formulated Swiss school system
curriculum, Lehrplan 21. It is designed to keep your
options open as your ambitions develop, with the help of personalised
academic and linguistic support. From here, you might continue to our
Swiss high school, our international high school or work for a secondary school
degree to attend a vocational, commercial or upper-secondary specialised
college.
Our Swiss High
School accepts international as well as Swiss students. They must have
good English and some German; the required level can be reached by studying
first at the Bilingual Secondary School. The bilingual track offers extra
courses in English as well as the possibility to earn an IB English Certificate
to support university applications. Your studies will be rewarded by the Swiss
Matura. It opens doors to all Swiss universities as well as higher
education opportunities around the world. The path towards the Matura you will
follow with us is special. It is taught in an international community where you
will grow into a global citizen with a prestigious Swiss education.
International Pathway
At
our International School your goal is the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma,
highly respected by the world’s leading universities. The IB teaches students
how to live well in a multicultural world and to become clear thinkers with a
humanitarian outlook. The early grades, starting from grade 6, follow
the Cambridge international programme, a strong foundation for a truly
international education.
Whatever your
ambitions, we will help you achieve them.
4. Please mention what steps are you taking
beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure overall development of the
students?
We have a variety of
extracurricular activities, where every child will be able to find something,
depending on what interests them. Those, who are into sports will take
advantage of our splendid location on a mountain and can try running,
mountain-biking, skiing, swimming, rowing, playing football and tennis in one
of our tennis courts. The kids, who want to express their creative side, will
profit from such activites as our school theatre, choir, art, cookery club,
textile design and chess. We also
prepare the future leaders with such activities as our Model United Nations
club, entrepreneurship, science and technology.
We have a student
council, which meets weekly to discuss school affairs and gets to meet the
director once per month.
5. What steps does the school take to
motivate and develop the students’ interest towards education?
Our personalised approach
puts our students at the centre of everything we do, This means we
see all our students as individuals with their own talents. We find their
strengths and nurture them.
It means that we see
education holistically in the belief that overall well-being enhances academic
progress. So, your health and your happiness are of the utmost importance to
us.
Below are practical
ways we achieve this –
·
Small Class Sizes
·
Individual Academic Support
·
Dedicated Class Advisors
·
Supervised Study Time
·
Language Support
·
College Counselling
·
Rewarding Effort
6. What are the career opportunities
available to the students after completion of their courses?
Successful completion
of our Bilingual Secondary School opens up three possibilities, continuing to
study in the Swiss High School, in our International School or , you can use a
Secondary School Degree based on the Lehrplan 21 to gain entry to a vocational
training programme, commercial or upper-secondary specialised school, after
grade 9. A bilingual education will help towards many different career paths.
Successful completion of the Swiss High School will be awarded by the Swiss
Matura. It opens doors to all Swiss universities as well as higher education
opportunities around the world. Our International School opens up two
possibilities – either The International Baccalaureate Diploma or a High School
Diploma. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an internationally
recognised passport to the world’s top universities. Graduation with a High
School Diploma keeps options open for students with diverse paths and academic
goals, maybe working towards entrance to US universities or towards vocational
training.
7. Please enlighten us about the school’s
major awards/achievements, its accomplished/renowned alumni, remarkable
collaborations, and major accreditations.
From scientists to
politicians, artists to adventurers, our alumni are a lively group of
passionate people who share educational values. They stay connected for life.
With over 7000 members, some of our notable
alumni include: John F. Kerry, 2004 US Presidential Nominee and 2013-2017
Secretary of State; Nicolas Hayek Jr., CEO of the Swatch Group; Pierre
Mirabaud, former President of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA); Willem P.C.
Stemmer, Dutch scientist and inventor of biotechnologies, including pioneering
contributions to directed evolution that won him the Charles Stark Draper Prize
in 2011; Marc Forster, filmmaker known for directing feature movies such as
James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Finding Neverland and many more.
As a Swiss
International Boarding school, we are accredited by the most important
organisations who award their recognition to schools that meet the highest
standards. We are an accredited member of the Council of International Schools,
member of the International Baccalaureate Organisation and an accredited IB
World School since 1987, accredited Cambridge International Examinations
Centre. Our Bilingual Elementary School, Secondary School and Swiss High School
are recognised by the Canton of Zug.
8. Kindly elaborate about the future plans of
the school in the same.
In 2026, Institut
Montana will be 100 years old, a milestone to celebrate. It is also a catalyst
that inspires our plans for the future of our school. Our centenary will cement
our position as one of the most respected Swiss international boarding schools
in Switzerland.
We cannot predict
where technology will take employment prospects, but we can prepare students,
help them develop attributes and strengths that will enable them to succeed
intellectually and emotionally. The plans that will take us to our centenary
and beyond are shaped by this ambition.
Collège Champittet, is a private day and boarding school in Switzerland, on the edge of Lake Geneva – close to the centre of Lausanne and the Olympic Museum. Founded in 1903, we are known as The Swiss School Open to the World and we have provided an outstanding education to both local and international students for over 117 years. We welcome day students as of 3 y.o. and we have a dynamic and vibrant boarding community, which caters for up to 80 girls and boys, aged 11 to 18.
Three diploma programmes are available at Collège Champittet:
– International Baccalaureate (IB), taught in English
– Bilingual Swiss Maturité
– French Baccalaureate
Students who would like to improve their French can take our intensive French immersion course – the FLE programme (French Foreign Language); students who need support in English, can benefit from the EAL programme (English as an Additional Language).
We strive to strike the perfect balance between formal education, sports, culture and leisure. Various extra-curricular activities are offered after class and local and overseas excursions are planned during the year, with students’ interests in mind.
Each summer, during July and August, we offer the Champittet Summer Leadership Course: a residential course, for 11 to 16-year-olds. The course was designed in collaboration with the renowned Swiss Leadership Academy and focuses on helping students develop the communication, organisational and teamwork skills that make for great leaders. English is the language of instruction for the Champittet Summer Leadership Course.
At Collège Champittet we work every day to inspire our students to be the best they can be and we are ambitious for all of them to achieve more than they thought possible in their personal, social and academic endeavors. This aspiration is underpinned by a commitment to always act with courage, ambition, integrity, respect and openness.
It is with our eyes turned towards the future that, together, teachers and staff pledge to give Collège Champittet the full measure of its particular spirit. We want to further reinforce academic excellence, and also build up confidence: confidence in our own capacities, as well as trust among our community.
Courses Offered
Collège Champittet welcomes students from preschool to 14th grade and teaches three specific diploma programmes: the Swiss Maturity, the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate.
Whichever of these programmes students decide to follow, our private high school experience is designed to prepare them to apply to some of the best universities in Switzerland and worldwide. Our Swiss private school supports them every step of the way as they solidify the skills and knowledge they will need to achieve their goals.
Our approach to teaching enables students both to learn, and to understand how they learn. It helps them develop into inquisitive and highly skilled lifelong learners. They develop the teamwork and leadership skills they’ll need to succeed in all their future endeavours.
Our French-English bilingual programme is also available in secondary school and becomes optional from the 9th grade. There are also two levels of German language teaching: standard and advanced.
Ideal Address for Education
We provide opportunities for students to build their skills, broaden their interests and participate in interactive team activities on an international and a local level. Our school offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as athletic programmes, arts, music, dance, skiing, languages and many others. Though these extracurricular activities, students bring their classroom learning to life and become connected to the larger community. Extracurricular activities provide a physical, social and mental outlet. They teach students to engage in active learning both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to after-school clubs, Collège Champittet hosts frequent outings that complement what students learn in class.
Our students benefit from collaborations with world leading organisations, such as: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who worked with us to co-develop our multidisciplinary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) program; The Juilliard School for the Performing Arts, with whom we developed our world-class performing arts program for our younger students; and UNICEF, with whom we work so that our children can use their knowledge to help tackle important, real-world issues. Finally, Nord Anglia’s bespoke Global Campus offers our older students the uniquely valuable opportunity to collaborate online and around the world with their peers from the other Nord Anglia schools across the globe.
We are running three terrific new programs available to all our boarding students:
We educate the whole child – we want our students to achieve outstanding academic results but also to become confident, principled, respectful and open-minded young people who are ambitious for their future and who will make a difference in the world. Thus we enrich learning and encourage social responsibility through one of a kind opportunities, such as our humanitarian expeditions to Madagascar, Cambodia and Thailand as part of the Collège Champittet Foundation.
Beyond Traditional Curriculum
Our educational methodology equips students to harness their resources and find their own solutions. We also offer comprehensive tutoring programmes to assist students who need additional one-on-one attention. By the time they graduate, Champittet students will demonstrate technical competence and academic success.
Students learn best when they believe they can succeed. Collège Champittet faculty and staff employ a positive discipline mindset to encourage self-sufficient learners. Positive discipline is based on encouragement and helps teachers and staff members build a healthy, balanced relationship with students. We collaborate with our students and work together to find solutions, rather than using negative forms of discipline.
This collaborative approach helps students discover their skills and develop a sense of confidence and belonging. As they grow, this positive discipline shapes them into independent adults who are engaged within their communities.
Our students rise to the challenge. They’re innovators, problem-solvers and enthusiastic learners. For every student, it’s important to establish healthy study habits and encourage an optimistic attitude. Through learning support and after-school tutoring, Champittet helps promote student success in all endeavours.
Our programme is designed to provide one-on-one attention for students outside of class. Students are encouraged to have a vision beyond their assignments and grades by setting goals and identifying why they are attending school. After-school tutoring also encourages good time management skills and helps students set concrete goals for each day, week and month. Students have the opportunity to receive individualised support, ask questions and focus on their strengths and weaknesses.
An Environment Empowering Holistic Growth
At Champittet we have a dedicated Careers Counselling and Guidance Service, which supports all students from Class 9 to 14 with the decisions that they make regarding their secondary private education, examinations, preparing for university and career choices. A range of questionnaires and discussions are organised to help our students start to make decisions about their future. By understanding their likes and dislikes, talents, abilities and interests, we can work with them to understand which subjects and interests they should pursue and how best to do this.
Every year we organise university fairs to help our students choose the destination and their degree. We also have the Career Fair with our alumni who are now working in different organizations and companies in Switzerland such as the Red Cross, Edwards Lifesciences, Nestle, IUCN and others. We invite professionals in different fields such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, musicians, producers, journalists to presents to our students and inside of their profession and which path to take to reach it.
Our counsellor helps students with their applications to these different universities and destinations- advising them on their application letters and essays, answering queries from universities on behalf of students, she also communicates with different university admissions officers all over the world and keeps them updated on student progress and on other matters pertaining to our students applications.
We maintain excellent contacts with some of the world’s leading universities to help us give our students the best opportunities in life. We are proud that our students enter top universities in the world including EPHL (Switzerland), Bocconi (Italy), University of Toronto (Canada), UCL (UK), Kings College (UK), McGill (Canada), UNIL (Switzerland), EHL (Switzerland) and many others.
St. Jude School has been supporting society with quality professionals with a clear social commitment, for nearly 60 years through a high quality, fully authorised international education, culminating in the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Program (IB DP), the premier of high school qualifications. As a UNESCO partner school, our priority is to educate students who respect individual differences, different beliefs, and different cultures, but who have a special respect for national identity and the dignity of people. The wide ranging and rigorous program, with its focus on high expectations, thinking critically, effort and 21st century skills, prepares students to enter university successfully, no matter where in the world they wish to go.
St Jude School is well-known for the ability, commitment and care of its teaching and administration staff, which ensures that students are individually known and supported. The staff look for ways to identify the talents of our students to guide them in the fulfillment of their goals and dreams.
Outside of the classroom, St Jude School offers your children a wide range of opportunities through its extensive cocurricular program, which includes support for the major Catholic sacraments of First Communion and Catechism, after school activities, music, sport, community service, Model United Nations and student leadership; all of which help build a well-balanced confident student with an array of professional and personal skills.
Mission and Vision
Mission: St. Jude School is a well-established, active, multicultural and inclusive educational community that promotes universal and Christian values within a culture of peace. It forms citizens who are virtuous, happy, creative, respectful towards the environment, critical, knowledgeable about global realities, and who lead their learning process with the skills to impact their environment and positively leaving a distinctive legacy that lasts for generations.
Vision: To be the country’s best educational institution with international impact; known for its continuous innovation and excellence in forming students who will make a positive change in their environment.
We are an outstanding PK- 11 international school. Our facilities include chemistry and physics labs, a fabrication lab (unique in a school environment), dance, music, drama and visual arts rooms, an amazing library with a media center, a one of a kind gymnasium that also can be adapted as a large auditorium. Our rooms are designed to fulfill all student needs and work in different ways, both through collaboration and for individual work.
We have a soccer field and two artificial fields. Preschool has music, arts and technology rooms. The playground is unique as it integrates students’ play with nature. Our collaborative learning corridors help us towards having different spaces for fun and amazing learning as well as individual support.
From the Leader’s Desk
Our school culture is based on a ‘family’ concept. We call it ‘The St Jude Family’ and we try to make everybody feel like an important member of it. You can see this reflected on the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share, also between parents, staff and students. There is a positive school climate and the school culture promote students’ ability to learn.
We are an IB Diploma School offering an IB foundation year where we prepare students for the skills needed to face a challenging and rigorous program. We recently became members of the Fieldwork Education programs for early, elementary and middle school years.
The programs all focus on student learning in three areas – subject learning goals, personal student goals and international mindedness goals. Students are able to link and transfer learning between subjects as there is a conceptual big idea that is the center of their learning. We look to create an impact in our local and global communities. Our students have strong values that they apply in their everyday lives. Our students are creative, critical and innovators. We also offer the CASE V Program which supports student Athletes, artists and high academic achievers to continue their education while still focusing on their talent being top achievers in both their activity of choice as their academics.
Proclaiming Holistic Development
Our learning definition is: “Learning is wondering how the world works, and through amazing experiences, getting better to create a positive impact”. What we want each student to understand is that “Through learning I become knowledgeable, cultured, empowered, confident and happy”. Student choice is a big part of our school. We want students to find their “element”, that talent that makes them unique and that they feel passion for. Our program focuses on providing attention that will have an impact on each student. Our academic tracking seeks to be a strong support in all areas of student lives. We provide international experiences that result in Amazing Learning for all our students.
Our students become lifelong learners. They enjoy learning through experiences that will make their minds wonder and inquire about the world around them looking to understand and make sense of their findings. Student choice, voice and understanding of their process makes learning fun, significant, powerful and appreciated by all students. They love their school because they love the learning happening every single day.
Exhibiting Academic Excellence
International Baccalaureate Diploma program School, members of IEYC, IPC and IMYC curriculum programs.
Future Ready School
After leaving St. Jude School students will be prepared to face any career of their choice. Student skills and results have been reflected in our students being admitted to some of the top international universities such as Cambridge, IE Business School, Cardiff amongst others.
Because of our focus on creativity and critical thinking students will be successful in the area of their choice. We have a curriculum that is focused on students gaining the knowledge skills and understanding for any career. Our amazing facilities allow students to explore different areas and with support of our electives and our partnership with US Universities, they have an opportunity to study actual courses from their program of choice.
As an International School Partnership (ISP) school, we aim to continue growing and innovating, both our academics as our infrastructure to fulfill all student needs. We will offer further international opportunities, greater learning choices and opportunities, and even more links with our sister schools all over the world.
Costa Rica International Academy was founded as a private, English-language, co-educational, non-sectarian school. The purposes and standards of the school are comparable to selective U.S. independent and college-preparatory schools.
The School was founded in 2000 in a small facility near Flamingo Beach. In 2002, the School moved to a property with a near-finished building on the road between Huacas and Brasilito, near Reserva Conchal and the current Westin Resort. The building was remodeled, and a covered gym, pool, athletic field, staff housing and a cafeteria were built.
In 2004, a new high school building with classrooms, science lab, library, computer lab and administrative offices were built. By August of 2007, the school completed a new elementary and early childhood building of 16 classrooms, administrative offices, and a new multifunctional cafeteria/auditorium. Since its founding, CRIA has grown from 40 students to 200+ in 2020.
CRIA is recognized throughout Costa Rica and by international university admissions officers for the academic excellence demanded of its students, its college preparatory program, the depth and range of its academic and co-curricular programs, and the quality and dedication of its faculty. Classes are small, averaging 18 students in the primary and 22 students in the secondary. An experienced faculty drawn from the United States, Costa Rica and other countries is guided by a teaching philosophy that challenges and supports students to be independent learners and thoughtful citizens.
CRIA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education (MEP). The school offers a U.S. high school diploma and a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. CRIA has an excellent track record of preparing students for top Costa Rican universities. In partnership with the Grand Canyon University dual enrollment program, CRIA juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit while still in the CRIA HS program.
CRIA respects all creeds, religions, and points of view. The school does not undertake religious instruction nor blend secular and sectarian education. At the same time, moral values and spiritual issues have a place in the educational process. Values such as fairness, justice, compassion, honesty, and the Golden Rule are taught without a religious label. Faculty and staff conduct reflect these values and serve as models for the students.
CRIA is proud to offer a specifically designed Early Years Program that utilizes the best researched-based practices. The program is guided by internationally recognized organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is in line with recognized standards of both international and American schools worldwide.
Our early years’ children are immersed in a dual language environment where all of the teachers give instruction and feedback in both English and Spanish.
The Early Years Program at CRIA supports children in developmentally appropriate groups:
Toddlers
2 years old by September 15 of the academic year enrolled. The Toddlers program is a multi-age class for two and three-year-olds.
Pre-Kindergarten
4 years old by September 15
Kindergarten
5 years old by September 15
Young children learn best through direct sensory encounters with the world, rather than through abstract and formal academic procedures. The program is supported by qualified, committed adults who guide young children in their acquisition of knowledge and their development of content, skills, and attitudes.
Toddler Program
Through years of experience, we know that play is a powerful tool for learning. Experiences with sand, water, building blocks, dramatic play, table toys, art materials, music, outdoor play, and games are integral to a child’s development. Play activities encourage exploration and experimentation, spark curiosity and imagination, and build children’s abilities to solve problems. In addition, play also provides children with opportunities to experiment with language and work cooperatively with others. Children enter school at various stages of social, emotional, physical, and academic development. Because of our holistic educational approach, our teachers strive to meet each child’s individual needs and learning styles within those four domains. Our teachers and teaching assistants (TAs) build safe and happy environments where the students have time for individual play and begin to work cooperatively in small groups to learn to listen to and respect others. The teachers and TAs structure activities and experiences based not only on developmental readiness but also on student interests. Our ultimate goal is to create enthusiastic, lifelong learners.
Students enjoy specialist classes in art, music, physical education, and library.
Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)
The Pre-K child’s world is rapidly expanding. While the children are very much focused on themselves and their families, they also are excited to learn about the world around them. Children at this age are developing both their independence and social skills. Children in Pre-K have a lot of energy and curiosity and our Pre-K classrooms offer innovative and hands-on experiences to support their enthusiasm for learning. Play continues to be the vehicle through which children learn in Pre-K. Language, emergent literacy, math, collaboration, and cooperation continue to help the children build the strong foundational skills to succeed in school and life.
Students enjoy specialist classes in art, music, physical education, and library.
Kindergarten (KG)
The KG child learns new concepts through experimentation and discovery. Children solve problems and make predictions by observing objects and people in the world around them and by making connections to what they already know. Children at this age are able to think in more complex ways.
KG is both thematic and interdisciplinary. We incorporate social studies, art, mathematics, and science into all aspects of the curriculum. We study thematic units based on the interests of the children in the classroom. Units might include life cycles, teamwork, and other topics in science and/or mathematics.
Students enjoy specialist classes in art, music, physical education, and library.
The Primary Program is a balanced, standards-based curriculum adapted from the Virginia State Standards of Learning (SoL). The intent is to make transitions into our school and back to the U.S., to other American international schools, and from other elementary schools in Costa Rica, as smooth as possible.
Our student body represents the diverse community found in this area of Costa Rica. Primary classrooms are self-contained and foster a safe learning environment.
In the 2020-21 school year, the school day consists of seven 45-minute periods and two breaks, one mid-morning and one mid-day for lunch. The day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm, followed by after school activities.
The weekly schedule includes a variety of special classes. Every class visits the library at least once a week, which is located in the primary building. The library has a wide selection of children’s literature and general research materials that support the primary curriculum. Other specials including Visual Arts, STEM Lab (for grades 3-5), Music, P.E., Health, Swimming, and Costa Rica Social Studies are taught weekly. Primary teachers also schedule times to use the computer lab and tablets within their classroom, integrating technology into the curriculum.
Teachers are required to plan curricular field trips to enhance the learning experience and take advantage of the rich, natural environment of Costa Rica.
Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Spanish are taught daily. There are leveled Spanish classes taught by native speakers. In grades 1-2, children are immersed in a dual language environment where all of the teachers give instruction and feedback in both English and Spanish. Primary subjects build a solid foundation of skills and abilities including cognitive, affective, and social skills.
Character development is an important part of primary education. Teachers work together to support student growth. Due to the nature of a small school, students receive guidance not only from the School Counselor, but also form their homeroom teacher the entire primary faculty.
The Secondary Program (Grades 6-12) is a standards-based curriculum culminating in a college preparatory Advanced Placement (AP) program and options for dual enrollment university courses while still a CRIA HS student. Academic subjects in the middle years provide a pre-AP foundation that prepares students to be successful in high school AP and dual enrollment courses. The curriculum foundation is adapted from the Virginia State Standards of Learning (SoL). The intent is to make transitions into our school and back to the U.S. or transfers from other schools in Guanacaste and San Jose Costa Rica as smooth as possible.
Beginning in the 2020-21 school year, the school day consists of seven 45-minute periods and two breaks, one in mid-morning and one at mid-day for lunch. The day begins at 8:00am with homeroom by grade levels and ends at 3:00pm, followed by after school sports and activities.
Off-campus field trips are an integral part of the Secondary Program. Generally these are planned to extend the curriculum to take advantage of our natural setting in Costa Rica. Community service is a regular feature of the program at every grade level.
The entire campus is a WiFi zone for wireless Internet. The Secondary Program utilizes a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. The Secondary science program is supported by fully equipped labs for biology, chemistry, and physics. The school library includes general research materials and books and periodicals for leisure reading.
Electives are offered by each academic area and include Visual Arts and P.E. The Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered each year, dependent upon demand. These may include English Language and Composition, Calculus, World History, US History, Biology, Computer Science, Spanish Language and Culture, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Statistics and others.
Other activities include yearbook, newspaper, drama groups, student government, the U.S. National Honor Society, The Model United Nations and various social service and ecological groups. The school is a center of social and cultural events for our community, and visiting performers, artists, and speakers are featured each year.
The Secondary Program has a very strong Spanish component, with 1/3 of the classes each day in Spanish including 4 levels of language instruction from beginners to native speakers.