La Garenne: A Journey of Discovery and Growth

As a family, we made the decision to move to Switzerland a year ago, with the primary goal of providing our children with access to quality education. After extensive research, we chose La Garenne, a renowned international boarding school, as the perfect destination for our kids. As we embarked on this journey, we were eager to learn more about the school's approach to education and how it would impact our children's development. In this article, we will share our personal experience with La Garenne and provide valuable insights for parents preparing for their child's first introduction to the school and admissions process.

The Unique Approach of La Garenne

La Garenne is known for its individualized approach to education, where each student receives personalized attention and support. The school's small class sizes (averaging 8-12 students) allow for a more intimate learning environment, where teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each child. This approach has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among students, which is essential for their emotional and social development.

A Comparison of Day School and Boarding School

Day School Boarding School
  • Typically, a fixed schedule with limited flexibility
  • More focus on academics, with limited extracurricular activities
  • May not provide a sense of independence and responsibility
  • Flexible schedule with opportunities for self-directed learning
  • Wide range of extracurricular activities to foster personal growth
  • Encourages independence, responsibility, and self-reliance

The Benefits of La Garenne's Boarding School Experience

  • Personalized attention and support from teachers and staff
  • Opportunities for extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and music
  • Development of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
  • Fostering of independence, responsibility, and self-reliance

As we navigated the admissions process, we were impressed by the school's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students. The house-parent system, where each student is assigned a dedicated adult to provide guidance and support, was particularly noteworthy. This approach has been instrumental in helping our child adjust to the new environment and feel comfortable asking for help when needed.

Preparing for the Admissions Process

As parents, it's natural to feel anxious about the admissions process, especially if it's your child's first time attending a boarding school. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Research the school thoroughly, including its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student life
  • Reach out to the school's admissions team to ask questions and schedule a tour
  • Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities and sports to develop their interests and skills
  • Discuss the school's values and expectations with your child to ensure they understand the importance of responsibility and self-reliance

As we look back on our experience with La Garenne, we are grateful for the opportunities our child has had to grow and develop. The school's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment has been instrumental in helping our child thrive. We hope that this article has provided valuable insights for parents preparing for their child's first introduction to La Garenne and the admissions process.