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Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction
La Découverte School at Campus Mies offers a private bilingual French–English education for children aged 3 to 12. The Mies campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach, organizing learning around questions and problems that span disciplines. Weekly class councils and a monthly Grand Council Meeting involve students in decision-making, while philosophy sessions nurture critical thinking, listening, and debate. Outdoor learning happens daily, in parks or forests, in all weather, to foster resilience and environmental understanding. An open-space environment supports autonomous workshops and cross-age collaboration, and theatre activities develop oral expression and stage presence. The school provides after-school care and on-site meals guided by a healthy, sustainable menu charter. With a history dating to the early 1990s, La Découverte emphasizes active inquiry and a personalised, family learning environment. Extracurriculars include Capoeira, Art, Robotics, and Football, plus holiday camps and arts-based after-school options. These elements join to support curious, confident learners daily worldwide.
La Découverte School - Geneva Campus has 150 pupils, instruction in French, English.
Location
Geneva Campus: Avenue de Sécheron 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Mies Campus: Chemin du Triangle 8-9, 1295 Mies, Switzerland.
Stages
ages 3 to 12
Type
private bilingual French-English school
School day structure
The day includes class time, lunch and extra-curricular activities; Geneva campus opening hours are 8:00–18:00 on most days (except Wednesday when closing earlier at 12:00); after-school care runs from 15:30 to 18:00.
Fees
Annual tuition at La Découverte School - Geneva Campus ranges from CHF 16,470 to CHF 18,950 for 2026/27.
Registration / Application fee
- CHF 500 once, payable at registration (enrolment).
Tuition fees — Geneva Campus
- Children aged 3 years to 4th grade: CHF 16,470 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,647.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 15,647 per year; CHF 1,564.70 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,150 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,815.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 17,243 per year; CHF 1,724.30 per month).
Tuition fees — Mies Campus
- 1P to 4th grade: CHF 17,200 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,720.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 16,340 per year; CHF 1,634.00 per month).
- 5th to 8th grade: CHF 18,950 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,895.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 18,003 per year; CHF 1,800.30 per month).
Meals, materials and compulsory activities
- School meals: CHF 1,990 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 199.00 per month).
- School materials: CHF 270 per year, payable in a single payment.
- Cultural outings and sports: CHF 320 per year, payable in a single payment. Trips and camps are part of the educational programme and are compulsory.
Extras and after‑school care (rates and billing frequency)
- Wednesday full after‑school (1:30–5:00 pm): CHF 160 per month; supervised picnic (12:00–1:30 pm) CHF 60 per month (where offered).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition is invoiced as a 10‑month commitment; standard billing is spread over 10 monthly instalments. Many optional services are billed per quarter or as single payments as indicated above.
- Registration is confirmed when the signed enrolment contract and the required payments are received; enrolment requires payment of the registration fee and the first month's school fees at registration.
- A 2% discount on tuition applies for biannual or annual payments.
- The school treats the date on which payment is received in the school's bank account as the official payment date. In case of late payment, reminder fees apply: CHF 20 for the second reminder (15 days after the due date) and CHF 50 for the final notice (30 days after the due date). Continued non‑payment may lead to legal recovery procedures and refusal of class entry.
Boarding
- The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; boarding fees are therefore not applicable.
- Administrative or penalty fees may apply in the event of late payment or contract breaches as specified in the general conditions.
Refunds and cancellation penalties
- Written notification is required for any withdrawal or cancellation. Cancellation charges for the following school year are: - Withdrawal up to March 31: only the enrolment fee is due. - Withdrawal between April 1 and May 31: enrolment fee plus 10% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal between June 1 and June 30: enrolment fee plus 20% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from July 1 up to the day before the start of the school year: enrolment fee plus 30% of annual tuition is due. - Withdrawal from the start of the school year: enrolment fee, completed/started months and 30% of annual tuition are due.
- Exceptions to the annual financial commitment and penalty fees may be made for death of the pupil's legal guardian or long‑term illness resulting in study suspension. Expulsion for serious reasons results in 30% of annual tuition being charged in addition to months already completed or started.
Fee payment options
- The school records the receipt date of payments on its bank account as the official payment date; payment by bank transfer to the school account is the documented method for establishing receipt. Other payment methods are not detailed in the published conditions.
Notes on billing frequency used above
- When a fee is stated as “payable over 10 months” the monthly instalment used above is the annual fee divided by 10.
Academics
La Découverte School - Geneva Campus teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 12.
Curriculum
Mies Campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach. Learning is organized around projects that connect disciplines and are driven by questions or problems. A class council meets weekly to coordinate group life, and a Grand Council Meeting is held monthly to discuss school-wide matters. Philosophy develops critical thinking and the ability to listen to others. Outdoor learning happens daily in all weathers, in a park or forest, to build resilience and environmental understanding. An open-space environment supports autonomous workshops and collaborative inquiry. Theatre activities develop oral expression and performance skills. Extras after school and after-school care are available.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Self-confidence is strengthened to enable children to question, inform themselves and explore the world in complete safety. Collaboration and socio-emotional skills are developed to create responsible and empathetic children. Projects based on children's interests deepen their passions and motivate learning.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A bilingual immersion environment is set up to help students express themselves, read and write clearly and confidently in French and English.
Mental Wellbeing
Self-confidence growth and collaboration support mental wellbeing by enabling children to explore and express themselves in a safe environment.
Admissions
Admissions
Online pre-registration puts your child on the waiting list free of charge; collective visits occur twice a year; if there is availability, a meeting with the Head teacher and a visit to the school are arranged.
Waitlist
The waiting list is joined via an online form, which is free of charge.
FAQs
What curriculum does La Découverte School offer?
La Découverte School offers French, AP curriculums. Mies Campus uses a project-based, socio-constructivist approach. Learning is organized around projects that connect disciplines and are driven by questions or problems. A class council meets weekly to coordinate group life, and a Grand Council Meeting is held monthly to discuss school-wide matters.
What age range does La Découverte School cater for?
La Découverte School accepts students from age 3 to 12. ages 3 to 12
What are the fees at La Découverte School?
Annual fees at La Découverte School range from approximately 270 to 18,950. **Registration / Application fee** - CHF 500 once, payable at registration (enrolment). **Tuition fees — Geneva Campus** - Children aged 3 years to 4th grade: CHF 16,470 per year, payable over 10 months (equivalent to CHF 1,647.00 per month). Sibling discount: 5% (CHF 15,647 per year; CHF 1,564.70 per month).
Where is La Découverte School located?
La Découverte School is located in Switzerland. Geneva Campus: Avenue de Sécheron 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; Mies Campus: Chemin du Triangle 8-9, 1295 Mies, Switzerland.
Is La Découverte School co-educational?
La Découverte School is a co-educational school. private bilingual French-English school.
How do I apply to La Découverte School?
The admissions process at La Découverte School: Online pre-registration puts your child on the waiting list free of charge; collective visits occur twice a year; if there is availability, a meeting with the Head teacher and a visit to the school are arranged.
Does La Découverte School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
A bilingual immersion environment is set up to help students express themselves, read and write clearly and confidently in French and English.
What facilities does La Découverte School have?
Campus Mies offers a stimulating learning environment with dedicated teachers and supportive infrastructures. Children spend every day outdoors in all weather, in parks or forests, to develop resilience and explore scientific topics.
What extra-curricular activities are available at La Découverte School?
La Découverte School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Extras include arts activities as part of the after-school program. After-school care runs daily and on Wednesdays, with extras in sports, arts and games. During school holidays, camps offer creative and cultural activities, and summer camps are open to children from outside the school.
What languages are taught at La Découverte School?
French and English are taught; the school serves children aged 3 to 12. The school is a bilingual French-English school.
Who is the head of La Découverte School?
The head of school at La Découverte School is Nicolas Firmenich.
How many students attend La Découverte School?
La Découverte School has approximately 340 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 12.
When was La Découverte School founded?
La Découverte School was founded in 1992. La Découverte was founded in the early 1990s by a group of teachers, education specialists, psychologists and parents who sought a different approach to schooling.
What is the parent community like at La Découverte School?
La Découverte is based in Geneva and Mies and serves children aged 3 to 12.
