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Taught languages French, German, English, Mandarin, Italian, Latin
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Saint-Charles International School is a day and boarding school founded in 1897. It offers Swiss Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, with two pathways: the Swiss Programme (primary through maturité) and the IB Diploma Programme (in English). The school is recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. Instruction in the Swiss Programme is multilingual (French, English, German), with Primary taught in English and French and the Middle School in English, French and German; the IB Programme is taught in English with ESL support. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through language islands, enabling bilingual Matura or IB Diploma. The campus features a swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a cinema; on-campus dining includes vegetarian options. Boarding from age 10; off-campus partnerships support equestrian training and sports. The school educates around 250 students and has 8,000+ alumni worldwide.
Saint Charles International School has 259 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, French, German.
Location
Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train. From Zürich Airport, trains to Zürich Main Station and then to Porrentruy take about 2 to 2.5 hours; from Basel Airport, direct trains to Porrentruy take just over an hour. On arrival in Porrentruy, the campus is minutes away from the train station, with a six-minute walk for travelers without luggage.
Stages
Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.
Type
The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.
Country affiliation
Recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for the Maturité exams.
Religious affiliation
Christian; founded with Christian roots and supported by the Diocese of Basel.
School day structure
The day includes standard classroom instruction with after-school Devoirs accompagnés (supervised study) available for students after class.
Fees
Annual tuition at Saint Charles International School ranges from CHF 15,300 to CHF 74,500 for 2026/27.
Admission & Application Fees:
- Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable).
Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents):
Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount. Billing may be processed by semester on request; where a per-term amount is shown below it is the annual figure divided by two (per-semester).
- Primary School (Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 6'600 (families in the Canton of Jura) / CHF 14'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester (billing-by-semester equivalent): CHF 3'300 / CHF 7'200.
- Middle School (Collège, Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 7'200 (Jura) / CHF 18'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 3'600 / CHF 9'000.
Boarding fees (packages, inclusions and exclusions):
- 5-day boarding package (board and school week activities): CHF 32'700 per year. Included elements listed for the package: full board during the week, the boarding programme, supervised homework, on-site extracurricular activities, day trips, certain sports outfit items, and some cultural/outings; certain items are excluded (residence permit fees, books and school supplies in some circumstances, certain exam and activity costs, travel, pocket money, occasional laundry, airport transfers and some camps/trips).
- 7-day boarding package (full weekly boarding including weekends): CHF 47'000 per year. The 7-day package includes weekend activities, laundry and additional weekend services; a number of items remain excluded (travel, some lessons/activities charged separately, pocket money, airport transfers, certain exam fees and specialist activities).
Other recurring fees and one-off academic/exam charges:
- General / annual fees (covers textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski/green camp, graduation trips and administrative costs): billed in two instalments (at the start of the school year and at the start of the second semester). Amounts vary by programme: - Primary: CHF 1'000 per year. - Middle School (Collège): CHF 1'500 per year. - Swiss Lycée / Bilingual Lycée: CHF 1'500 per year. - International Section MYP levels: CHF 1'500 per year. - IB DP (final years): CHF 2'500 per year.
- Support / tutoring and extra academic services (examples): - Private 45-minute lessons: CHF 100 per lesson. - Semi-private (max 3 students) 45-minute: CHF 60 per lesson. - Group (4+ students) 45-minute: CHF 30 per lesson. - Language-exam preparation courses: approx. CHF 1'000 per semester (charged when organised). - Language examination fees: generally between CHF 400 and CHF 750. - IB DP examination fees: CHF 2'980.
- Extras commonly excluded from package fees and billed separately: specialist lessons (horse riding, music, golf, aviation), certain travel and airport transfers, replacement of lost/damaged books or licences, some medical or insurance costs beyond those listed, pocket money and occasional laundry/dry-cleaning.
Billing schedule and payment terms:
- Invoices are issued in advance and are payable within the stated payment term; billing may be processed by semester on request. Payments are to be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Payments in cash are not accepted. Late payments incur interest at 1% per month; administrative reminder fees apply (typical reminder fees: CHF 20 / CHF 50 / CHF 100 for successive reminders). No place reservation is processed before payment of the registration/admission fee; students may not attend classes until invoices are paid.
Cancellation, refunds and contractual penalties:
- For new applicants: if registration is cancelled before 30 June, a cancellation fee equal to two months of tuition (and boarding, where applicable) is charged; if cancelled after 30 June a cancellation fee equal to three months of tuition (and boarding where applicable) is charged.
- For current students: withdrawal before the end of the school year makes all expenses for the current trimester and the following one payable. Unless written notice is given by parents before the specified deadline for re-registration (28 February), students are automatically entered for the following school year; cancelling after that date creates a financial obligation (example: tuition for the first three months may be payable as compensation).
Uniform / clothing and included clothing items:
- No separate general uniform fee is listed. For boarding students a sports outfit (t-shirts, leggings or jogging pants) is listed among included items in the boarding packages; additional specialist sports or activity clothing or equipment may be charged separately.
Fee payment options:
- The school accepts international payments via Flywire (enables bank transfers and local payment methods in many currencies) and invoices are payable by bank transfer. Payments in cash are not accepted. Specific payment instructions and the school's Flywire payment portal are used for international transactions.
Summary of the key amounts at a glance (examples):
Saint Charles International School teaches Swiss Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 8 to 20.
Curriculum
Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Swiss Programme covers primary through maturité and uses instruction in French, English and German; Primary is taught in English and French, and the Middle School is multilingual in English, French and German. The Swiss Maturité is bilingual French-English and is recognised by the Swiss Confederation, with the school authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. The IB Programme is taught in English, offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction for all subjects and ESL support available. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through 'language islands' where other subjects are taught in additional languages, laying the foundation for bilingual Matura or the IB Diploma Programme.
Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme class of 2025 results: 17% entering a top 25 institution; 1 in 3 graduates joined a top 100 university; 30% were recognised for excellence in their subject areas.
Higher Education Progression
University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students. From the Middle Years Programme, students take part in regular guidance lessons and receive tailored advice on IBDP subject selection in MYP5; in the Diploma Programme, guidance becomes more personalised with one-to-one meetings and university representation is facilitated by the school, supported by a University Library.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to Saint-Charles. The school fosters mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing to help students grow. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates pastoral care; the team is led by Esmond Tweedie, Executive Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Boarding is supported by Head of Boarding José Miquelino, with round-the-clock support, while Antonella Galioto supports day students. A confidential listening ear is available from Paulina Tkaczyk, and an external nurse supports day students. Students' rights are upheld; they can turn to staff with concerns and are cared for in a safe and respectful environment.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Study support and mentoring help students manage their learning. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates care for all students. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is available for students who require language support. Boarding students receive guidance with personal matters, organization, and daily routines, with weekly progress monitoring by the boarding staff and teachers. These measures support students across their academic journey.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
IB programmes are taught in English. English proficiency is emphasized and ESL support is available for students who require it. Language Acquisition includes French and German; Group 2 offers foreign languages from beginner to advanced. From Grade 9, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is taught entirely in English. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature are usually taken in the student's mother tongue, while Group 2 Language Acquisition covers foreign languages from beginner to advanced; English is the language of instruction for most subjects.
Mental Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is central to the mission. Pastoral care nurtures mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team coordinates this care, led by Esmond Tweedie. Boarding staff provide 24/7 support; a confidential listening ear from Paulina Tkaczyk and a nurse are available to support health needs. Students' rights ensure safety, care, respect, privacy, and a voice to raise concerns.
Safeguarding
A designated safeguarding lead oversees safeguarding within the Wellbeing Team. Boarding staff provide round-the-clock protection and support for students. Students' rights protect privacy and ensure a voice to raise concerns. The school upholds the rights of the child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Staff are available to discuss safeguarding concerns and to provide support.
Admissions
Admissions
Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present. The parents complete the enrolment application and send it to the secretariat and pay the enrolment fee, after which enrolment is confirmed. For primary school, motivation to learn in a multilingual environment is sought; for secondary school, candidates must pass entrance tests in French, Math, and German. Saint-Charles offers two high school streams, one in French and one bilingual French-English, both recognised by Swiss educational authorities. Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the school secretary. The admission process includes providing documents (school reports for the last two years, a letter of recommendation, and a color scan of the passport), an interview and admissions testing, and language assessments (IB Diploma: English Proficiency; Swiss Matura: English and French Proficiency) plus a Maths assessment. The Head of Admissions reviews applications and responds in roughly 10 days. Possible outcomes are admittance with a welcome package and visa procedures; provisional acceptance after a language-study period; waitlist; or non-acceptance.
Scholarships
A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.
Waitlist
Waitlist: if there is no space in the desired program, a place on the waitlist may be offered until space becomes available.
FAQs
What curriculum does Saint Charles International School offer?
Saint Charles International School offers IB, French, International Baccalaureate curriculums. Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.
What age range does Saint Charles International School cater for?
Saint Charles International School accepts students from age 8 to 18. Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.
What are the fees at Saint Charles International School?
**Admission & Application Fees:** - Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable). **Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents):** Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount.
Where is Saint Charles International School located?
Saint Charles International School is located in Switzerland. Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train.
Is Saint Charles International School co-educational?
Saint Charles International School is a co-educational, co-educational (boarding) school. The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.
How do I apply to Saint Charles International School?
The admissions process at Saint Charles International School: Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present.
Does Saint Charles International School offer scholarships or financial aid?
Saint Charles International School offers scholarships and financial aid. A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.
Does Saint Charles International School offer boarding?
Saint-Charles offers 5-day boarding and 7-day boarding. Two separate boarding houses accommodate up to 70 students, each supervised by a dedicated staff team.
What learning support does Saint Charles International School provide?
Saint Charles International School provides learning support services. Study support and mentoring help students manage their learning. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates care for all students. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is available for students who require language support.
Does Saint Charles International School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
IB programmes are taught in English. English proficiency is emphasized and ESL support is available for students who require it. Language Acquisition includes French and German; Group 2 offers foreign languages from beginner to advanced.
What facilities does Saint Charles International School have?
The school has on-campus facilities including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The on-campus dining hall serves meals with vegetarian options; day students have lunch at Charly's Corner and boarders are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining Sports facilities include: Saint-Charles has on-campus highlights including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Saint Charles International School?
Saint Charles International School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Arts and Performance nurture creativity and self-expression through Ballet, Dance (Hip-hop/Modern), Drama, Music, and Photography. Students develop performance and technical skills and can showcase their work in school productions and exhibitions.
What languages are taught at Saint Charles International School?
French is the main language of instruction. The lycée teaches French, English, German, Italian and Spanish, with German prioritized as a national language. The International Baccalaureate is taught in English in the International Section. The school offers a bilingual French-English Maturité in the Lycée.
Who is the head of Saint Charles International School?
The head of school at Saint Charles International School is Esmond Tweedie.
How many students attend Saint Charles International School?
Saint Charles International School has approximately 150 students. The school serves students from age 8 to 18.
When was Saint Charles International School founded?
Saint Charles International School was founded in 1897. Saint-Charles International School was founded in 1897 by Ernest Daucourt as a Catholic boarding school, known as the Catholic Institute.
Where do graduates of Saint Charles International School go to university?
University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students.
Does Saint Charles International School have a uniform policy?
A sports uniform is provided for boarders, consisting of a t-shirt and leggings or jogging pants.
What is the parent community like at Saint Charles International School?
Life at Saint-Charles extends far beyond the classroom, with a supportive community where learning, wellbeing, and personal growth go hand in hand.
