Institut International de Lancy is a leading international school in Geneva balancing academic excellence with citizenship. We have a child-focused approach to learning that combines creativity with critical thinking and encourages collaboration alongside autonomy.
Our school welcomes students from nursery school through secondary education, preparing them for major certifications, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE, French National Brevet Diploma and French Baccalaureate. Our unique language policy brings natural learning of English into the French section and that of French into the English section, building linguistic and cultural bridges throughout the school.
We are committed to promoting a plurilingual and international learning environment. Joining IIL is a chance for students to connect with a diverse, global community and to encounter a rich array of cultures and languages. From Early Years to the end of Secondary school, students follow an innovative linguistic pedagogy based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, allowing them to achieve a high level of proficiency in several languages.
We have the pleasure of welcoming more than 1,400 students, of multiple nationalities and varied academic backgrounds. We are committed to supporting each student to fulfill their academic potential and be the best person that they can be.
Monique Roiné
Director General
| Number of students |
+1500 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
+90 |
| Most common nationality |
French |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
22% out of the 1420 IIL students are Swiss. |
| Native English and French speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and French |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish |
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
In 2011, IIL became the first Swiss school to introduce a one-to-one iPad programme. Since then, we strive to be at the forefront of innovative and appropriate digital learning technologies integrated into every class. Using the latest digital learning tools and software, we encourage both teachers and students to participate in the development and improvement of education as a whole. Technology is integrated into the learning at IIL including digital art classes and specific coding lessons. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Given our integrated digital learning approach, IIL was prepared to face the Covid-19 crisis and extend learning in the homes of our students. Using a variety of digital resources and intensive staff training, each section of IIL was able to adapt to extending Distance Learning at home. The most important lesson we can underline from this period has been the critical importance of collaboration, communication and adaptability of the entire IIL community highlighting staff, students and parents. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Religious education is not mandatory.
|
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
At IIL all religious and cultures are welcome, they are part of our international community. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE, IB Diploma, French Baccalaureate, and French National Brevet Diploma
|
| Results in these examinations |
100% pass rate |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Estimated homework time is between 30 - 40 minutes. IIL students have the possibility of completing their homework in the classroom after the school day from 15h30 - 16h20. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% of those who wish to follow that direction. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
Admission to the Institut International de Lancy is based on specific criteria relating to the academic path of the child, however, our mission aims to welcome and accompany students on their educational journey. Educational equity for all our students is among our priorities.
|
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Differentiation, extra work or the establishment of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are some of the measures taken to support gifted students. Other than this, IIL is now an AFEC (Athlete Friendly Education Centre) accredited school by the World Academy of Sport. Our students have the opportunity to access the World Sports Academy's educational resources and its network of Olympians. In addition, our elite athletes now have the opportunity to study for their International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in three years instead of two, giving them greater flexibility in their timetable. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, we can refer families towards the appropriate medical or mental health support. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
No |
| Waiting list |
Waiting lists may depend on a specific year and a specific grade |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
As an international school, we recognize that families may have to move to new cities at any point during the year. Our registration is open all year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:10 |
| School finish time |
From 15:20-18:00 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Students wear uniforms in Early Years (pre-school) and Primary school. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Chess, football (soccer), gymnastics, uni-hockey, table tennis, basketball, netball, cricket, racket sports, yoga, sophrology, climbing, judo, guitar, piano, violin, cello, flute, introduction to music, make music on the iPad, ballet, flamenco, jazz hop, tap dancing, performing arts, coding, visual arts, media, drones, sewing, debate club, creative writing, drama, writers’ club, German theater workshop, English reading club, photography club, design technology club, French reading club, scale model making. Languages: Italian, Spanish, Gernan, Turkish, Arabic. |
| Sports activities included |
Horse riding
|
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, local, regional, national and international. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, S.T.E.A.M. Lab (open, creative space, where science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts weave together to give life to innovative ideas) |
| Sports facilities at the school |
2 full sports centres including basketball, netball and indoor football courts as well as a climbing wall. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Institut International de Lancy (IIL) is an international school balancing academic achievement with citizenship. We have a child-focused approach to learning that combines creativity with critical thinking and encourages collaboration alongside autonomy. Our close-knit community is at the heart of IIL, with students, staff and parents connecting to support each child’s unique potential – building a foundation that will support them for life. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
IIL combines a successful academic model, based on official French and English curricula, with an innovative pedagogy that encourages personal development, cultural enrichment and international exposure for each student. |
Just a few minutes from the centre of Geneva, the IIL campus offers an environment conducive to learning and personal development. Steeped in history, the campus boasts an abundance of innovative equipment and facilities.
A balance of contemporary, modern facilities with the charm of historic buildings, the IIL campus offers students of all ages dedicated areas for sports, creativity, play and discovery. Our campus is composed of three environmentally friendly main buildings that include solar panels and a “green roof”.
A unique preschool programme created for children aged 3 to 6, Early Years provide a smooth transition from home to school and promotes the early learning of language skills.
The IIL Early Years programme is a warm and nurturing environment that meets the specific needs of children aged 3 to 6. Our French, English and Bilingual programmes provide the foundation for wholesome child development and future learning. Designed with the little ones in mind, the bright and colourful indoor and outdoor Early Years environment brings our three sections together and eases the transition from home to school.
The IIL Primary school provides an ideal environment for children to learn, play and grow. We welcome children aged 6 to 11 in three sections: French, English and Bilingual. Students join an international, multicultural and welcoming community of their peers, supervised by an equally diverse teaching staff.
Structured around an innovative and creative pedagogy, our learning philosophy bridges the inside and outside of the classroom. We place equal emphasis on academic excellence and personal development, nurturing collaboration, critical thinking and other soft skills at every stage. We highly value technological literacy and give pupils the necessary tools and guidance to grow into responsible digital citizens. Outside the classroom, we encourage students to participate in a wide range of sporting, cultural and social events and activities.
The IIL Secondary school welcomes students aged 11 to 19 in two sections. Our French section follows the French national curriculum, leading to the French National Brevet Diploma (diplôme national du brevet) and Baccalaureate. The English section follows the British national curriculum in preparation for the Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Secondary school is a critical time for young people, representing an important transition that can open many doors to their future. At IIL, we help prepare students for academic diplomas and guide and support them in their social and emotional development. Through various local and international initiatives, we actively engage our students in global issues and charitable projects.