We have been living in Vaud for 5 years now, and are selecting schools for my 3-year old daughter. She goes to a bilingual creche (French / English) and speaks Dutch (me) and Swiss-German (husband) at home.

We have narrowed our choice down to two schools: Champittet (Nyon) and Montolivet (Gland). Montolivet is French/German and Champittet French/English, both schools offer other languages from age 9 as well. We have visited the schools, but Iwould love to hear real experiences.

Especially the bi-lingual programmes and afterschool programmes interest us as both my husband an I work fulltime. I understand that the level of education of both schools is comparable (as are costs).

Does anybody have experience with these schools?
How bi-lingual are the programmes? What is the atmosphere in the schools, what are the afterschool programmes like?

Thank you for sharing,
Fiona

First, if you use the search function, there have been many threads discussing Champittet, especially the many issues of the Nyon campus, attrition, etc. answering most of your questions. I will add a few more words on your specific questions. As I understand, at the enfantine level, the English at Champittet is very minimal, a friend used the words an hour of so a week, at the upper grades I believe it is more, but to what amount I am not sure. There has been a lot of attrition at Champittet, and a lot of students have transferred to Mont Olivet. Be aware that Champittet Nyon only goes up to grade 6, and this has been a issue for many parents, as the school has promised to expand for many years but so far no go, so many have been left empty handed and led astray.

As for Mont Olivet, I don't think there is very much yet on the EF threads, so will add some commentary. Like you said, it is similar to Champittet, in many ways, but with the different languages. Both started as pilot schools in La Cote from the main schools in Lausanne region. With growing a new school, I believe Mont Olivet has handled it much better, they have a permanent establishment with proper facilities and ensure students can continue to the swiss maturity in La Cote. The german language is taught in at enfantine level with 3 half days a week, increasing at the primary levels. As for afterschool and the extracurriculars, there is a what I would describe as a robust programme. Dance, judo, chess, music, theater, arts& crafts, etc. A different variety of activities is offered depending on the year/age, with some taking place during the lunch break as well. At the level of 1ere primaire, there is the option to have after school help with the homework as well, this continues for the grades above. If I had a choice, I would definitely prefer Mont Olivet over Champittet.

Runningdeer. Thanks for your reply. I have indeed looked at the other threads and have information from both schools, but hearing your opinion on both schools is certainly helpful.