At Brillantmont International School, education is about much more than academic success. It is about nurturing confident, independent thinkers who are prepared not only for university, but for life beyond the classroom.
Founded in 1882, Brillantmont remains proudly family-owned and run. Now in its fifth generation of leadership, the school has preserved the values that have defined it for more than a century: personal attention, strong relationships and a genuine commitment to each student’s development.
This family spirit is felt throughout the campus. Teachers and staff know every student personally, creating an environment where young people feel supported, encouraged and challenged to reach their potential.
A Boutique School with Individual Attention
One of Brillantmont’s greatest strengths is its size. With an average class size of just nine students, and sometimes fewer, each student receives the attention they need to thrive.
This boutique approach allows teachers to truly understand their students: their learning styles, their ambitions and their strengths. It also means lessons are interactive, engaging and tailored to individual progress.
Students follow internationally recognised academic programmes, including A Levels and the American High School Diploma, which open doors to universities around the world. Graduates go on to study at leading institutions across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and beyond.
Developing Independent Thinkers
Academic learning is only one part of the Brillantmont experience. The school places strong emphasis on developing independence, critical thinking and entrepreneurial.
Through a wide range of clubs and activities, students gain valuable soft skills such as leadership, public speaking and teamwork. One of the most popular is the Model United Nations club, where students debate global issues, learn diplomacy and build confidence speaking in public.
Another popular activity is service learning, with multiple opportunities including a house building trip in Asia. These experiences help students develop the mindset and skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Learning Independence in a Safe Environment
Brillantmont’s unique location in the centre of Lausanne also plays an important role in students’ development. Being in the city allows students to gain independence, learn to navigate daily life and explore their surroundings, while still benefiting from the safety and support of a close-knit school community.
At the same time, the school enjoys an exceptional setting: the shores of Lake Léman (often called Lake Geneva) are just ten minutes away, with two school boats ready for action, while the nearby Swiss Alps can be reached in around forty-five minutes.
Brillantmont goes where the snow is best and their students have a minimum of 25 ski days per year in famous resorts like Verbier, Zermatt, Laax. Students truly benefit from the best of all worlds: an inspiring city environment combined with easy access to nature.
It is the ideal balance between freedom and guidance, an environment where students grow both academically and personally.
A Global Summer Experience
Beyond the academic year, Brillantmont also welcomes students from around the world to its Summer Course programme.
Each summer, Brillantmont welcomes students aged 10 to 16 come to Lausanne for a unique experience combining language learning (French or English), a Tech Academy with coding and AI, watersports and general sports, creative activities and excursions across Switzerland.
The programme reflects the same philosophy as the school year: small groups, personalised attention and a supportive international environment.
For many students, it is their first taste of independence abroad and often the beginning of a lasting connection with the school.
A School Where Every Student Matters
What makes Brillantmont truly special is its ability to combine tradition with a forward-looking approach to education. In a world where schools are often large and impersonal, Brillantmont remains a place where every student is known, valued and encouraged to grow.
It is this personal approach, combined with strong academic programmes and a focus on real-world skills, that continues to prepare generations of students for success at university and beyond.
Read our interview with Sarah Frei, Head of Admissions and member of the owning family.