A Swiss Boarding School Experience: More Than Academics
ENSR offers a Swiss boarding school experience in Lausanne that goes beyond academics. Rooted in a long-standing educational philosophy, the school combines rigorous academic pathways (Swiss maturité or International Baccalaureate), a multilingual environment, and a supportive boarding structure that prioritises student wellbeing, independence, and personal growth.
Is Ecole Nouvelle a boarding school in Lausanne? Yes. Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR) in Lausanne offers a boarding program for students aged 12 to 19, within an international school community. For many families, choosing ENSR is an investment in stability, personal growth, and a future-ready education shaped by internationalism, multilingualism, and holistic development.
Switzerland’s reputation for high-quality private education has been built over more than a century. Drawing from the strengths of Anglo-American, French, and German educational traditions, Swiss boarding schools offer a balanced approach that nurtures intellectual, physical, and emotional growth in equal measure. At Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR), this philosophy is not a trend; it is part of the school’s identity.
At the heart of ENSR is a strong individual focus: each student’s personality and potential are carefully developed through close collaboration between teachers and students, ensuring a supportive, structured, and enriching boarding experience.
“The main goal of teaching and upbringing is to reveal the individuality of each child through the competent use of various methods and through cooperation between teachers and students.”
- Janna Novoseltseva, Head of the Boarding School
A ‘New School’ Philosophy Rooted in Innovation
Founded in 1906, ENSR was born out of the “éducation nouvelle” movement: a progressive educational philosophy that championed the comprehensive development of young people. Learning was never meant to be confined to classrooms alone.
Today, this vision remains central to life at ENSR. Academic lessons are complemented by sports, outdoor learning, cultural experiences, and travel, ensuring students develop curiosity, resilience, and independence alongside academic rigour. How many boarding students are at ENSR? The boarding community includes approximately 40 students.
“Traditional academic classes are alternated with sports competitions, trips to nature, and travel. This balance remains essential to how we educate students today.”
- Janna Novoseltseva
Academic Pathways: Swiss maturité or International Baccalaureate
One of the defining strengths of this private school in Lausanne is its dual academic offering. What academic programs are available at ENSR? Students can choose between the Swiss maturité and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
ENSR supports families closely when choosing the most suitable pathway, recognising that each student’s strengths, goals, and learning style are unique.
“We support students and their parents in making this important decision. It is never one-size-fits-all.”
- Janna Novoseltseva
ENSR Swiss boarding school in Lausanne: A Multilingual and International Boarding Environment
Is ENSR multilingual? Yes. French is central, English is introduced early, and students can study additional languages, including German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and others. Multilingualism is embedded in daily life.
Boarding Life: Structure, Care, and Independence
What supports student wellbeing in boarding? Boarding life includes sports facilities (sports hall, gym, outdoor courts), healthy meals guided by sustainable principles, and activities/excursions beyond class time.
Life at this multilingual boarding school is designed to provide structure without rigidity. Boarding students live in a safe, family-like residence, supervised by dedicated staff who ensure academic follow-up, emotional wellbeing, and clear communication with parents.
More Than School: Values That Shape the Future
Beyond academics, ENSR places strong emphasis on values: responsibility, respect, openness, and environmental awareness. Evenings and weekends are filled with cultural outings, sporting activities, and educational excursions across Switzerland, helping students build confidence and independence in real-world settings.
As Janna Novoseltseva notes:
“Education here is about learning to live in harmony, with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.”
For families seeking a boarding school in Switzerland that prioritises both academic excellence and personal development, ENSR offers an experience that truly goes beyond the classroom.
Key Takeaways
- ENSR is a Swiss boarding school in Lausanne within an international school community.
- Students can choose between the Swiss maturité and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- Learning takes place in a multilingual, international environment.
- A small boarding community allows for personalised care and support.
- Boarding life balances academics, well-being, and independence.
FAQ
Is Ecole Nouvelle a boarding school in Lausanne?
Yes. Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR) in Lausanne offers a boarding program for students aged 12 to 19, within an international school community.
How many boarding students are at ENSR?
The boarding community includes approximately 40 students.
What academic programs are available at ENSR?
Students can choose between the Swiss maturité and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Is ENSR multilingual?
Yes. French is central, English is introduced early, and students can study additional languages, including German, Spanish, Italian, and others.
What supports student wellbeing in boarding?
Boarding life includes sports facilities (sports hall, gym, outdoor courts), healthy meals guided by sustainable principles, and activities/excursions beyond class time.