John F. Kennedy International School

John F. Kennedy International School is located in the German part of Switzerland, in one of the most beautiful mountain villages of Saanen. It is only 3 km away. from the world famous resort of Gstaad.

The school was founded in 1949. The school's mission is to develop the academic skills, hard work and perseverance needed for further studies in high school. The school has 95 students (ages 2.5 to 14 years), representing more than 22 different countries.

There is a cozy, friendly and almost family atmosphere here. Classes – small sizes. School staff take an individual approach to each child and surround him with care and attention.

Director (for 2024)

Henry Bear, education - Collède du Léman; St. Mary's University (specialty - architecture); Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne; EIG Geneve (specialty - architecture).

Key factors

• Students are divided into 5 classes of 8-14 people each.
• Classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers – people from English-speaking countries
• The school is a member of the European Council of International Schools, the Swiss Association of Private Schools, and is accredited by the Department of Education of the Canton of Bern.
• Teaching is conducted in English. The academic year is divided into 3 terms.
• Strong academic program based on the Cambridge curriculum.

Equipment

The school grounds include 5 traditional chalets (houses for living, classrooms), a playing field, a basketball court, and a climbing wall. Within walking distance from the school there are ski lifts, two modern gyms, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, tennis courts, parks, and a music school. You can also go horseback riding. The school has a well-stocked library with a volume of 8,000 volumes, a large number of computers with educational programs, and a video library. 

Program

In secondary school, children study under the IMYC program - International Secondary Education Program. Training is conducted in French and English. Students continue their education in different schools of their choice. Here are some examples of schools in Switzerland where students enroll: Le Rosey, Aiglon College, Beau Soleil, Brillantmont, Collège Champittet, TASIS Lugano and Zuoz. Some examples from UK schools: Welliongon College, Eton College, King Edwards Witley and Cheltenham Ladies. The school has a special collaboration with the Le Rosey school.

Accommodation

Accommodation in a residence for 3-4 people per room. Girls and boys live on different floors. Children are constantly under the supervision of school staff, which guarantees their complete safety.

The residences feature:

• Common recreation areas
• Class rooms
• Kitchen
• Library
• Playing field / garden
• Table tennis
• Table mini football
• Trampoline
• Sports equipment
• Game rooms

Sport

Sports activities: swimming, running, skating, gymnastics, team games, horse riding, tennis, karate, mountaineering, music, ballet, dancing, photography, ceramics, theater. In winter, students actively engage in alpine skiing.

Additional activities

During free time, there are many excursions, hobby classes and sports activities organized. During the year, children make about 20 excursions. School students can attend the following clubs: dance, ceramics, photography, ballet, music, theater.

Cost, 2023-2024

CHF 76,500 - 79,500 (depending on age).

Price included 

• Training
• Accommodation and meals

Additional charge

• Registration fee - CHF 2000
• English as a foreign language classes - CHF 2,500 per semester
• Deposit - CHF 6,000
• Air travel
• Transfers to/from/airport
• Visa
• Educational company services

Impressions from our expmouth from going to school

The extraordinary beauty of nature around, combined with safety, makes this school an ideal place to educate young children! Security systems are installed on the doors of all school buildings that read the fingerprints of children and teachers to ensure that no one else enters. The school is decorated in the style of a traditional Swiss chalet. The rooms are very cozy and bright!

In addition, this is the only school for children under 13 years old that is completely English-language oriented. It should be noted that there are only 21 children in the school’s boarding school. The children are extremely friendly and spend all their free time as a friendly “family”, communicating exclusively in English. And the word “family” is absolutely justified, since Mr. Bill Lovell, who founded the school 40 years ago, is still at the helm of his brainchild, and all his loved ones and relatives sincerely support this “project”, taking an active part in everyone’s life baby!