Primary education
Primary education for early learners starting at age 5
The main objective of primary education is to build a solid academic foundation and teach methods for lifelong learning. In a peaceful and healthy environment, our students are happy to go to school. They are passionate about their studies, becoming autonomous and responsible.
International students integrate our programme through our French immersion course. They have a wonderful opportunity to learn French as a new language and to easily transition into the Swiss education system.
A systematic and traditional approach
We use an active learning approach that respects the learning speed of each child. Students go over a lesson during several weeks; they discover the topic through a hands on approach, then practice and memorize the lesson through oral and written exercices and the use of textbooks.
Official Programme
Complementary to the Swiss public system, our program is taught in French, and emphasizes core subjects, e.g. French, Mathematics, English and German. Chantemerle facilitates the transition to public school at the end of the primary school (8th) or at the end of middle school (11th)-
Learning in autonomy
At Chantemerle, we teach all our students to learn effectively and independently. During accompanied homework periods, students are supervised by teachers as they complete their homework.
Motivation and the pleasure of learning
There is a great sense of calm in the classrooms at Chantemerle. Both children and teachers feel at ease. In a positive atmosphere, students acquire a work methodology and practical skills. They organize their knowledge and develop independence. From this stems motivation and a desire to learn.
Day school: a timetable that facilitates family life
Chantemerle offers full, continuous care from 07h30 to 18h30 that includes class, meals and homework. Extracurricular activities (arts, sport and nature, cultural excursions) are included in the school curriculum. Shuttle transport is available.
Ages
Lower primary (ages 5-7 )
Higher primary (ages 8-10)
Curriculum
French (GS to CM2)
Swiss (3P-8P Harmos)
Accommodation
Boarding school (5 or 7 days)
Day school
Nature & Discovery
Chantemerle’s Nature & Discovery project at Chantemerle offers children the chance to spend two afternoons a month in the forest, all year round and in all weathers, as the seasons change.
Accompanied by a team of professionals, nature becomes a landmark and starting point for sensory and creative exploration and discovery. In this project, children discover the secrets of nature, the elements and the seasons. They create a bond with nature, and learn to respect and appreciate it.
Education through and with nature enables them to acquire and develop skills and competencies such as autonomy, simplicity and self-confidence.
Extracurricular activities
Through sports, visual arts and performing arts, our students have the opportunity to explore new interests, develop social skills and engage in enriching activities outside the school setting:
- Sports: Archery, Swimming, Jiu-jitsu, Running, Tennis, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Winter Sports
- Performing arts : Piano or Cello, Singing, Dancing, drama, circus skills, arts & crafts
- Nature : hiking, fruit picking, outdoor adventure and forest walking
- Cultural visits and excursions
Weekly schedule
Programme and approach
Chantemerle offers a comprehensive and internationally recognized curriculum. Our program is primarily taught in French and meets the requirements of the Plan d’Etude Romand.
Our pedagogical approach emphasizes essential knowledge and methods to learn independently and with confidence. In the primary section, students develop their capacity for reasoning and intellectual reflection. Mathematics and French are taught on a daily basis. English and German are taught by immersion in an intensive manner at all levels. Science is taught in a practical way through observation and questioning. Artistic creativity is stimulated in all its forms: visual, musical and performing arts.
At the end of primary school (CM2, 8P Harmos), students can return to the public system (through the cantonal exams, ECR) or continue their secondary education in the private system and prepare for the end of secondary school exams.
