Our History

Since our founding in 1962, the International School of Lausanne (ISL) has grown from a small pioneering school into one of Switzerland’s leading international schools. Throughout our history, our mission has remained constant: to provide an outstanding education that empowers young people to thrive as confident, caring, and engaged global citizens.

Over six decades, ISL has evolved with the needs of our diverse community. From our earliest days in Lausanne to our state-of-the-art campus at Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, our story is one of growth, inclusivity, and a commitment to innovation.

1962: ISL is founded by Reverend Andrew Wylie, a local church minister deeply committed to community-building, and John Greely, who together—alongside a small group of international families—established the school to serve Lausanne’s English-speaking community.

1963: The school is renamed The Commonwealth-American School and relocates to Pully, welcoming its first 40 students.

1960s: By the 1960s,  enrolment had grown to 96 students representing nine nationalities. Around half were American, with British, Scandinavian, and other families making up the rest. Small class sizes, averaging 14 students, ensured a close-knit atmosphere, while skiing, skating, and swimming quickly became favourite activities.

1970s and 1980s: Through this period, enrolment continued to rise, reaching 136 students. With increasing demand for international education in Lausanne, the school strengthened its curriculum and community, laying the foundations for future growth and recognition.

1990s: ISL strengthens its academic profile, becoming a full  International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offering a continuum of IB programmes.

The school community grows steadily, reflecting Lausanne’s increasingly international population.

2005: ISL moves to its new, purpose-built campus in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne. The modern facilities include spacious classrooms, science laboratories, arts and sports spaces, and outdoor areas designed to inspire learning.

The new campus accommodates a rapidly expanding student body and demonstrates ISL’s long-term commitment to excellence, innovation, and holistic education.

2010s: ISL invests significantly in its campus, enhancing science laboratories, arts spaces, sports facilities, and digital learning resources.

The school continues to grow, welcoming an increasingly diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities.

Curriculum development ensures that ISL remains at the forefront of international education, preparing students for success in universities and careers around the world.

2019: ISL introduces a new logo and visual identity, reflecting both the school’s tradition and its forward-looking vision.

2021: ISL launches its Holiday Camps, offering bilingual (English–French) activities, sports, and creative experiences for children from the wider community. The camps quickly become a popular way to extend ISL’s educational ethos beyond the school year.

2022: ISL launches its neuroscience-informed Bilingual Programme for Years 3–6, using a co-teaching model in English and French to foster biliteracy, metalinguistic awareness, and intercultural understanding.

2024: ISL announces a major expansion of Student Support Services, strengthening provision for additional learning needs, high-potential learners, language support, and wellbeing.

2025: The Impact Hub officially launches, providing cutting-edge facilities, global partnerships, and opportunities for students to participate in international innovation challenges such as The Earth Prize and F1 in Schools.

ISL’s history is one of growth, community, and continuous improvement. Today, with 850 students spanning from over 60 nationalities, we remain dedicated to shaping an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired.

As we look to the future, ISL will continue to strengthen its bilingual pathways, expand student support, and push the boundaries of innovation through the Impact Hub. Our commitment is clear: to nurture lifelong learners who will make a positive difference in the world.