Still not sure? Here are the answers to the questions families ask us most often before taking the plunge:
Part 1: Admission and Student Profiles
1. My Child Does Not Have Access to Public Bridging Classes Because of Their Results. Can They Apply to École Vinet?
Yes. Admission requirements at École Vinet are not the same as in state schools. Each application is reviewed individually, with a human and supportive approach. The admission interview helps us better understand the student's background, needs, and goals. Smaller class sizes allow the teaching team to devote more time to each student and support them in reaching their best level.
2. My Child Finds Schoolwork Easy or Is Gifted (HPI). Is Vinet a Good Fit?
Yes, absolutely.
École Vinet welcomes students with a wide range of profiles, including children who find schoolwork easy or who are gifted (HPI).
Our teachers are experienced in supporting students with specific needs and pay close attention to each child's pace, motivation, and wellbeing.
Small class sizes allow for individualised monitoring and close attention to each student. This lets us adapt the curriculum, go deeper into certain subjects, or offer additional stimulation when a child needs it.
Our goal is for every student to grow in an environment that is demanding, supportive, and stimulating in equal measure, so they can develop their full potential.
3. My Child Has Specific Needs (ADHD, Learning Difficulties). Can the School Adapt?
Yes. École Vinet welcomes students with a wide range of profiles, including students with ADHD or learning difficulties. Small class sizes (18 students maximum) allow for close monitoring and sustained attention from each teacher. The school's teaching approach combines high standards with genuine care, using concrete tools to support each student at their own pace.
4. Can a Non-French-Speaking Student Attend School at Vinet?
Yes. The teaching team supports non-French-speaking students so that they can integrate and follow the Vaud curriculum in the best possible conditions. This support is part of the school's overall approach, which is attentive to each individual situation.L'équipe pédagogique accompagne les élèves non francophones, pour qu'ils puissent s'intégrer et suivre le cursus vaudois dans les meilleures conditions. Cet accompagnement fait partie de l'approche globale de l'école, attentive à chaque situation particulière.
5. Can a Student Coming from Another School System Join École Vinet?
Yes. We put personalised support in place to help these students reach the expected level in subjects specific to our school, such as German or the options specific to the pre-gymnasium track (VP). An assessment is carried out on entry to identify any needs and adapt support accordingly.
Would you like to find out more about the admission process at École Vinet? Discover our Admissions Process page.
6. What Happens During the Admission Interview, and How Should We Prepare?
The admission interview is an opportunity for the school to get to know the student and the family, and to understand their background, needs, and goals. It is a conversation, not a formal exam. Families are welcome to bring the student’s previous school reports and any documents they feel are useful to the discussion. Would you like to find out more about the admission process at École Vinet? Discover our Admissions Process page.
Part 2: Daily Life at the School
1. What Time Can Students Arrive in the Morning? Is There After-School Supervision?
Students arrive in the morning by 8:05 a.m. at the latest, and lessons start at 8:15 a.m. Students who wish to stay at the end of the day to finish their homework may do so until 5:25 p.m., under supervision.
2. Is There a Canteen?
Yes. École Vinet has a dining hall for the midday meal. Students can either have a meal provided by the Croq'Midi service, or bring their own food (a sandwich or a packed lunch to heat up). Microwaves are available on site, with a supervisor present to look after the students.
3. Does the School Offer Extracurricular Activities?
During the lunch break, students can take part in group activities such as chess, competitions, board games, and other activities, always under supervision.
At the end of the day, once lessons are over, students can join supervised homework sessions in the classrooms until 5:25 p.m.
4. Does the School Organise Outings?
Yes, the school offers a number of activities and outings throughout the year.
Class outings are organised during the school year, along with whole-school outings at the start of the year and at Christmas.
Internal competitions are also held, along with social events such as bowling or pizza outings.
Finally, a study trip is organised at the end of the school year.
Part 3: Fees and Financial Matters
1. Are Tuition Fees Tax-Deductible?
As a general rule, tuition fees are not tax-deductible. However, in certain specific cases, for example when a student is enrolled in a private school because of documented difficulties at another school, a deduction may sometimes be considered, at the discretion of the tax authorities. In some cases, supervision and canteen costs may also be deductible.
2. Do the Fees Include School Materials and Activities?
Yes. The fees include tuition as well as additional costs covering activities, school trips, and various school services. Students remain responsible for their own personal supplies, such as notebooks, binders, pens, a school bag, and other school materials.
3. How Are Mid-Year Enrolments Handled?
École Vinet accepts mid-year enrolments, subject to availability. Each request is handled individually. We recommend contacting us directly to check availability and arrange an interview.
Would you like to find out more about our tuition fees at École Vinet? Discover our Tuition & Fees page.
4. Is École Vinet a Fee-Paying School?
Yes. École Vinet is a private, fee-paying school, run as a non-profit association. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s level and programme, and reflect the resources required to provide high-quality education. Would you like to find out more about our tuition fees at École Vinet? Discover our Tuition & Fees page.
Part 4: Teaching and Outcomes
1. How Is My Child's Progress Monitored?
Every child is closely monitored, in an environment that is both demanding and supportive. Small class sizes allow teachers to get to know each student well, stay attentive to their progress, and adjust their support if needed. This is not a bespoke programme, but genuine, individual attention for every student.
For more details, discover our Academic Support page.
2. What Is the Class Size at École Vinet?
Classes have a maximum of 18 students. This is a deliberate choice: smaller class sizes mean teachers are genuinely available, get to know each student well, and can offer personalised, attentive support while maintaining a class pace that works for everyone.
3. How Does the School Prepare Students for What Comes Next (Gymnasium, Apprenticeship...)?
École Vinet guides its students towards the different pathways open to them after compulsory schooling: gymnasium (Matura or general culture track), apprenticeship, business school, or pre-apprenticeship. Career and academic guidance is built into the pathway, helping each student build a realistic and motivating plan.
Would you like to find out more about teaching at École Vinet? Discover our Teaching Approach page.
4. What Is 9H Harmos, and How Does It Match the Vaud School System?
Harmos is the grade-numbering system used across Switzerland, allowing pathways to be compared between cantons. At École Vinet, the years of the pre-gymnasium track (VP) and the general track (VG) correspond to grades 9H, 10H, and 11H in the Harmos system, the final stage of compulsory education in the Canton de Vaud. Would you like to find out more about choosing between VP and VG? Discover our Academic Guidance page.
5. What Certificate Does My Child Receive at the End of Compulsory Schooling?
At the end of compulsory schooling, students receive a certificate recognised in the Canton de Vaud, attesting to their pathway and results. This document supports students in their next steps, whether towards the gymnase, an apprenticeship, or a business school.
Part 5: About the School
1. Is École Vinet Recognised by the Canton de Vaud?
Yes. École Vinet operates within the framework set by the Canton de Vaud’s Law on Compulsory Education (LEO), and its admission process and programmes are aligned with this cantonal framework. This is part of the school’s overall approach, attentive to each family’s situation.
