History | About | International Day & Boarding School in Switzerland | Saint-Charles

Historic black and white image of Saint Charles International School

HISTORY

Saint-Charles International School was founded in 1897 by Ernest Daucourt as a catholic boarding school, known simply as the Catholic Institute. Over 125 years later, we welcome young people of all backgrounds, faiths, and all corners of the world.

From its humble beginnings in a single classroom in the Reinach residence, Saint-Charles grew steadily. By 1901, primary and secondary classes were established, and as enrolment increased, the school soon began searching for a larger home.
 

GROWING THROUGH THE YEARS

 

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GROWING THROUGH THE YEARS

The solution came with the former Prince-Bishops’ salt depository, an 18th-century building transformed into classrooms, study spaces, dormitories, and a chapel - many of which continue to serve our students today.

 

GROWING THROUGH THE YEARS

1915
In 1915, under the leadership of Abbot Charles Humair, the institute was renamed the Saint-Charles Institute in honour of Saint Charles, a man known for his dedication to education and his founding of many seminaries, schools and colleges. As the school continued to grow, it became clear that further expansion was needed. In 1915, under the leadership of Abbot Charles Humair, the institute was renamed the Saint-Charles Institute in honour of Saint Charles, a man known for his dedication to education and his founding of many seminaries, schools and colleges. As the school continued to grow, it became clear that further expansion was needed. 
1918
In 1918 the Institute acquired neighbouring watchmaking and gilding workshops, converting them into further classrooms and facilities.
1925
By 1925, the school adopted the name Collège Saint-Charles and constructed a new section, increasing capacity to 300 students.
1939
From 1939 to 1977, an agreement with Saint-Maurice in the canton of Valais enabled our final-year students to complete their baccalaureate there. 
1975
In 1975, we welcomed our first female students through the opening of a new girls’ school. Just three years later, in 1978, the school was authorised to award its own high school diplomas.
1980
The 1980s and 1990s saw steady development, with new facilities and campus renovations enhancing student life. In 1991, history was made when Josiane Pourchet became the first female rector of Saint-Charles.
2000

The early 2000’s saw further innovation, with the establishment of an immersive German curriculum at the primary school, the opening of a new boys’ boarding facility, and the addition of a new library and IT facilities. In 2020, Saint-Charles International School became a recognised IB World School, allowing the school to offer the International Baccalaureate alongside its Swiss programmes.

Today, nearly 250 students study at Saint-Charles – embracing its heritage and being inspired by its history. Over 8,000 alumni around the world carry forward the humanistic spirit of Saint-Charles, ensuring it continues to flourish far beyond our campus grounds.

WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER IS MORE THAN A PLACE — IT’S A SHARED SPIRIT

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