Aiglon College

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Aiglon College is a private British international boarding school in Switzerland. This prestigious institution is one of the world's most expensive and exclusive boarding schools.

1 Background
2 Foundation
3 Philosophy
4 Notable Alumni
5 External links

[edit] Background

Contrary to its name, Aiglon is not a "college", but rather is an exclusive and influential preparatory school for children from First Form (Sixth Grade) through Upper Sixth Form (Twelfth Grade). Aiglon has a worldwide reputation for providing an exceptionally challenging education. Though it is run under a British-style educational system, its graduates go on to study at universities in the United States and around the world. Graduating classes average between forty to sixty students. The Junior School in Aiglon College is comprised of the following forms (or grades): SES (special english section) 1st form, 2nd form.

[edit] Foundation

The school was founded in 1949 by John Corlette, a "just-do-it" sort who decided to start his own school in the Swiss Alps. Corlette had previously taught at the exclusive British prep school, Gordonstoun, alma mater of Prince Charles.

Aiglon College is located in the Swiss town of Chesieres-Villars, in the canton of Vaud. The closest major city is Lausanne. The school is at an elevation of 1,300 meters above sea level, or approx. 4,300 feet. Prior to Aiglon's arrival, the largest business in town was a hospital for athsmatics, for whom the clear, high air was beneficial.

[edit] Philosophy

Aiglon subscribes to a "whole person" philosophy of mind, body, and spirit. The emphasis upon pastoral values, outdoor activity, and British attitude is what distinguishes Aiglon from competitors such as Le Rosey, College Du Leman, and Beau Soleil College.

Students are required to do at least two overnight hiking expeditions in the Autumn term, and they must ski every Monday through Friday during Winter term. Autumn and Summer terms offer an array of optional activities, including mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and sky diving. All children are required to attend a church or a spiritual service of some kind each Sunday, unless they have written permission from their parents not to do so.

Sexual activity is not considered proper with school rules, and offenders face suspension or expulsion. Drug use is absolutely forbidden and results in automatic expulsion.

Albeit a not-for-profit organization, Aiglon is one of the world's, if not, the world's most expensive boarding school. Tuition is around CHF (Swiss Francs) 68,000, which after the addition of others costs (uniforms, insurance, skiing, trips to other countries, and other extras, etc), means that the average annual bill per student to around CHF 100,000 per year, or approximately $81,000 U.S.

The school does offer scholarships and financial support to those with exceptional academic standing, and also regularly enrolls a certain number of "legacies," children whose parents were Aiglonians. The Aiglon alumni network is quite strong, with regular reunions in London, New York, Boston, Moscow, with many Aiglonians staying in touch long after graduation. There is a huge waiting list for those wanting to study in Aiglon since the number of students is very limited. Parents are usually able to enroll their children in Aiglon by providing letters of recommendation of either Aiglon alumni or their parents to the school administration. Aiglon College offers summer schools.