An interview with Anne-Laure Mathieu, Head of the École Saint Dominique Savio in Lausanne

Nestled in the heart of Lausanne, in a lush and nurturing environment, the École Saint Dominique Savio is a French private school that embodies a demanding, humane, and modern vision of education. Anne-Laure Mathieu, the school's head, answers questions frequently asked by parents and shares what makes this school a beacon of educational excellence and an ideal choice for families.

Could you introduce École Saint Dominique Savio to us?

Of course! École Saint Dominique Savio is a French international private school located in Lausanne. It welcomes children aged from 18 months to 8 years, covering the period from nursery through to the early years of primary school. It’s a small-scale, family-oriented institution, with very small class sizes — never more than 10 pupils per teacher — which allows us to offer genuinely personalised support. Our goal is clear: to establish strong foundations in the core skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic within a framework that is both demanding and nurturing.

What sets your teaching approach apart from other private schools in Lausanne?

Our pedagogy is built on three pillars: academic rigour, individual attention, and openness to nature and culture. We use highly structured learning methods: phonics-based reading, the Fransya method for writing, and the Singapore method for mathematics. These are well-established approaches that ensure a deep and lasting acquisition of skills.

But beyond the methodology, what truly sets us apart is the quality of our teaching team — passionate, experienced, and stable — and the exceptional learning environment. The school is located on more than 2000 m² of land in the Montchoisi district. We have bright, spacious classrooms, a pedagogical garden, a forest classroom, and many outdoor learning opportunities. Contact with nature is a fundamental part of our educational approach.

You mentioned personalised teaching. What does that actually mean for your pupils?

It means that every child is seen, known, and recognised. Thanks to our small class sizes, we can closely monitor each pupil’s progress and adapt our pace and methods as needed. Some children are well ahead; others need more time to internalise new knowledge. For us, neither situation poses a problem. Support is continuous, assessments are regular yet kind, and we work in close collaboration with families.

Speaking of families, what role do they play in school life?

A central one. This is another reason why Saint Dominique Savio is an ideal school for families. We deeply believe in co-education: parents and teachers working together as partners. Communication is smooth, straightforward, and open. We regularly organise opportunities to connect — educational talks, school celebrations, morning rituals — and of course, we offer after-school care until 6:30 pm to support working parents. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Children are genuinely happy to come to school — and it shows.

What options are available after completing a programme at Saint Dominique Savio?

Our pupils are well prepared to enter the Lycée Français de Lausanne with ease, but they can also transition smoothly into the Swiss public school system, especially at Cycle 1 level. Our curriculum follows the standards of the French National Education system while also taking into account the specificities of the local educational landscape. This dual perspective is very appealing to many expatriate and bicultural families.

How would you describe the spirit of the school in a few words?

It’s a French private school that embodies educational excellence on a human scale. A school that values quality over quantity. A school that places its trust in children while providing them with clear structure and guidance. It’s also a place where children can breathe, go outside, observe the natural world, and cultivate their sense of wonder. An ideal school for families who are seeking a solid, structured education — but also one that is joyful, vibrant, and alive.

Any final words for parents who may still be undecided?

I would say: come and meet us. Visit the school, observe the children in class, in the forest, in the playground. Listen to them talk about what they’ve learnt. You will discover a French private school that is different — deeply human, and wholeheartedly child-centred. At Saint Dominique Savio, we don’t just prepare children to read, write, and count well. We prepare them to grow, to become themselves, and to build their futures with confidence.