The Real Questions to Ask the La Garenne Admissions Team and Why Your Instincts Matter More Than Marketing

When your child is accepted into a boarding school like La Garenne, it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. But let me tell you something — the journey starts long before that acceptance letter. It begins in the quiet moments when you sit across from the admissions officer, trying to figure out if this place will truly understand your child. Honestly, I’ve been there. My son has been living in a Swiss boarding school for two years now, and I can tell you, the questions you ask matter more than you think.

What They Don’t Show in the Brochure

The glossy photos make everything look perfect. The students laughing in the dining hall, the pristine classrooms, the mountain views that could be from a postcard. What they don’t show you is the 6 a.m. wake-up call when your child is homesick for the third night in a row. Or the way the house parent sits quietly by your child’s bed, just in case they need comfort. Boarding school isn’t a vacation — it’s a second home, and that’s both beautiful and terrifying.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before we made the leap. This isn’t just about academics. It’s about who your child becomes when they’re finally free to explore who they are without the weight of everyday expectations. But — and this is a big but — it comes with its own set of challenges. The transition isn’t smooth, and that’s okay. What matters is whether the school is prepared to meet your child where they are, not where they think they should be.

The Real Questions That Matter

Let’s cut through the noise. When you’re sitting in that admissions interview, here are the questions I’d recommend asking — not because they sound impressive, but because they’ll actually help you understand if this is right for your child.

• How do you handle a child who’s struggling emotionally? Not academically — emotionally. What does the process look like?
• Can I speak with a house parent or a parent of someone currently attending?
• What happens during the weekends? Are students allowed to call home?
• How involved are teachers in student life beyond the classroom?
• What support is available for children who are an only child or from a small family?

I remember asking the second question. The admissions officer hesitated for a moment — which made me nervous. But then she said, “Of course, we encourage open dialogue.” And that gave me hope. Because if they’re not willing to let you talk to families, how can you really know what it’s like?

Daily Life: More Than You Expect

Let me paint you a picture of a typical day at a boarding school, because once you understand the rhythm, you start to see why the right questions matter so much.

Morning comes early. 6:30 a.m. is standard. Students are expected to be up, showered, and in the common room by 7. Breakfast is served cafeteria-style, and yes, someone always sits with the new kids. Classes run until lunch, then there’s a break — sometimes outside, weather permitting. After school, there’s homework time, supervised by teachers or older students. Then comes activities: debate club, orchestra, or in my son’s case, alpine hiking. Dinner is in the evening, and lights are out by 10 or 10:30, depending on age.

And here’s the thing — the structure is comforting in its consistency, but it’s also isolating. When my son came home for Christmas, he couldn’t believe how loud the house was. He had forgotten what silence felt like. That hit me right in the chest.

Why Your Instincts Matter More Than Their Marketing

Look, I’m not saying La Garenne isn’t a great school. I’m saying trust your gut. The admissions team will tell you what they want you to hear. But you know what your child needs. Maybe they need more structure. Maybe they need someone to advocate for them when the system feels cold.

When we first visited, I left feeling... nothing. Just a vague sense that this wasn’t the place. But I went back with my son, and suddenly, everything clicked. He met a kid from his country, and they bonded over shared food and stories. That’s when I realized — it’s not about the school. It’s about the fit.

So ask the hard questions. Ask about the times they failed a student or struggled to find the right support. Ask what happens when a child regresses instead of grows. Because boarding school isn’t just a place of learning — it’s where your child learns to navigate the world on their own. And that’s terrifying. But also necessary.

If you’re considering boarding school, take a breath. You’re not just choosing a school. You’re choosing a future. And that future deserves to be chosen with honesty, love, and a whole lot of questions.