Aiglon College
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aiglon College is a private British-style college preparatory boarding school in Switzerland attracting many international students. This prestigious institution ranks amongst the world's most expensive and exclusive boarding schools.
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[edit] Background
Aiglon is not, as North American readers might assume, a tertiary level "college", but rather is an exclusive and influential boarding school (in North American usage, preparatory school ) for children aged 9 to 18. Aiglon has a worldwide reputation for providing an exceptionally challenging education. Though it is run under a British-style educational system, its graduates often go on to study at universities in the United States and around the world. Graduating class sizes average at between forty to sixty students.
[edit] Foundation
The school was founded in 1949 by John Corlette, who had previously taught at Gordonstoun, a well-known private school in Scotland.
Aiglon College is located in the Swiss town of Chesières, near Villars-sur-Ollon, 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 approximately 4,300 feet. Prior to Aiglon's arrival, the largest business in town was a hospital for asthmatics, 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, International School of Geneva, Collège du Léman, and Beau Soleil College.
Students are required to do at least two overnight hiking expeditions in the Autumn term, and they must ski at least twice a week during the Winter term. Autumn and Summer terms offer an array of optional activities, including mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing and sky diving.
Albeit a not-for-profit organization, Aiglon is one of the world's most expensive boarding schools. Tuition is around CHF (Swiss Francs) 68,000, which after the addition of others costs, such as uniforms, insurance and other extras, means that the average annual bill per student is around CHF 83,000 per year, or $66,000 U.S[citation needed].
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 strong, with regular reunions around the world including London, England New York, Mumbai and Boston. Many Aiglonians stay in touch long after graduation.
[edit] Notable Alumni
- Sheherazade Goldsmith (née Bentley) (Daughter-in-law of the late Sir James Goldsmith)
- Leka, Crown Prince of Albania
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Children of Film Stars Sophia Lauren and Roger Moore
- Children of Race Car Driver Jackie Stewart
- Laura Harring
- Owner of Piaget's daughter
- Ex-owner of Continental Airlines son
- Owner of Dunlop tyres' daughter
- Pedro Feliciano (Head of Food Supply and official hairdresser of Baby Horse Corp.)
