From its foundation to today, ENSR has blended tradition with innovation, adapting to new generations while staying true to its mission of cultivating happy, well-rounded learners.
The Beginning of a New Educational Era
In the late 19th century, a shift in education started in Europe, challenging traditional, authoritarian approaches. A wave of new schools emphasized personal growth, teamwork, respect, and cooperation. It was in this spirit that, in 1906, the ENSR was founded by the visionary couple Monsieur and Madame Vittoz in Lausanne, Switzerland. Their focus? Cultivate not only intellectual knowledge but also hands-on skills, physical activity, and an appreciation for nature—students even tended personal garden plots, an activity that the school still offers today.
Student-Centered Learning
ENSR prioritised individuality and joy in learning, with flexible programmes encouraging curiosity, judgment, and initiative. The motto was clear: “The School is the child’s home; they should feel happy here.” By 1909, student enrollment tripled, leading to the construction of the first dedicated school buildings.
Overcoming Challenges: Wars and Innovation
The school faced many hurdles, including both World Wars and the Spanish flu. Despite these, ENSR adapted by launching a correspondence programme to continue classes during school closures—a bold innovation for the time. The economic turmoil of the 1930s brought its own challenges, yet the school persevered, remaining a pioneer in student welfare.
Traditions and Iconic Events
In the post-war period, under the leadership of Aloys de Marignac, ENSR introduced “The Grand Jeu” in 1948, an adventurous team competition that remains an annual highlight. The school also launched its theatre programme, allowing students to shine on stage, building confidence and camaraderie.
Expanding Horizons
ENSR continued to grow. In the 1970s, the school introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB), in addition to the Swiss Maturity programme, a bold move that paid off by attracting a diverse, global student body. In 1977, a new building dedicated to high school students was completed to meet increasing enrollment.
Milestone Anniversaries and Innovations
The 50th, 75th anniversaries and the centennial of ENSR honoured the school’s legacy by reflecting on its core values — joy in learning, respect, individuality, and the “spirit of ENSR” — values that alumni fondly remember as having shaped them long after their school years. These celebrations highlighted ENSR’s commitment to adapting to changing times while staying true to its foundational principles, marking a memorable milestone in the school’s history.
International Languages
The replacement of French by English as an international language, along with the increasing diversity of students at Ecole Nouvelle, particularly among boarding students, led the educational leadership to introduce English from Kindergarten onwards and to increase the allocation of English teaching time throughout.
Multilingualism has always played an important role at ENSR. Alongside French, English and German students can also opt to learn Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and more.
The 21st Century: Growth and Resilience
The school continued to adapt, introducing a new Kindergarten programme, the Montessori approach, in parallel to the classic Maternelle Nouvelle programme. This led to a demand for additional infrastructure, in the form of new Kindergarten buildings, to meet the needs of young learners.
The school demonstrated its ability to adapt rapidly to online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers transitioned to online classes within days, marking a resilient new chapter for the school. The school’s programme continuously evolves to incorporate the latest developments, such as digital learning, robotics, coding and AI.
Sports and Sustainability in the Spotlight
Sports remain central to ENSR’s philosophy, strengthened in 2021 by a partnership with Swiss Basketball in the form of a sport-study programme. Summer camps and ski camps have long been integral offerings for students, with more recent additions including windsurfing camps and day camps specifically designed for Primary and Kindergarten students.
The school’s younger students engage in hands-on learning through a permaculture gardening programme as well as outdoor learning, bringing ENSR full circle to its roots, connecting mind and body, and preparing students for a balanced future.
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