Beyond the Scores – Life, Community, and Growth at Collège du Léman

In our previous article, we proudly celebrated the outstanding results of our Maturité Suisse students in the winter 2025 session of the Federal Maturité in Suisse Romande — with three CDL students achieving over 120 points, including the highest score of the entire session. These exceptional results highlight the dedication and excellence of our francophone promotion class, whose hard work and perseverance led to a truly historic achievement.

Now, we invite you to go beyond the scores and discover what makes this success possible — a closer look at the people, programmes, and values that define life at CDL. For years, Collège du Léman has reinforced its commitment to high-quality education and outstanding pedagogical support. But what truly sets our school apart is the community spirit, personal support, and nurturing environment that help students thrive throughout their journey.

 
"When I arrived at CDL, I immediately felt something different. The environment was warm, and the students were welcoming. I had never experienced such a strong sense of community before. It was love at first sight." 
— Alexander, Maturité student at CDL and top scorer in the 2025 Federal Maturitéwith 122 points.
 
This welcoming environment is key to CDL’s philosophy, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds feel included and motivated to excel. 
 
Victoria’s story also embodies our commitment to internationalism and academic excellence, highlighting the unique blend of cultural diversity and personalised education that the school offers. Coming from the United States and joining CDL in the last year of Pre-school, Victoria has been part of our community for 13 years. She embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a new environment, learning alongside peers from over 120 nationalities. This experience broadened her perspective, nurtured her global mindset, and enriched her academic journey. 
 
"I was able to meet people from all over the world, which was a very enriching experience. Being in such a diverse environment opened my mind to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. It made me more adaptable and helped me grow not just academically but as a person. The friendships I formed here are so special, and the support from both my teachers and classmates made me feel like I truly belonged." 
— Victoria, CDL student. 
 
Victoria’s journey at CDL is captured in a recent video, where she shares more about her experience. From her early days adjusting to a new learning environment to finding her passion and building lifelong skills, she speaks candidly about how CDL shaped her into a confident, curious, and capable learner. 

The strength of our community 
 
The strong sense of belonging at CDL allows students to thrive. The friendships formed, the support from teachers, and the encouragement from peers create an atmosphere where every student feels valued and motivated to give their best. 
 
"At CDL, we are like a family. During exam periods, everyone comes together, we study in groups, we explain things to each other, and we push one another to do better. That sense of teamwork and encouragement is really special." 
— Alexander. 
 
"What makes CDL unique is that students genuinely care about each other’s success. They are not just focused on their own achievements; they take the time to support their classmates, to help those who may be struggling, and to celebrate each other’s victories. It is a true community of learning and respect." 
— Emmanuel Coigny, Executive Principal, Secondary. 

Our Maturité final-year class at Collège du Léman.
On the right: Emmanuel Coigny, Executive Principal, Secondary.
Top row, second from the left: Alexander. Bottom row, second from the left: Victoria. 

A francophone anchor in an international school 
 
One of CDL’s defining strengths is how it provides a strong francophone academic pathway within a truly global school. While students benefit from a bilingual education, they also find a close-knit francophone community that fosters personal connections and a strong sense of identity. 
 
"CDL allowed me to grow in a bilingual environment while still feeling part of a strong francophone community. I loved that I could pursue my studies in both French and English while being surrounded by teachers and classmates who shared my culture and background. That made my learning experience even more valuable." 
— Alexander. 
 
Our francophone section is like a small school within a larger international setting, ensuring that students receive personalised support while still benefiting from the richness of a multicultural education. 
"Our francophone students enjoy the best of both worlds — academic rigour in their native language while also being exposed to international perspectives and the English-speaking world. This balance gives them an advantage as they move forward in higher education and beyond." 
— Emmanuel Coigny. 

A unique pathway for each student, encouraging them to give the best of themselves 
 
At CDL, we believe that each student has their own strengths, ambitions, and potential. Our role is to help them uncover and develop these qualities to their fullest. 
 
"Thanks to the academic rigour and the encouragement I received, I now plan to study computer science and communication systems at EPFL. I’m still unsure whether I want to go into research or work in the industry, but I know I have the right foundation to explore all possibilities." 
— Alexander. 
 
He reflects on how CDL prepared him for this next step: 
"CDL didn’t just give me knowledge—it taught me how to think, how to work with others, and how to adapt. Whether it was in robotics, sports, or music, I learned to approach challenges with resilience and creativity. Those are the skills that will stay with me forever." 
"It also gives you the motivation to push yourself, to go further, to test your limits. How far can I go? Have I reached my full potential, or can I go beyond?" 

Beyond the classroom: where soft and academic skills meet 

Beyond academics, our school offers one of the largest selections of extracurricular activities, with more than 100 options available. This extensive range reflects our strong belief in a holistic approach to education, nurturing talents and helping students develop the complementary soft skills that enhance their academic achievements. 

Robotics: Fostering innovation, resilience, and future-readiness 

For Alexander, the robotics club was instrumental in shaping his future aspirations: 
"Robotics was a turning point for me. When you program a robot, you have to think logically, but at the same time, you need creativity to solve unexpected issues. It made me realise that I love working through complex problems and finding solutions. It’s what led me to choose computer science and communication systems at EPFL." 
Through robotics, students not only develop technical knowledge but also learn essential problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability skills. 
"It’s not just about knowing formulas or memorising theories. In robotics, you actually apply knowledge, work as a team, and develop patience. The process of trial and error teaches resilience, and that’s a skill that I know will help me in university and beyond." 

How sport shapes student growth 

CDL encourages students to engage beyond the classroom, developing their passions and leadership skills through a wide range of extracurricular activities. Respect, teamwork, and perseverance are key values that students learn in these environments, reinforcing the school’s philosophy of holistic education. 
"Rugby at CDL was an amazing experience. It’s a sport that demands discipline and teamwork. You have to respect your teammates and opponents, communicate effectively, and push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of. The camaraderie on the field mirrored the strong support system at school, and I’ll always carry those lessons with me." 
— Alexander.
 
Musical moments that stay with you 

Beyond sports, music also became a powerful outlet for Alexander, connecting him with the CDL community: 
"I performed at last year’s graduation ceremony, and it was such a joyful moment. Music at CDL brings people together, and it’s one of those experiences that make school life truly special. Performing in front of my classmates, feeling that collective energy—it’s something I’ll never forget." 
Whether in the classroom, on the rugby field, or on stage, students at CDL learn to respect one another, collaborate, and strive for excellence in everything they do. 

 Proud of our CDL community

We are proud of all our students — not only for their outstanding academic results, but for the passion, resilience, and spirit they bring to our community every day. The CDL experience is not just about success in exams — it’s about shaping the whole person, preparing each student to thrive in a changing world. 

In this article, we've taken you behind the scenes of life at Collège du Léman — from trusted teacher relationships to the friendships, passions, and values that shape our students every day. But to fully appreciate the impact of this unique environment, we invite you to discover what these students have achieved. 

Don’t miss our article on the remarkable 2025 Maturité Suisse results that made history at CDL — including three of the top four scores in Suisse Romande and a record-breaking 122 points. Behind those numbers are the very students whose voices and journeys you’ve just discovered. 
Read it now and see how academic excellence and a thriving school community go hand in hand at Collège du Léman.