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Daily Routine, House Parents, and Little Things: What We Found Out About Life at Garenne

We’ve all heard the fairy tales about boarding school—stories of grand libraries, sporting triumphs, and lifelong friendships. But what’s it really like? When my family started considering Garenne, I found myself full of questions. Sure, their website shows smiling kids in alpine meadows, but I wanted to know about the tiny details: What happens when your child is homesick? How do they manage screen time? And—let’s be real—does anyone actually enjoy waking up at 7 AM?

Routine or Chaos? The Truth About a Garenne Day

First things first: Garenne’s schedule is surprisingly… normal. No military precision, no constant rush. It’s a rhythm, not a race. Here’s a snapshot of what a day might look like (though, of course, every child’s schedule varies):

TimeActivity
7:00 AMBreakfast in the dining hall (yes, there’s Nutella—but also healthy options).
8:00 AMClasses start (8–12 kids per class, so teachers actually know your child’s name).
12:30 PMLunch, often with outdoor time if the weather’s nice.
3:00 PMSports or arts—horseback riding, skiing, music. No sitting around!
6:30 PMDinner, then homework or free time. Lights out by 10 PM.

Honestly, it’s busier than I’d imagined. But the kids I’ve talked to say the structure feels supportive, not stifling. One parent mentioned her daughter’s grades improved because, without distractions, she actually has time to focus.

Who’s Watching Over Your Child?

This was my biggest concern. At home, I know exactly who’s helping my kid with homework or tending to a scraped knee. How does that work in a boarding school?

Garenne’s “house parents” live on campus and are the heart of the community. They’re not just supervisors—they’re the ones who notice if your child is quieter than usual or who’ll sit down to help with a tricky math problem. One mom told me, “My son calls them ‘Auntie’ and ‘Uncle.’ That’s how we knew he was happy.”

But let’s be honest: no system is perfect. Some kids might miss their parents deeply, and that’s okay. The school’s counselors are trained to help, but it’s still a big adjustment. Maybe ask:

  • How often can my child call home? (At Garenne, it’s flexible—no rigid rules.)
  • What if they struggle with homesickness? (They’ve got a whole team for that.)
  • How do they handle conflicts between kids? (Patience and mediator training.)

The Little Things That Matter

Here’s what no brochure will tell you: Garenne’s kitchen serves pasta on Mondays because, apparently, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The school’s horses have names like “Coco” and “Daisy,” not “Horse #1” and “Horse #2.” The kids actually like the house parents—even the teenagers.

I’ve heard from parents who were shocked by how much their kids grew—not just academically, but in confidence. One dad said, “Our daughter was shy, but now she’s organizing hiking trips for her friends.” Another mom admitted, “I thought I’d miss her terribly, but seeing her thrive… it’s worth it.”

The truth? Boarding school isn’t for every kid. But Garenne’s small size, caring staff, and focus on the whole child make it a special place. The best advice I’ve heard? Visit, talk to the staff, and—most importantly—ask your child what they think. After all, they’re the ones who’ll be living there.

And hey, maybe the 7 AM wake-up calls aren’t so bad when you’re doing it in the Swiss Alps.