Our Story

An Education With Altitude

Verbier International School was founded in 2011 with a simple but ambitious vision: to create a school where academic excellence, personal growth, and outdoor adventure come together in one of the world’s most inspiring environments.

The four founding members: Caspar Schübbe, John Porter, Yves Paternot, and Mark Byrne, were backed by the enthusiasm and financial support of local families, they established the VIS Foundation, ensuring the school’s long-term sustainability and bringing their shared vision to life. What began with just eight students has grown into a thriving international school community built on innovation, academic excellence, and strong community partnerships.

In 2025, Verbier International School entered an exciting new phase in its development. VIS joined Dukes Education, a leading family of schools and educational institutions known for educational excellence and a strong commitment to student wellbeing. While becoming part of an international educational network, VIS has remained proudly independent in character and firmly rooted in its alpine identity.

The same year, the school opened its new home, Les Trois Cimes, a purpose-designed campus located in the centre of Verbier. Adjacent to the Verbier Sports Centre, the campus provides modern learning spaces and outstanding facilities that support both academic achievement and student wellbeing.

Today, Verbier International School educates just under 200 students representing more than 55 nationalities. It is a thriving international day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, welcoming families from around the world while remaining true to the close-knit community spirit on which it was built

At VIS, altitude is not only measured in metres – it reflects our ambition, our outlook, and the heights we encourage every student to reach.

A School Inspired by the Mountains

The mountains are far more than our backdrop, they are an essential part of the VIS experience.

Verbier is recognised as one of the world’s premier alpine destinations and has been voted Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort multiple times at the prestigious World Ski Awards. Located within the renowned 4 Vallées ski area, students have access to more than 410 kilometres of pistes and some of the finest winter sports facilities anywhere in the world.

Yet life in Verbier extends far beyond skiing. Throughout the year, students benefit from a healthy, safe, and active lifestyle, with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, golf, leadership expeditions, and outdoor learning.

The highest peak accessible from Verbier is Mont Fort, standing at 3,330 metres. Combined with our school campus at 1,500 metres, this unique setting has inspired one of our defining ideas: an education with altitude.

At VIS, altitude is not only measured in metres – it reflects our ambition, our outlook, and the heights we encourage every student to reach.

How to apply

We warmly guide families through every step of joining VIS, ensuring a smooth transition into life in Verbier for both day students and boarders.
Apply

Discover More