“We Are Not Elite Schools”: Studying the Symbolic Capital of Swiss Boarding Schools

Abstract

International boarding schools in Switzerland respond, although in very specific ways, to Gaztambide-Fernandez’s definition of elite schools (2009). They are independent; they provide a sophisticated curriculum that blends components of severalnational school systems; and they offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. They are demographically elite: their annual fees exceed 60,000 CHF (US$64,000) per student, and alumni have powerful careers. They are historically elite, recruiting abroad since the 19th century among Euro-North American aristocracies and bourgeoisies. As they were designed from their beginnings for a wealthy clientele living abroad, they have not contributed to the making of national elites in Switzerland. More recently, they have welcomed increasing numbers of children from Eastern Asia, South America, and post-socialist states. The last feature of Gaztambide-Fernandez’s definition is the starting point to the present study: these schools develop a specificity based on their geographical location. Campuses are based in isolated Alpine areas or along Lake Geneva, well known for having attracted wealthy foreigners since the aristocratic Grand Tour and as a result, for concentrating high standard services for the dominant class by developing banking, hotel, and leisure facilities.