SISOG Primary, a Solid Bilingual Foundation... then what?

Meet our Prinicipal Lotta Bartosch and Vice Principal, Shaina Alarcon to discover the SISOG approach to bilingual primary education:

  • English/French, or

  • Swedish/French

And what lies beyond!

When: 19 January, 8:30

Where: SISOG, Multipurpose Room

Two women smiling at a table in a classroom, with students in the background and a presentation on a screen.

Vice Principal, Shaina Alarcon and Prinicipal, Lotta Bartosch

More about SISOG’s Lotta and Shaina

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a navy blazer, white blouse, and pearl earrings, standing outdoors in front of a green leafy background.

Lotta Bartosch

A Swedish-born school principal with a truly global perspective, she brings an extensive wealth of international experience gained from living and working in England, Germany, Hong Kong, and Sweden. A graduate of the National School Leadership Program at Stockholm University, she has dedicated over a decade to leading private schools. Central to her leadership philosophy is the conviction that a school’s success is driven by the collective strength and spirit of its faculty.

She is deeply committed to fostering a culture of purposeful teamwork, believing that a highly motivated and supported staff is the primary catalyst for student achievement.

With the dual perspective of both a veteran principal and a parent, she advocates for high academic standards and robust school–home cooperation, ensuring a safe, positive, and inspiring learning environment for every student.

A woman with long, wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing gold hoop earrings and a black top, outdoors with lush green foliage in the background.

Shaina Alarcon

With over twenty years of experience in education, Shaina is a dedicated school leader who views her career as a path that perfectly aligns with her skills and passions. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in the USA, she began her professional journey in Ecuador as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Her commitment to the field grew as she earned her ESL Certification and transitioned into curriculum development. Shaina later returned to the USA to earn a Master of Science in Education and a K-12 Teaching License, eventually serving as a teacher and the Department Chair of a Foreign Language Department at a public high school.

Following a period in Mexico as a Literacy Coach for a private bilingual school, Shaina moved to Geneva and joined SISOG in February 2018. Starting as a Primary English teacher when the program had only 25 children, she has since held numerous leadership roles, including Team Leader, Head Teacher of Primary, and Academic Coordinator. Now entering her third year on the Management Team, she has recently accepted the position of Vice Principal. Shaina is guided by the Swedish concept of the "red thread," striving to create a nurturing environment where meaningful connections serve as the foundation for learning.

A group of people attending a presentation in a classroom. A woman is at the front near a screen that displays a question about describing their school in three words. The classroom has large windows with blinds, colorful artwork on the wall, and a table with snacks and drinks in the foreground.
People gathered outdoors at dusk, holding candles for a memorial or celebration on a field with trees and distant buildings.
Young children playing tug-of-war on a soccer field, wearing colorful sports uniforms, with a background of buildings and a clear blue sky.
Children playing with wooden number and counting sticks in a classroom
Child wearing a blue hat and white shirt balancing on logs over a small ditch in a wooded area in Geneva near CERN.
  • "Our children had a wonderful experience at the Swedish International School of Geneva. The caring teachers, close-knit community, and creative approach to learning made it a place where they felt happy, supported, and inspired.e."

    Former Parent

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and register to meet Lotta and Shaina on 19 January.

Your Questions, Answered
  • No, SISOG is for everyone!. We have a diverse, international student body. We offer instruction in English, Swedish, and French to meet our students' needs.

  • We offer instruction in English, Swedish, and French.

  • Yes. Our dedicated SEN department provides individualized support and works closely with families to ensure every child can thrive.

  • The school is open from 8:00 to 18:20, with different programs for different ages.