The Resurgence of Boarding Schools: A Look at the Saint-Louis Academy in Chalès

Stepping through the gates of the Domaine de Chalès in the heart of Sologne evokes a sense of wonder, not nostalgia. It feels like discovering the school we would have dreamed of for our children. This picturesque setting features a castle surrounded by vast grounds, a serene lake, and endless woods, where boys can be seen joyfully running between the trees. Welcome to the Académie Saint-Louis.

The concept of boarding schools may seem antiquated, yet it has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, and not in the austere manner one might expect. Set to open in the fall of 2025, the Académie Saint-Louis de Chalès represents a new generation of boarding schools that are redefining the relationship with time, nature, screens, and learning. Our visit provided a firsthand look, and it did not disappoint.

8:30 AM — The Setting

🌱 On site

As we arrive, we are greeted by a tree-lined driveway leading to a stone castle nestled among dozens of hectares of green space. The estate features a lake, underbrush, and meadows, with classrooms housed in the renovated buildings of the domain, showcasing beautiful stone, wood, and incredible natural light.

One striking detail is the complete absence of screens. There are no devices in the hands of students or in the hallways, and no tablets for accessing textbooks. Phones are stored away from Monday to Friday. When asked if they miss their devices, the boys simply shrug and smile. "At first, yes, a little. But now we have so much to do that we don’t even think about it anymore."

9:00 AM — Engaging Classes

We observe a history lesson in progress. The teacher is animated, and the students are genuinely attentive, with no distractions or wandering eyes toward hidden screens. The class is lively, engaging, and rigorous. Next, we head to the lake for an outdoor science lesson. Here, the theorem of Thales is learned with feet in the grass by the water’s edge, and French lessons extend into the theater.

"Two weeks of classes at Saint-Louis feel like three years at his previous school, as the lessons are so rich. He doesn’t have a moment to be bored, and the setting is extraordinary," shares Ingrid, a mother of a sixth grader.

Parents frequently mention the exceptional quality of the teaching staff. Families describe the educators as "extraordinary," available during evening study sessions to clarify concepts and invited to join students for lunch to discuss topics beyond academics. This level of accessibility is increasingly rare.

"It’s the first time my son has enjoyed his teachers so much! I was looking for educators who understand my son beyond just his grades," says Alexia, mother of a third grader.

11:00 AM — Mass at the Castle

The entire school gathers in the grand hall of the castle for Mass, which the children attend with reverence. Some serve, while others sing wholeheartedly. At Chalès, the focus is not only on nurturing the mind and body but also on fostering the spirit. The children seem to genuinely appreciate this special moment each week, which feels somewhat timeless.

12:30 PM — Unexpected Dining Experience

When one thinks of a boarding school cafeteria, bland trays and sad green beans often come to mind. Here, however, the reality is quite different. A chef prepares homemade meals with fresh ingredients. Students eat with enthusiasm, and charmingly, they invite a different teacher to join them each day. We sampled the food, and it was delightful.

2:00 PM — The Captaincy System

Perhaps the most notable aspect we observed was the "captaincy" system. Students are divided into small teams, each led by an elected captain. These groups have specific responsibilities and foster a sense of camaraderie that we had not encountered elsewhere. Older students look after the younger ones, while the younger ones admire their seniors.

"It’s not complicated; I hardly recognize my son! When he comes home on weekends and shares his week, he only expresses positive things. There’s never anything heavy or negative," shares Albane, mother of a fifth grader.

4:00 PM — Active Afternoons

The boys are not sedentary in the afternoons. They engage in daily sports, including rugby, swimming, and cross-country running through the woods. Following this, they participate in workshops such as theater, choir, gardening, and DIY projects. The educational approach here embraces the whole child—mind, body, and hands.

📚 Demanding Education Dynamic lessons, small class sizes, and teachers available for evening support.

⚽ Daily Sports Rugby, swimming, cross-country… emphasizing both body and mind.

🌳 Nature Emphasis Outdoor classes, lakes, woods, and zero screens from Monday to Friday.

🤝 Camaraderie The captaincy system fosters a family spirit among students.

6:00 PM — Study Time and Evening Routine

Evenings consist of supervised study sessions with teachers available for assistance. Afterward, the boys return to their dorms. The atmosphere resembles that of a year-round scout camp, as one educator cheerfully describes it. There are card games, laughter, and discussions about the day, with no endless scrolling on phones or video games, but rather dice, foosball, and chess.

"We were very surprised that Théophane wanted to join the Academy. He struggled with stress, low self-esteem, and couldn’t sleep away from home. He is happy with what he’s experiencing and smiles when he reunites with his friends on the train. These improvements are priceless," say Théophane’s parents.

Key Takeaways

As we departed from Chalès, we reflected on our experience during the drive home. What struck us was not the castle (though it is magnificent) or the enchanting park, but the state of mind. The educational and caregiving team is deeply committed to their mission. The boys are rediscovering curiosity, confidence, and the desire to excel. Many parents echoed this sentiment, stating, "it’s a school that transforms a child."

"The institution provides what other schools do not: a discipline that aligns with the values we instill as parents, a pedagogy that elevates both the heart and intellect. Long live this school!" — Anonymous satisfaction survey.

The Académie Saint-Louis operates as a weekly boarding school: boys arrive on Monday and return home on Friday. While this model may not suit every family, for those seeking a structured, nurturing, and ambitious environment, it is an option worth serious consideration.

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Académie Saint-Louis de Chalès

Format Weekly boarding school (Monday-Friday), middle and high school for boys

Location Domaine de Chalès, Sologne (Loir-et-Cher)

Opening Fall 2025 — classes from sixth to second year

Pedagogy Demanding education, daily sports, hands-on workshops, zero screens, life in captaincies

A Report That Moved Us

We don’t often do reports at Maman Vogue. However, when we discover a place that restores faith in education, we feel compelled to share it with you. If this topic resonates with you, please feel free to reach out—we love hearing from you.