Thanks to our alumnus Nicolas Buet, we had the opportunity to visit École 42 in Lausanne-Renens. He personally led the tour as an alumni representative... a big thank you! Here is his story:

About twenty alumni gathered in Lausanne to explore École 42. Pierre-Louis Cardin gave us an overview of this decidedly unconventional school: free, open to anyone 18 and older, with no classes or teachers.

What really sets it apart is its educational model. Students learn from one another through hands-on peer-learning projects. No lectures, no set schedule—everyone progresses at their own pace. The school is open 24/7, and some students come to work in the middle of the night. Progress is made in levels, much like a video game: each completed project unlocks new ones. Assessments, too, are peer-reviewed. Students grade their classmates’ work, which forces them to gain a deep understanding before they can evaluate it.

We were able to try out the online portion of the entrance exam ourselves, which consisted of a series of logic puzzles. It was a fun and stimulating experience, very much in the spirit of the school.

The evening concluded with drinks, joined by a few students from the school, for warm and lively conversations.