At Leysin American School in Switzerland, academics are central to the student experience and are enhanced by an exceptional after-school program and diverse travel opportunities. We foster a culture of high achievement, encouraging students to strive for excellence while supporting their engagement in experiential learning, personal growth, and academic curiosity.
We have designed our academic program to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to their individual interests, strengths, and future goals. With a broad range of subjects and staff with expert knowledge, we ensure that each student receives a top-tier education. Complementing our high-quality teaching is the breathtaking natural environment, where students can learn from the outdoors, be curious about the world around them, and collaborate with a diverse student community.
Students begin their academic journey at LAS in Middle School (grades 7 and 8) and then move on to our Preparatory Years (grades 9 and 10) before their culminating experience in our Diploma Years programs (grades 11 and 12). Our flexible programs ensure that students can mix and match classes. In the Diploma years, students can choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the LAS Diploma, which includes AP classes. Both programs are uniquely challenging and encourage students to develop their curiosity and independence while preparing them for post-secondary success.
AP and IB courses allow students to develop their academic skills and prepare for life after LAS. AP (Advanced Placement) students intensively pursue particular subject areas and ultimately earn university credit for demonstrating knowledge. IB Diploma students engage in deep, concentrated learning through engagement with the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Choosing the correct combination of classes is of the highest importance here at LAS, and we advise each student individually on their course selections based on ability, interest, and requirements for entry into the universities of their choice.
At LAS, our university advising philosophy is to guide students in their quest to find the pathway that is the best fit for them. LAS graduates are highly regarded, and each year, approximately 100 university representatives from various countries visit our Belle Époque campus to meet with LAS students. This ensures students go into higher education with enough knowledge and understanding of what the universities offer and what they would like from their university experience.
LAS students enjoy small class sizes and access extensive support, resources, and facilities. Personalized classes, attention, and engagement from experienced teachers allow students to engage in discussions with their peers and learn in ways that suit them. Nearly 100% of our faculty members live on campus, so students can access their teachers at night and on weekends, ensuring they can always find help when needed. When LAS graduates leave campus, they do so with the essential knowledge and skills they need to succeed as they take the next step.
At LAS, we don’t just believe in learning inside the classroom. We encourage students to learn from the world around them through experiential learning. This philosophy ensures that students learn skills that are applicable to the real world. By supplementing traditional classes with events and programs that fuel students’ passions and address current global issues, we help them develop critical skills in thinking, entrepreneurship, and teamwork. We achieve this through the use of innovative technology, field trips, outdoor education, and entrepreneurship partnerships with companies. These hands-on experiences push students to think creatively and outside the box, making them more well-rounded individuals.
LAS offers a well-rounded education that blends academics with experiential learning, developing personal growth and curiosity. Students can tailor their education to align with their strengths and future goals through flexible academic programs and personalized guidance. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive resources ensure that every student receives the support they need to be the best version of themselves. Beyond the classroom, students engage with the world, developing important skills for future success. LAS graduates emerge as well-rounded, independent thinkers, prepared for the challenges of higher education and beyond.
