Education with Impact:Since 1961, Leysin American School in Switzerland has rooted itself in its family-run identity. Founded by a family of educators inspired to bring students together across cultures in the aftermath of World War II, LAS benefits from the strategic oversight and genuine love that the school’s original caretakers have passed along through the decades.For three generations, the Ott family and a team of talented educators have nurtured students from around the world, motivating them to reach their highest potential in academics and extracurriculars. Under their thoughtful stewardship, LAS has grown into the place it is today—a sprawling alpine campus that is home to over 300 students from across the globe (our student body represents 50 nationalities!).
At LAS, students develop into the best versions of themselves, become true citizens of the world, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a secure, inspiring location.

Our Incredible Location:
We are located in Leysin, a picturesque mountain town in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Our campus is just a short trip away from three international airports and all the major cultural centers of Europe. You will immediately notice the incredible view that greets you everywhere on campus. Our campus is in one of the prettiest spots in the Swiss Alps, and year after year, our alumni tell us that Leysin had a profound impact on their lives and their commitment to the environment.
The best part about LAS is that it feels like home, and over 60 years of LAS alumni will tell you that they found a home and family here on our Magic Mountain!

Summer:
Since 1949, LAS Summer in Switzerland has offered an incredible residential summer experience at our beautiful campus in the Swiss Alps. Our program combines all the elements of an incredible summer camp, and students from all over the world connect in a safe and supportive alpine community as they enjoy classes, clubs, and exceptional summer activities. Switzerland is their playground, and our weekend excursions allow our summer students to take advantage of the best that our incredible country has to offer. Join us, and see why so many of our campers return year after year!

Learning at LAS:
At LAS, we offer a differentiated educational program that meets students’ needs and supports them as they realize their academic potential. The flexibility of our program allows students to mix and match classes. We offer academic programs for students in grades 7 through 12, including the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and the American diploma program. We move education beyond the confines of the classroom, providing our students with impactful experiential learning opportunities so they can see the practical applications of their studies in the real world. LAS students also enjoy small class sizes and have access to ample support and resources.

University Advising:
We take pride not only in educating stellar students but also in attracting the attention of strong universities. Our university advisors begin working with students in grade 9, building relationships that focus on character and personal excellence.
Since every student has different interests, academic needs, talents, and personalities, the LAS university advisors recognize the need to personalize a plan to help each student develop a realistic and balanced list of universities. At LAS, our philosophy is to guide students in their quest to find the university that is the “best fit” for their abilities, interests, and needs.
Our experienced university advisors have visited hundreds of universities and maintain direct contact with university admissions representatives all over the world!

Our university advisories provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging students to drop in before or after school, during their independent study blocks, at lunch, or by scheduling an appointment. They have an open-door policy, and all students are invited to meet with their university advisors throughout the year.

Athletics, Activities, and Arts:
Perhaps no part of the LAS program is more immediately exciting than the breadth and quality of our athletic and activity offerings. We offer students more than sixty different options to choose from!

Athletic and activity offerings range from leisure paddleboarding on Lake Geneva to world-class ski training, allowing our students to choose a level of activity that best suits their needs. Whether our students are playing football against rival schools, hiking in the Alps, or playing in the rock band, we know that they will find an activity that they love.

We offer academic and community service opportunities as well, including Model United Nations (MUN), National Honor Society, and the LAS Student Council, to name just a few!

LAS provides a rich and supportive arts program for students of all artistic interests and backgrounds. Students have a wealth of opportunities to experience the arts built into our academic program and our extracurricular offerings.

Winter in the Swiss Alps:
Winter is a special time in the Swiss Alps, and we take full advantage of everything the season offers! From ice climbing and alpine mountaineering to skiing and snowboarding, students can fully enjoy the winter season here at LAS.

One of the best ways to appreciate the grandeur of our alpine location is through our ski and snowboard program. Leysin-Les Mosses-La Lécherette (our home mountain!) is a well-recognized ski resort with over 100 kilometers of pistes to discover!
During the ski season, the entire school heads to the mountain after lunch every Tuesday and Thursday to enjoy an afternoon on the slopes. While our lesson program helps beginners become safely acquainted with the sport, our advanced skiers and snowboarders can participate in our racing or freeride programs.

Our location gives us easy access to some of the best alpine destinations in the world, and LAS students enjoy regular trips to world-class destinations such as Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee, and Crans-Montana.

Extraordinary Adventures:
Whether you fancy active international adventures or intimate cultural immersions, at LAS, the world is truly at your fingertips!
Our students have quick access to the incredible beauty of the European continent and the world beyond through our curated travel programs, including week-long cultural trips, weekend excursions, and day travel.

Our students might read about ancient Greek history one week and then tour the ancient ruins in Athens the next! Recent trips include an Italian art and culinary experience in Venice, service work in Zimbabwe, scuba diving in Cyprus, French language immersion in Morocco, and team building through Outward Bound in Germany.

No matter where the adventure takes them, LAS students can connect with their peers while discovering traditions, languages, and experiences that are different from theirs. These experiences allow them to gain a more intricate understanding of the world and their place in it while developing into independent, globally-minded adults.