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I still know... |
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Jan ,
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Leysin American School |
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History |
In the '50s after the Second World War, the American period of isolationism ended as military and economic interests opened to Western Europe which was then beginning the long process of post-war recovery. Education was changing, too, as the United States Congress approved a program of study and experience abroad for young professional Americans -- the Fulbright Scholars. In the '60s, the Peace Corps continued sending American men and women abroad to the far corners of the world. Fred Ott, an American-Swiss working with the Airforce Dependent Schools, had a dream of opening an American boarding high school in his native Switzerland. He was acutely aware of the lack of such an organization in the traditionally established Swiss boarding schools. Therefore, with the help of his wife, Mrs. Sigrid Ott, an experienced organizer of international summer camps, Leysin American School opened its doors in 1961 to 87 students. The old town of Leysin with records dating to 1446 became the home of LAS.
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School mission |
As an international university preparatory high school committed to excellence, LAS seeks to educate students to be responsible, productive and ethical citizens with the skills to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively and respect peoples of other cultures.
A statement of philosophy is just that: a statement. Our community is alive and vibrant. How can one describe confident smiles of LAS students telling their teachers about academic achievements. Can you imagine their exhilaration upon climbing the peak of the Dents du Midi, a mountain they see daily across the Rhone valley when they walk to class? Or when they order “croissants et cafe” in French in a local restaurant?
Our academic program prepares students for successful university studies– where they soon understand that learning is a privilege and that studying for the sake of knowledge is as important as for future employment. The program at Leysin American School provides a balance between study, sports and recreation. Music, art and theatre are also encouraged. Our students are taught to become citizens of the world when they learn to live with roommates from other cultures, speak in different languages and interact with one another in the hallways. By studying and being together, the students from over fifty nations discover their inherent similarities that enable them to live and work together in harmony, fostering international understanding that overcomes many of the barriers that separate the peoples of the world.
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The Successful LAS Approach |
Over 50 different nations are represented in our student body but the common denominator is that all of our students have come to experience the LAS approach to "the American curriculum." Virtually all of our graduates attend universities throughout the world. Last year, for example, all of our 88 graduates went to university -- 78 in America. Our college counseling office advises all students on college education. During the spring semester, college counseling begins for 11th graders. With the help of guides and computer assistance, students narrow their choices while also attending various college fairs or meeting with the many college representatives visiting here at LAS. We are also the Regional Center for the administration of required standardized tests for admission to US colleges (such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL, AP and IB exams).
LAS attributes this success to our belief that students flourish in a comfortable, supportive environment where healthy student-faculty relationships augment an individualized rigorous schedule. Students in our classrooms are required to be involved in class discussion, and the classes themselves involve frequent student-teacher interaction. This develops verbal and analytical skills as well as creative thinking. Our teacher to student ratio is 1:12.
American high school begins in the 9th grade and usually ends with the 12th (although some continue for an extra year--the Post Graduate or PG year). Diploma requirements are defined according to credits earned in specific subjects of study. Students earn a single credit for every course they take. In order to graduate, they must accumulate a minimum number of credits in each subject area. At LAS, a student whose mother tongue is not English is tested to determine the most suitable level of ESL. Students are also tested in mathematics for accurate placement. Previous course credits are appropriately transferred to our system. This allows for students to enter our school in any grade level beginning with the 9-th grade (13-14 years old).
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Degree Program (Degrees) |
LAS offers the three following diplomas: International Baccalaureate, U.S. High School, and International Studies (ESL track). The three levels of college preparatory programs are outlined below.
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Degree Program (Degrees) |
LAS offers the three following diplomas: International Baccalaureate, U.S. High School, and International Studies (ESL track). The three levels of college preparatory programs are outlined below.
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International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement |
Introduced to the LAS curriculum in 1991, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is the choice of students seeking a challenge at the highest level. A two year, six-subject program, the IB curriculum combines the best of several international systems providing both broad education and the opportunity to specialize. Its goal is to offer a rigorous balanced education that promotes international understanding through a shared academic experience. Monitored by an international organization, the IB is widely recognized throughout the world as a premier academic curriculum. In the United States, IB students seeking admission with an IB program are at a distinct advantage as the IB is recognized for its high standards for which credit or advance standing is often granted. It should be noted that an IB diploma is considered attainable by competent, hard working students and is not intended to be the exclusive domain of the academically gifted.
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Courses and Schedules |
The average faculty/student class ratio at Leysin American School is 1:12, which provides the opportunity for close personal guidance. Grades are established on the basis of all academic work: daily lessons, homework, class participation, tests, quizzes, projects and formal examinations. Our grades are based on the American A-F scale and parents receive progress reports six times a year: after the first four weeks of school, at mid-semester and at the end of each semester. These progress reports reflect academic performance and effort.
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Team Sports |
Leysin American School students choose from the following team sports: basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, swimming, cross country, tennis, skiing and snowboarding. In addition to our own gymnasium, we utilize both the Lower and Upper Sport Centres of the town of Leysin. These facilities include an indoor 25-meter pool, fitness center, squash courts, tennis courts, ice rink, and soccer field. LAS competes with thirty other schools of the Swiss Group of International Schools, as well as with local schools and others as far away as Munich and Salzburg.
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Cost |
3 weeks: Sfr. 3.850
6 weeks: Sfr. 7.350
Additional week: Sfr. 1.500
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