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Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, German
Typical class size 12
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Leysin American School in Switzerland is a private, co-educational boarding school for students aged 12 to 18 with a United States affiliation. LAS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside AP, an American Curriculum, and a Bespoke option. The IB comprises six subject groups—Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts—with a core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. University advising begins in grade 9 to tailor an IB plan to university goals. The campus has six dormitories with live-in dorm parents, a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio, and 95% of staff living on site. Sports facilities include the Magic Mountain Athletic Center and Upper and Lower Sporting Centers, plus winter skiing on Leysin's slopes with access to about 90 resorts via the Magic Pass. LAS provides extensive after-school programs and clubs across arts, sports, STEM, languages, and service.
Chem. de la Source 3, 1854 Leysin, Switzerland
Gallery
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The Essentials
Leysin American School in Switzerland has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.
Location
Chemin de La Source 3, Leysin, Vaud 1854, Switzerland. The school is in the alpine village of Leysin in the Swiss Alps. The campus has dorms and classrooms spread throughout the village, and LAS is connected to three international airports for travel.
Stages
Grades 7–12. The school offers the US High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement options, with ESL and English Language Acquisition.
Type
Private, co-educational boarding school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has 300 students representing over 50 nationalities.
Additional learning support
The English Language Acquisition program helps non-native speakers build confidence and fluency.
Country affiliation
United States.
Bus service
Airport shuttles between Geneva Airport (GVA) and LAS for arrivals and departures on scheduled times.
Diving Deeper
Boarding Arrangements
The school has six on-campus dormitories catering to different age groups. Each dorm has live-in faculty 'dorm parents' and a Faculty Family on campus to guide and support students, with students sharing a dorm room with a roommate in a home-like environment. Dormitories are equipped with kitchens and common areas; there are 80 house parents across six dorms and over 100 on-campus apartments for teachers and administrators, supporting a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio.
Food Options
The school has on-campus dining halls and campus kitchens where students can cook together, complemented by meals in the campus dining facilities. Students also have dining options in Leysin village, including local restaurants, expanding their on- and off-campus dining experiences.
House System
The school has six dormitories that form the house system, each serving a different age group. All students are assigned to a 'Family' consisting of faculty parents and peers, and dorm heads along with staff provide activities and support; there are 80 house parents across six dorms, contributing to a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio.
Governance and Ownership
The school is owned and run by the Ott family, a private, family-run boarding school with three generations of involvement in leadership and education.
Fees
Annual tuition at Leysin American School in Switzerland ranges from CHF 128,000 to CHF 158,500 for 2026/27.
Application fee - CHF 500 payable upon submission of the application.
One-time fees required at acceptance - Security deposit: CHF 10,000 due within 10 days of acceptance. The security deposit holds the student's place; it is refundable within three months after the end of the student's time at the school but is non‑refundable if enrollment is cancelled. - Capital Improvement Fund (new students): CHF 10,000 due April 1 or within 10 days of acceptance. This is a one‑time fee paid by new students.
Tuition (annual fee) - Annual tuition: CHF 128,000 per academic year. This yearly tuition covers all academic programs plus room and board. Due date: April 1 or within 10 days of acceptance (for students enrolling after April 1, fees are due within 10 days of acceptance). - The annual tuition includes: all academic classes and regular instructional/laboratory fees; full seven‑day room and board (linens included; students provide their own towels); school‑sponsored events and excursions (local and cultural trips); recreational physical activities (extra charges may apply for some special activities); ski pass and group ski/snowboard lessons during the winter season (may incur additional charges); school health plan and LAS Health Center services; provision of a school laptop and a Swiss SIM card (equipment to be returned at year end).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual charges and due dates: Tuition CHF 128,000 due April 1 or within 10 days of acceptance; Personal Account recommended CHF 10,000 due August 1 or before student arrival (suggested amount). One‑time charges (application fee, security deposit, capital improvement fund) are due at the times noted above. - Important deadline: April 1 is the tuition fee and enrollment deadline. In the event of enrollment cancellation, all fees except the application fee and the security deposit will be reimbursed if cancellation occurs before this date. For students enrolling after April 1, fees are due within 10 days of acceptance.
Boarding fees - Boarding (full seven‑day room and board) is included in the annual tuition; there is no separate published boarding fee. Linens are provided; students supply towels. Extra charges can apply for certain optional activities or special services.
Personal account and other variable costs - Personal Account recommended amount: CHF 10,000 per academic year (managed by the accounting team) to cover personal expenses. Due August 1 or before student arrival (suggested). - Typical items charged to the Personal Account (examples and recommended or typical amounts): - Weekly pocket money (disbursed via a Swiss Bankers prepaid Mastercard; CHF 50/year fee for the card). - Supplies and campus store charges including uniforms, school, art, and IT supplies, printing and copying: recommended CHF 2,500 per year. - Health plan contribution: CHF 300 per semester. - Non‑LAS medical treatment (dentist, orthodontist, external counseling) and external laundry services (grades 7 & 8 only). - Swiss airport transfer on non‑official arrival/departure days from approximately CHF 350. - Individual lessons and support programs (private music, academic, sports lessons; learning support, tutoring), sports equipment rental/purchases and ski jacket/equipment (estimated CHF 1,000–5,000 per year), optional overnight and special day trips (around CHF 2,000 per year), and external exam fees (IB, SAT, ACT, IELTS). These items may be charged in addition to tuition.
Refund information - Enrollment cancellation and refund deadline: If enrollment is cancelled before April 1, all fees except the application fee and the security deposit will be reimbursed. The security deposit is refundable within three months after the end of the student's time at the school, but it is non‑refundable if enrollment is cancelled.
Fee payment options - Online payments: The school processes online payments for all fees via Flywire. - Bank transfer: Families may arrange direct transfers from their bank using the school's bank details. Contact the accounting office for bank transfer instructions and account details.
Notes on fee structure - The school publishes tuition as a single annual charge that covers instruction, residential accommodation, and many standard services. Separate, variable charges are handled through the Personal Account or billed as incurred for optional services.
Academics
Leysin American School in Switzerland teaches IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 12 to 19.
Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). It provides more than 40 Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses. The IB Curriculum Structure includes six subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts, with the option to select a second course from groups 2, 3 or 4. The IB Core comprises Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). University advising begins in grade 9 and helps students design an IB course plan aligned with their university goals.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 10 students.
Exam Results
Highest IB score: 45; average score: 35; 37% of IB students achieved 38 or higher. More than 40 HL and SL courses are offered.
Higher Education Progression
University advising helps students gain admission to universities worldwide, including top global institutions, with advising starting as early as grade 9 and aligning IB coursework with university goals.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
LAS fosters a culture of belonging through SAFE at LAS, the LAS Inclusion Policy, and student leadership initiatives. The SAFE Committee and SAFE Club promote equity and belonging, while the Technicolor Fellowship supports LGBTQ+ students and allies. The Inclusion Policy outlines commitments across Teaching and Learning, Gender Inclusion, Support for the Practice of Faith, Learning Support, and Multilingual Learning to create an inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
LAS values all learners in an inclusive environment and offers Fundamental and Moderate Pathways with Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and accommodations. Services include supervised study hall, office hours, math support, and fee-based tutoring; there is targeted planning and collaboration with classroom teachers and university advising.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
LAS provides the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program with three levels and sheltered content courses to develop academic and social language while preserving mother tongue languages; LAS Bridge Program accelerates English proficiency and integrates with the full program, with additional summer English language study in the UK and LAS Summer in Switzerland.
Mental Wellbeing
The Health Center provides 24/7 holistic healthcare, including mental health counseling and referrals. The Health & Wellness team supports students' physical, emotional, and social health, coordinates with local providers, and ensures access to care, with all students covered by school health insurance.
Safeguarding
LAS upholds equity and inclusion through SAFE at LAS, including the LAS Inclusion Policy and the SAFE Committee, SAFE Club, and Technicolor Fellowship. The Inclusion Policy covers Learning Support and Multilingual Learning and aims to ensure every learner feels seen, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Parent Experience
History
Founded by a family of educators inspired to bring students together across cultures in the aftermath of World War II, LAS has been guided by the Ott family for three generations. The first meeting of Leysin American School SA (LASSA) took place at the Grand Hotel in 1960, and the contract to rent the Savoy building was signed. LAS opened its doors on September 18, 1961 with 89 students and 12 teachers. In 1982, Steven and Doris Ott assumed leadership, developing strategies for recruitment, accreditation and expansion. In 1987, LAS became the first Swiss international boarding school to win accreditation from ECIS and the US Middle States Association.
Community
LAS cultivates a stable, caring, family-like environment. Each dorm houses live-in faculty members called dorm parents who provide guidance and support. Students share a dorm with roommates, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Faculty Families meet on Wednesdays, and there are six dormitories on campus with a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio and about 80 house parents across six dorms.
Facilities
Facilities Overview
LAS has six dormitories on campus. Dorms are staffed by live-in faculty members called 'dorm parents' who provide guidance, care, and support. Dormitories are equipped with home-like amenities, including a kitchen, common area, and fully furnished rooms. The school reports a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio and that 95% of faculty live on campus.
Sports Facilities
LAS features year-round athletic facilities in Leysin, including the Magic Mountain Athletic Center on campus and access to the village's Upper Sporting Center and Lower Sporting Center. Upper Sporting Center offers an indoor pool, gym, indoor tennis, and rooftop tennis courts; Lower Sporting Center offers ice skating, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and curling. The winter program includes skiing and snowboarding on the home mountain with 100 kilometers of pistes, available four days per week, and LAS provides access to more than 90 resorts via the Magic Pass. LAS students can also participate in after-school activities and sports such as soccer, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, and skiing right outside the front door.
Academic Facilities
Science labs are available. LAS has laboratory facilities for hands-on experiments.
Extra Curricular Facilities
LAS offers after-school activities across three categories: Active, Creative & Service, and Sports Teams. There are 16 competitive teams and individual sports, and about 70 extracurricular activities. Students select at least two activities per term; those on sports teams fulfill two weekly practices, with additional options available. Examples of activities include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, climbing/bouldering, hiking, ice skating, indoor football, golf, pickleball, Pilates, table tennis, trampolining, yoga, and more.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Academic Olympiad, Coding, and Open Laboratory to encourage scientific inquiry and problem solving. Model United Nations (MUN) and the National Honor Society provide opportunities for debate, leadership, and service. The International Award program supports leadership development and community service projects. LAS complements academics with after-school activities that challenge students academically and intellectually.
Arts & Creative
The arts program includes Theatre Production and the school play or musical, plus opportunities to learn instruments through Private Music Lessons and Rock School. Students can explore visual arts in Open Art Studio and participate in Dance and Yearbook projects. Makerspace and other creative clubs foster collaboration and creativity.
Cultural & Language
Travel at LAS offers cultural excursions across Switzerland and Europe. The Language Club supports English and French language development, and weekend and summer activities provide opportunities for language immersion and cultural exploration. LAS also organizes visits to cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Montreux as part of travel programs.
Social & Hobbies
Students can join Student Council (STUCO) and participate in the National Honor Society, Dungeons and Dragons, No Bake Club, and Yearbook for social connection and collaboration. The after-school program provides a wide range of clubs and activities, including social events and team-building experiences. These offerings help students build friendships and leadership skills outside of class.
Community & Service
Community Service Club offers volunteering and service opportunities within the LAS community. S.A.F.E - Students Actively Fostering Equity focuses on equity and inclusion initiatives. These programs promote community involvement and social responsibility.
Leadership & Professional
STUCO (Student Council) supports student leadership and governance. The Entrepreneur Club provides experiences in entrepreneurship and professional skill development. National Honor Society and Model United Nations offer additional leadership and diplomacy opportunities.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
LAS provides a broad sports program, including badminton, basketball, football, volleyball, golf, swimming, and tennis. In winter, a ski term and Ski Team, Freestyle Team, and Freeride Team take advantage of Leysin's alpine environment, with over 60 kilometers of pistes. A wide range of fitness options—such as Yoga, Pilates, Strength & Conditioning, and Recreational Swimming—supports physical and mental well-being. The mountain setting enables hiking, mountain biking, and climbing as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Languages
Language Provision
LAS offers English Language Acquisition (ELA) with three levels of English instruction and sheltered content courses in social studies and science. Bridge programs immerse students in English-language learning starting in April, followed by a focused English Language Acquisition program in the UK and participation in the English-language track of LAS Summer in Switzerland. LAS Summer's Language Acquisition Track lets students choose between English and French, with separate streams and levels (English: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced; French: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). The school supports maintenance of mother/home languages via IB Language A self-taught provisions, and the LAS library houses books in 23 languages.
Immersion Programs
LAS provides immersion through the English Language Acquisition (ELA) program, which develops students' academic and social language and uses sheltered content courses in social studies and science. Bridge students join in April and are immersed in an accelerated language environment to prepare for the full-year ELA, with learning continuing in the UK during the summer. LAS Summer in Switzerland offers a Language Acquisition Track where students can study English or French in intensive sessions, with English and French streams and levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). LAS libraries support mother-language maintenance with materials in 23 languages through IB Language A self-taught provisions.
Admissions
Admissions
Apply online by completing LAS's application form. After submission, a unique login is provided to complete all required forms and upload documents through the Admissions Portal. Required documents include a transcript from the last three years, a copy of the passport and passport-style photo, three teacher recommendations (English, math, and one additional subject), a handwritten student essay, and an English placement test for non-native English speakers (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo accepted). The Admissions Committee makes a final decision within 10 business days of receiving the full application, and accepted students receive the acceptance package electronically and/or by mail. To guarantee a place, a security deposit must be paid within 10 business days after acceptance, and enrollment is complete when the Admissions Office receives all required documents.
Scholarships
The LAS Global Scholarship is a two-year International Baccalaureate (IBDP) scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate impressive academic and extracurricular achievements in their home country but cannot afford to attend LAS. Global Scholarships are merit-based and means-assessed. The applicant must be in Grade 10 and plan to complete the IBDP, have advanced English, and provide records of impressive academic and extracurricular achievements; must be financially able to pay CHF 10,000 (CHF 5,000 for a security deposit and CHF 5,000 for the student's personal account) plus three return flight tickets per year to their home country during breaks; visa application fees are the responsibility of the applicant; the scholarship is only for Grade 11 IBDP. Applications for 2026-2027 are closed; the 2027-2028 application will open in autumn 2026 and close in January 2027. The application requires a Google account; prepare parent/guardian and current school contact, transcripts from the last two years, two teacher references, a list of extracurricular activities, a 30-word personal statement, an essay about how you would enrich LAS and the scholarship's value to you (500 words), and an essay about how your values guide your approach to learning (500 words); shortlisted applicants will be contacted in February; later stages may require financial information. The scholarship includes full tuition (including room and board) for two years, ski equipment rental, university application support up to CHF 1,500, one long weekend school trip per semester, school uniform and ski jacket (previously owned), a senior jacket, a yearbook, and a math calculator. The LAS Global Scholarship Committee selects successful applicants.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is Leysin American School located and what age range does it serve?
Leysin American School is in the alpine village of Leysin, Vaud, Switzerland at Chemin de La Source 3, Leysin 1854, and serves students aged 12 to 19 (Grades 7–12). The campus is integrated into the village with dorms and classrooms spread throughout and is connected to three international airports for travel.
Is LAS a boarding school and co-educational?
Yes, LAS is a private, co-educational boarding school with seven‑day room and board included in the school program. Boarding is organized across six on‑campus dormitories staffed by live-in faculty 'dorm parents'.
What academic programmes does LAS offer?
LAS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement, an American curriculum option, and a Bespoke pathway. The IB programme includes six subject groups and the IB core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
What documents are required for the admissions application?
Applicants must submit transcripts from the last three years, a copy of the passport and a passport‑style photo, three teacher recommendations (English, math, and one additional subject), a handwritten student essay, and an English placement test if they are non‑native English speakers (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo accepted). The Admissions Committee issues a decision within 10 business days of receiving the full application.
What upfront fees are required when an application is submitted and upon acceptance?
An Application fee of CHF 500 is payable when you submit the application. Upon acceptance, the Security deposit of CHF 10,000 and the Capital Improvement Fund for new students of CHF 10,000 are due within the specified deadlines to hold the student's place.
What is the recommended Personal Account and what does it typically cover?
The recommended Personal Account amount is CHF 10,000 per academic year to cover personal or variable expenses. Typical items charged to the Personal Account include supplies and campus store charges (recommended CHF 2,500 per year), a health plan contribution of CHF 300 per semester, airport transfers from approximately CHF 350 for non‑official arrival/departure days, optional trips around CHF 2,000 per year, and sports equipment rental or purchases estimated at CHF 1,000–5,000 per year.
How does the LAS Global Scholarship work and what are the key requirements?
The LAS Global Scholarship is a two‑year IBDP scholarship for Grade 11 applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular achievement and who are means‑assessed. Applicants must be in Grade 10 planning the IBDP, have advanced English, and be financially able to pay CHF 10,000 (CHF 5,000 for a security deposit and CHF 5,000 for the student's personal account) plus provide three return flight tickets per year for breaks; the 2027–2028 round opens in autumn 2026 and closes January 2027.
What is the admissions decision and enrollment timeline I should expect?
Once the full application is received, the Admissions Committee aims to make a decision within 10 business days. To guarantee a place, the Security deposit must be paid within 10 business days of acceptance, and April 1 is an important deadline for enrollment and fee arrangements.
How large are classes and what is the student‑teacher ratio?
Average class size at LAS is about 10 students, supporting small‑group learning. The school reports a 1:4 faculty‑to‑student ratio overall, with a high percentage of faculty living on campus.
What are LAS's IB exam results like?
LAS has achieved a highest IB score of 45 and an average IB score of 35, with 37% of IB students achieving 38 or higher. The school offers more than 40 Standard Level and Higher Level IB courses to match students' university goals.
When does university advising start and how does it support students?
University advising begins in Grade 9 and helps students design an IB course plan aligned with their university goals. Advising continues through the IBDP to support applications to universities worldwide.
What boarding facilities and dorm life can families expect?
There are six on‑campus dormitories catering to different age groups, each with live‑in faculty dorm parents, kitchens, and common areas; students typically share rooms with a roommate in a home‑like environment. Dorm life is organized around Faculty Families and dorm heads, with about 80 house parents across the dorms and frequent community activities.
What sports and athletic facilities are available on campus?
LAS has the Magic Mountain Athletic Center and access to Leysin's Upper and Lower Sporting Centers, which include facilities such as an indoor pool, indoor tennis, rooftop tennis courts, ice skating, football, basketball, volleyball, and curling. The winter programme includes skiing and snowboarding on the home mountain with 100 kilometers of pistes and access to more than 90 resorts via the Magic Pass.
What academic facilities support science and hands‑on learning?
LAS provides laboratory facilities and science labs for hands‑on experiments and inquiry. The annual fee also covers provision of a school laptop and related instructional technology for student use.
How many extracurricular activities and competitive teams are offered?
LAS offers about 70 extracurricular activities and 16 competitive teams, spanning sports, arts, STEM, languages, and service. Students are asked to select at least two activities per term, with team members typically committing to two weekly practices.
Are there arts and performing opportunities outside of academics?
Yes, students can take part in theatre productions, school plays and musicals, private music lessons and Rock School, visual arts in Open Art Studio, dance, makerspace projects, and yearbook production. These programs provide both curricular and after‑school creative options.
Does LAS offer travel and cultural learning opportunities?
LAS organizes cultural excursions and travel across Switzerland and Europe with visits to cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Montreux. The school also includes school‑sponsored local and cultural trips as part of its programme.
What leadership and service programmes are available to students?
Students can participate in Student Council (STUCO), National Honor Society, Model United Nations, the International Award, Entrepreneur Club, and community service clubs such as S.A.F.E. These programmes emphasize leadership, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and service.
How does LAS support students with English as an additional language?
LAS provides an English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme with three levels and sheltered content courses in social studies and science to build academic and social English. There is also a Bridge programme that begins in April for accelerated immersion and additional summer English study options in the UK and LAS Summer in Switzerland.
What support does LAS offer for students with learning differences or special educational needs?
LAS offers Fundamental and Moderate Pathways with Individual Learning Plans and accommodations tailored to students' needs. Services include supervised study halls, targeted in‑class planning, collaboration with teachers, and fee‑based tutoring or individualized support where appropriate.
What are the tuition fees at Leysin American School in Switzerland?
Annual tuition at Leysin American School in Switzerland ranges from CHF 128,000 to CHF 158,500 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
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