LAS has been a pioneer among international schools in providing language programs to help multilingual students succeed in preparing for university.

The English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program has a dual focus on developing students academic and social language in reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as their content knowledge in all academic subjects.

Students who are emerging multilinguals take English language (ELA) courses (in three levels) and sheltered content courses in social studies and science to help with concepts, content and language until these students are highly proficient in English. While English remains an important goal for LAS students as it is the global language, LAS aims to support students' continued development of their mother/home languages as well, which is known as additive bilingualism.

At LAS, multilingual students acquire language (English) through meaningful content. This means that students learn the language, and about the language through studying other subjects like history, arts, math, science as well as through meaningful, enriching social interactions in their daily lives in dorms, faculty family events, and through activities and trips.

French, Spanish, German, plus IB Self-Taught Language A (Russian, Japanese, German)

16

10

IB Diploma, AP Exams, US High School Diploma

We’re proud to share that our Class of 2025 achieved outstanding IB scores once again. We are pleased to report that this includes a score of 45 for the second consecutive year!

In addition, 37% of LAS students earned an impressive score of 38 or higher, with an average score of 35 across the cohort, supported by a diverse selection of more than 40 Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses offered at LAS.

These remarkable accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students and the excellence our faculty bestow throughout the LAS learning experience.

Yes

Depends on the subject and grade level.

99% of graduates attend colleges and universities worldwide.

Yes

LAS offers Learning Support Pathways for students who have specific learning differences and may require additional support. Our Fundamental and Moderate Support Pathways provide additional resources to help students make meaningful academic progress, achieve their individual goals, and take ownership of their learning. These pathways best serve students with documented learning differences, or those students who are identified as benefiting from the additional support through the admissions process or through our referral process after they join us on campus. Any student who receives Learning Support services in our Fundamental or Moderate Pathway receives a developmentally appropriate Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that details the appropriate accommodations necessary for their academic success so that they can best access curriculum and assessment.

Personalized academic pathways that include flexible course selection and advanced coursework (IB and AP).

Yes. Applicants need to provide three teacher recommendations (English, math, and one additional teacher), a handwritten student essay, an interview, and an English placement test (for non-native English speakers—IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English test scores will also be accepted)

English placement test (for non-native English speakers—IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English test scores will also be accepted)

Depends on the grade level.

The LAS Dining Halls offer a wide range of menus, including several cultural options each month. At breakfast, students can select a hot food option, as well as cereal, juices and milk. Soup, a comprehensive salad bar, charcuterie and sandwiches are available at lunch, as well as a hot food option. A well-balanced hot dish is offered at the evening meal with a "dessert du jour". Every mealtime includes a hot vegetarian option and non-pork meat option.

Yes

Yes

Coding, Community Service, Creative Portfolio, Dance, Dungeons and Dragons, Entrepreneurship, Gardening, Makerspace, Model UN, National Honor Society, No Bake Club, Open Art Studio, Open Science Laboratory, Outdoor Adventure, Private Music Lessons, Rock School, SAFE (Students Actively Fostering Equity), Student Council, Theatre, Yearbook, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Climbing/Bouldering, Running Club, Dog Walking, Eco Club, Golf, Hiking, Ice Skating, International Award, Kickboxing, Mountain Biking, Padded Combat, Personal Training, Pilates, Swimming, Strength and Conditioning, Trampolining, Yoga

Physical education

Yes

Two libraries, science labs, black box theatre, Grande Salle multi-purpose space, student lounges (Cave 23, Midpoint, Valley View, Fishbowl, and dorm-based lounges), dorm-based gyms, Café 7

Magic Mountain Athletic Center (MMAC) – athletic gym/courts, dance studio, climbing wall, squash court, multiple fitness rooms, personal training equipment, free weights, café

Grades 7-12

Find your home away from home in one of our six dormitories on our beautiful campus in Leysin, Switzerland. Each dormitory caters to a different age group, ensuring that dorm life is fun and appropriate for every student. Dorm heads and staff work hand-in-hand with student leaders to provide activities and support in a warm, caring environment.

Dormitories are equipped with home-like amenities, including a kitchen, common area, and fully furnished rooms. LAS has over 100 apartments to house its teachers and administrators as part of the Family concept.

Each LAS dorm is home to several live-in faculty members called "dorm parents." These staff members are available throughout the school year to ensure our students have access to guidance, care, and support.

Students will also experience the LAS lifestyle with a roommate. Living with a roommate is a particularly valuable experience as it teaches students about new cultures, how to live respectfully and harmoniously with someone else, and most importantly, it offers the potential of a lifelong friendship. Most of our students say that living with other students is their favorite part of boarding school life!

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. Today, LAS is a sprawling alpine campus that is home to over 300 students from across the globe, world-class teachers, and an international family of over 7,000 alumni. 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!

Students at LAS begin their academic journey in Middle School (grades 7 and 8), continue through the Preparatory Years (grades 9 and 10), and culminate with the Diploma Years (grades 11 and 12). The flexibility of our program allows them to mix and match courses, while our extensive curriculum provides opportunities to engage in both core and exploratory subjects during the school day and beyond.

With small class sizes and abundant support, LAS students benefit from personalized attention and meaningful discussions. Nearly all of our faculty live on campus, ensuring that students have access to guidance and help not only during the day but also in the evenings and on weekends. By the time they graduate, LAS students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the next stage of their journey.