Q. How many students attend LAS?
A. Around 380… about half girls and half boys
Q. Where do your students come from?
A. Everywhere… well, over, 60 countries this year.
Q. When was LAS founded and why?
A. 1960. Our founders were seeking a school that would build understanding of different cultures… here’s our history.
Q. What are the advantages of a boarding school?
A. It’s like college, only… earlier. You learn responsibility and are given a schedule that sets you up for success.
Link to The Truth about Boarding Schools.
Q. What are the average dorm room size, furnishings and roommate options?
A. The dorm rooms are shared by 2-3 students. The shared space is small but more than adequate with hardwood furniture, bunk beds and lots of closet space. Each room has its own bathroom.
Q. What is the average class size?
A. Average size is 13. Our largest class is limited to 24 students and smallest class is 5 students.
Q. What is the curriculum offered at LAS?
A. Our school offers the US High School Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate. Our highest-level courses are IB HL. These classes qualify for college credit at many universities.
Q. Are Advanced Placement credits and examinations offered?
A. Yes, but very limited. Our school focuses on the International Baccalaureate Diploma and therefore our highest level courses are IB HL. These classes qualify for college credit at many universities.
Q. Where do students go to college or university after LAS?
A. "Everywhere, but most importantly, we go where we want to go; in most cases our first or second choices". Whether studying in the United States, Europe, Asia or taking a GAP year to enjoy Europe after deferring a college acceptance, our students have many options open to them. Check out our recent University Acceptances.
Q. Are LAS students involved in community service?
A. Yes, collectively during our Earth Day activities… also you can build houses for families in need on our Habitat for Humanity trips throughout Europe. Junior and senior students are required to do community service for the IB Diploma.
Q. Is there an admission test?
A. No, but there are Placement tests in Math, English, Languages and Science which you will take on-campus after you have been accepted during our Orientation Week.
Q. Will someone at LAS help with the application process? Will someone tell me if I’m missing things?
A. Yes, you will find a step-by-step application process in the application… and our regional representatives will guide you and answer questions.
Q. What are the tuition fees?
A. Yearly tuition is 69,500CHF or 43,000CHF for those attending only one semester. For families employed by companies such as Chevron, Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell and the U.S. government, please contact the Admissions Office.
Q. Is Financial Aid available?
A. Each year LAS strives to provide a small number of full scholarships. Many highly qualified students apply and the process is very competitive. LAS also offers more limited financial aid to a select group of qualified applicants. All scholarship awards are based on both merit and financial need.
Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
A. First you must apply for acceptance. After being accepted you can request a Scholarship/Financial Aid application from the Admissions office.
Q. How far in advance should I apply? When do you send out acceptances?
A. We have rolling admissions. This means that the application and acceptance process begins when you send in all necessary documents. We notify you of your acceptance or denial within 3 weeks. Applying as early as possible is beneficial.
Q. Do you have a wait list?
A. Usually by May 1st we are approaching our school capacity and a wait list may form.
Q. When is the best time to visit the school?
A. We receive visitors throughout the year. Please contact the Admissions Office for an appointment.
Q. Does LAS have a religious affiliation?
A. No, we have students from over 20 different religions and are committed to a community that supports and respects religious freedom.
Q. Where is Leysin and how many people live there?
A. It’s an alpine village… with a ski resort in the town. It’s in the mountains looking over the northeast end of Lake Geneva. We share Leysin with about 3,000 local residents. During the ski season we welcome about 7,000 more people to our mountains to ski.
Q. How do I get to the school?
A. You walk… seriously, you walk most places. We’re in a small community and our “campus” is small and closely connected. We do have taxis, if necessary.
Q. Does LAS offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?
A. Yes, there is a full-ESL Program. There is also an ESL Bridge program which starts in April, includes the LAS summer program, and continues with the next academic year.
Q. To which associations does LAS belong?
A. We are accredited by the European Council of Independent Schools, Middle States Association, and the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Q. What is the student-teacher ratio?
A. 5 to 1.
Q. What is a typical day like?
A. Breakfast at 7 AM. Seven different classes. Activities in the afternoon. Study hall in the evenings. A simple, effective model.
Q. Is there much homework?
A. Sure, it’s high school! 