Frequently Asked Questions

How many students attend LAS?

Around 350… about half girls and half boys.

Where do your students come from?

Everywhere… well, more than 60 countries this year.

When was LAS founded and why?

It was founded in 1960. Our founders were seeking a school that would build understanding of different cultures.

What are the average dorm room size, furnishings and roommate options?

Dorm rooms are shared by two or three students. The shared space is more than adequate, with hardwood furniture, bunk beds and lots of closet space. Each room has its own bathroom.

What is the average class size?

Average size is 13. Our largest class is limited to 24 students; the smallest class is 5 students.

What is the curriculum offered at LAS?

Our school offers the U.S. High School Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Our highest-level courses are IB HL. These classes qualify for college credit at many universities.

Are Advanced Placement credits and examinations offered?

Yes, but are very limited. Our school focuses on the International Baccalaureate Diploma and therefore our highest level courses are IB HL.

Where do students go to college or university after LAS?

As one LAS student answered, “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.

Are LAS students involved in community service?

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.

Is there an admission test?

No, but after you have been accepted, there are placement tests in math, English, languages and science that you will take on-campus during Orientation Week.

Will someone at LAS help with the application process? Will someone tell me if I’m missing things?

Yes, you will find a step-by-step application process in the application form—and our regional representatives will guide you and answer questions.

What are the tuition fees?

Yearly tuition is 76,000 CHF, or 45,500 CHF 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.

Is financial aid available?

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.

How do I apply for financial aid?

First you must apply for acceptance. After being accepted you can request a Scholarship/Financial Aid application from the Admissions Office.

How far in advance should I apply? When do you send out acceptances?

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 three weeks. Applying as early as possible is beneficial.

Do you have a wait list?

Usually by May 1, we are approaching our school capacity and a wait list may form.

When is the best time to visit the school?

We receive visitors throughout the year. Please contact the Admissions Office for an appointment.

Does LAS have a religious affiliation?

No, we have students from more than 20 different religions and are committed to a community that supports and respects religious freedom.

Where is Leysin, and how many people live there?

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.

How do I get to the school?

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.

Does LAS offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

Yes, there is a full ESL program. There is also an ESL Bridge program that starts in April, includes the LAS summer program and continues with the next academic year.

To which associations does LAS belong?

We are accredited by CIS (the Council of International Schools), Middle States Association and the International Baccalaureate Organization. We are ISO 9001 certified.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

5 to 1.

What is a typical day like?

Breakfast is at 7 a.m., then students have seven different classes, activities in the afternoon and study hall in the evenings—a simple, effective model.

Monday - Thursday
07.00 - 08.00 Wake up w/Breakfast
08.00 - 15.30 Classes
15.45 - 17.30 Activities
17.30 - 19.30 Dinner
19.15 - 22.00 Study Hall
22.30 - 23.00 Lights Out (varied by grade)

Friday
15.30 Classes end
15.30 - 22.30  Free Time in Leysin
22.30 - 23.15 Check-in (varied by grade)

Saturday
09.00 - 16.00  Excursions, Sports and Recreational Activities
16.00 - 17.00 Dinner Check-in
22.30 - 23.15 Evening Check-in (varied by grade)

Sunday
09.00 - 16.00  Excursions, Sports and Recreational Activities
16.00 - 17.00 Dorm Check-in
19.00 - 22.00 Study Hall
22.30 - 23.00 Lights Out (varied by grade)

Is there much homework?

Yes—it’s high school!