A Message from our Headmaster

Education at Leysin American School is based on a multicultural approach. When there are students from all over the world, it is necessary to find standards that address all cultures. This is why we have proudly embraced the International Baccalaureate Program. In fact, we were one of the first international boarding schools in Switzerland to do so—simply because it made sense. Our students come from everywhere around the globe, so why not work with a program accepted all over the world? The IBO philosophy works well with our traditional American program. Students have a multitude of options: Pursue the full IB Diploma; take just some of the IB classes offered and receive a Certificate for each; or focus on our established ESL program.

 

Given that many of our students also speak English as a second language, we also wanted to build an ESL program that would not only challenge our students to achieve levels appropriate to the IB, but also reflect our essentially American philosophy: Each child must succeed. I am happy to report that our three-level system, working in conjunction with a carefully sequenced four-year curriculum, accomplishes all of our goals.

 

Balancing the needs of our different population groups underscores a guiding principle to our academics, that education equates challenge, and that our programs must provide appropriate challenge for each of our students. This course guide allows you to view the educational options available at Leysin American School and to come to an understanding of the many ways we can support and guide each learner.

 

Our highly trained faculty will provide each learner with advice on appropriate class selection. Our ESL teachers will do their best to identify each student’s level of English language proficiency and place each student in the appropriate class in accordance with his or her abilities. The Academic Dean’s office, along with the IB Coordinator, will help design an individual two-year program for students who are willing to pursue the full IB Diploma. Our College Counselor will work with students individually to assist in choosing a university where the academic potential of each student will be realized. The College Counselor’s office will also assist the preparation of application forms, essays, and testing for an expedient college acceptance. Check out our recent University Acceptances.

 

It is our goal to instill a lifelong habit of learning, discovering passionate curiosity, and enjoying the rewards of intellectual development as we educate the future leaders of the global community. We hope you enjoy learning about our programs. Along with our diverse activities program and cultural excursions that take advantage of our spectacular location, we believe that we have excellent offerings which provide the best international education in the Alps!

 

We look forward to seeing you in the coming year,

Vladimir Kuskovski
Headmaster
Leysin American School

 

 

 

Leysin American School provides an academic challenge based on realistic goals in preparation for university study. Students are expected to master the skills necessary to become life-long learners. For non-native English speakers, instruction is given in an environment which enhances the mastery of English communications skills.

 

At LAS the academic objective is to support students based on the precept that each student should be motivated to perform at a continuous high level of scholastic achievement based on individual potential and consistent effort. All our students come to us with the goal of entering university. We aim to prepare them to meet the challenge of university studies.

 

Please contact the Dean of Belle Epoque and IB Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan Keen or the Assistant Academic Dean Mr. John Sprague for more information.

Download the 2009-2010 Academic Course Guide