TASIS The American School in Switzerland

• Year of foundation: 1956
• Location: Lugano
• Age of students: 4-18 years
• Type of education: mixed
• Number of students: more than 700
• Programs: IB, High school, language courses (English, French, Italian)
• Accommodation: residence
• Cost: from 35900 CHF per semester with accommodation
• Ranking: the school is included in TOP-30 Swiss boarding schools.

A unique American high school in Switzerland, an institution with a guaranteed high quality of pre-university preparation - it is all about TASIS School. School education in Switzerland is an excellent choice for those who subsequently plan to study at one of the world's leading universities in the United States. The TASIS School Switzerland is accredited by the European Council of International Schools, NEASC.

The institution is located in the south of Switzerland, on a picturesque mountainside. From the windows of the residences and the educational building you can enjoy a stunning view. From the north side you can see the forest, mountain peaks, from the south - the Swiss lakes. The location of the boarding school allows its students to effectively combine the acquisition of academic knowledge with travelling. Here, in the south of Switzerland, students can fully immerse into the cultural environment of the country, get closer to the beauty of the Alpine nature, perfectly study English, prepare for admission to an American college or university.

TASIS School presents a multinational environment. Today, more than 700 students from 50 different nationalities enter the school in Switzerland. Their communication, mutual cultural enrichment is supported by highly qualified teachers. The modern school-board is actively developing. The basis of studying is made up of traditional methods, proven by more than half a century of practice. This allows to guarantee the high quality of academic preparation, corresponding to high international standards.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What distinguishes Swiss schools, making them highly valued by parents?

Several factors make Swiss schools stand out: safety, the opportunity for year-round sports and activities (like water sports, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, and team sports), and the chance to learn multiple languages amidst a rich cultural backdrop. Swiss education paves the way to top universities, and many state-owned Swiss universities offer world-class education at minimal cost.

Laptops, tablets, smartphones, the Internet, and other technologies have become the backbone of modern life, and TASIS believes that these tools can support the acquisition of knowledge, enable creative expression, and promote lifelong learning. It recognizes the need to teach pupils to be responsible, informationally literate digital citizens. Wireless Internet access is used throughout the campus, protected by a reliable filtering system, Each classroom is equipped with an Apple TV, a projector with an audio system, and an interactive display. In computer labs and on personal equipment, you can access student assignments, school calendars, family catalogs using the Veracross school information system.

To support the youngest students in their classrooms and meet diverse learning needs, the primary school began transitioning to a mobile technology integration model in 2012. Today, most elementary classrooms are equipped with iPads, so children learn from a variety of materials that will prepare them for success in high school:

• Use of applications, the Internet to search for information, images,
• Writing texts with word processors, graphic organizers,
• Practice arithmetic, spelling, grammar,
• Creating and conducting informational presentations,
• Creation and editing of videos, other forms of multimedia,
• Development of digital citizenship skills,
• Use of translators, dictionaries,
• Sending e-mails (in grades 4-5),
• Recording study trips through an online portfolio.

Middle school students use school iPads as their primary device, continue to improve the communication, research, creative, basic computer skills they acquired in elementary school. There is also a greater emphasis on digital citizenship, which includes topics such as privacy and cybersecurity. Students use their devices throughout the year for the following purposes:

• Creation and implementation of multimedia presentations,
• Collecting scientific data, writing laboratory reports,
• Practice Language Arts Skills, Mathematics,
• Collaborative work on online projects,
• Video creation, editing,
• Conducting and participating in surveys,
• Research of current and historical information,
• Communicate with your teachers and other students.

As high school students approach life beyond TASIS, they must be prepared to meet the demands of a world saturated with technology and information. 

High school students are required to bring their own computer devices. TASIS provides technological capabilities to support these students in developing a range of skills:

• Effective, efficient research,
• Multilingual communication,
• Cooperation
• Creativity, innovation,
• Resourcefulness
• Problem solving,
• Digital citizenship.

TASIS has three academic departments: elementary, middle, and senior. In addition, during the holidays, they are joined by a summer school offering short-term courses.

TASIS has a thorough approach to the issue of caring for the environment, works to promote environmental sustainability, minimize waste: 90% of organic waste from the kitchen is recycled, all disposable paper plates, cups, cutlery are made of recyclable and biodegradable materials.  Most of the products that are used in the preparation of the dishes are supplied by local farmers, which significantly reduces the level of damage from exhaust fumes (common when transported from afar).

On the campus, located on 74 acres of land, there are 7 residences. 6 are designed to accommodate boarding students. In the seventh building, students of daytime education can relax in breaks between lessons and circles. The guesthouse at TASIS School offers accommodation in rooms designed for 2-3 people. In the apartments for a comfortable stay there is everything you need. In addition, residences have recreation rooms, laundries, and kitchens.

Meals for students living on a full board are offered 3 times a day. For this, a comfortable school cafeteria is equipped.

Subject list: ancient world, Architecture, Art, biology, Business and management, chemistry, Choral singing, drawing lessons, ecology, economics, English literature, Folklore and Mythology, Geometry, history, humanitarian sciences, Italian literature, letter, literature, maths, music, painting, photography, physical education, physics, politics, reading, Russian literature, sculpture
Activity list: Art studio, Artistic modeling, badminton, basketball, Chorus, Climbing wall, cross, dancing, Drama, Drawing on canvas, fitness, football, golf, horseback riding, kickboxing, lacrosse, music studio, Pilates, rugby, skiing, spinning, Sports running, swimming, tennis, theater workshop, Theatrical arts, track-and-field athletics, volleyball, yoga,  dance Sport

TASIS offers ample opportunities for all-round development: these are clubs, circles, sports sections, social activities, master classes, seminars of invited speakers, participation in exhibitions and much more.

At TASIS, the visual arts program provides engaging activities in private with a teacher or in small groups. Electives will help students develop skills in drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography. Art and photography studios are two of the busiest places on campus, with students most often working there in the evenings and on weekends. In addition to participating in exhibitions in nearby galleries, students have the opportunity to participate in the annual   Spring Arts Festival, showcasing their work.

The theater program is open to every student from elementary to high school. Under the guidance of experienced specialists, they will be able to acquire skills in the activities that they like: future artists, designers, technical specialists - those who will definitely be interested in classes in theater circles.

Sport at TASIS is represented by a dozen directions, each of which is led by a professional coach. Students work in groups that are suitable for their age and abilities, thanks to which they more effectively develop physical skills and a love of activity. Popular sports clubs:

• Cross-country,
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Alpine skiing
• Badminton
• Swimming
• Basketball
• Golf
• Tennis,
• Athletics.

Members of national teams train to participate in interschool, city, and national competitions.

Leisure clubs are another important area for the all-round development of students. In thematic communities, children are in a circle of like-minded people, doing what they love. Some of the popular clubs are:

• Chess
• Diversity of cultures,
• World Literature,
• Debate
• Journalism
• Model United Nations,
• Off-road cycling,
• Robotics
• Alpine skiing
• Ecology, recycling,
• Dance group.

Academic journeys throughout the year introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of Europe, the impressive natural beauty of the Alps. During the excursions, students will be able to see the historical, cultural, natural sights of Switzerland and Italy, taste national cuisine, visit iconic places, and attend entertainment events.

• TASIS School is one of the best American schools in Switzerland by exam results in IB.
• Individual approach to the development of children's intellectual and creative potential is practiced in the school.
• Rich sports programs are offered.
• High quality of academic preparation allows graduates to enter universities from TOP-50 of the world's universities, including Yale, Harvard, Stanford.
• The school has implemented comprehensive student support. Foreign students can get the necessary help in solving the subject, language, everyday issues. Each student has a personal curator that assesses the level of academic achievement, adjusts the curriculum as necessary.
• The school organizes round-the-clock medical care for students. Care of children's health, according to the staff, is as important as caring for their intellectual development.

The boarding school combines several modern buildings. Today, the campus looks quite harmonious. The main building is XVII century. Villa de Nobili once housed the residence of the Italian ambassador. 14 campus buildings are very well equipped. The school provides students with computers, special equipment (in laboratories), interactive whiteboards (in lecture halls). On the territory there is also a swimming pool, a sports complex, many playgrounds and fields.

There are separate rooms and blocks for the creative development of students. These include theatrical studio, music room, architectural class.

In addition to basic tuition fees, there are the following fees:

• Deposit;
• Registration fee  (non-refundable);
• For the developing infrastructure of the establishment;
• Departure costs;
• Tickets;
• Visa fee at the consulate;
• Supervision;
• Transfer.

Extras:

• Deposit for a course/programme 3000 CHF
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 300 CHF

Registration procedure for TASIS programs:

• Communication with the admissions committee to clarify admission requirements, availability, admission dates; It is possible to organize a tour of the campus, acquaintance with teachers,
• Submission of the application, required documents,
• Payment of the registration fee,
• Obtaining an official invitation to study, with the help of which you can apply for a visa,
• Making a deposit to book a seat in the class,
• Arrival at the campus to take possible entrance exams, accommodation in residence, and start studying.

Admission of new students is subject to availability in the required class and only on the basis of the student's compliance with the entry criteria.

To date, TASIS The American School Switzerland has already graduated more than 21,000 competitive students who have gone on to top universities around the world. Thanks to modern approaches to teaching, high final exam scores, and an internationally recognized diploma at the end of the program, high school students have a huge advantage in admission. Some of the elite universities that have TASIS former students are:

• University of California, Berkeley,
• Trinity College Dublin,
• New York University,
• Reed College,
• University of Texas at Austin,
• University of St Andrews,
• Yale.

For admission to middle and high school, prospective students must provide:

• Copies of personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit,
• Academic transcripts for the last three academic years,
• Three letters of recommendation from teachers from the previous school, including teachers of English, mathematics,
• English Proficiency Test Results: TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent,
• Standardized test results (if available).

For junior applicants, there are more lenient requirements - they need transcripts for two years of study, one letter of recommendation; there is no need to take a language test.

TASIS currently administers three funds set up by alumni or alumni parents to reward students for their achievements in a particular field. Together with these awards, TASIS allocates an amount of CHF 2,000,000 annually to provide scholarships and financial aid.

• Katie Clark Memorial Scholarship – Awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional dedication to community service. The award is provided in the form of a scholarship to cover tuition expenses or educational travel,
• Pritzlaf Prize – Awarded to a junior who plays a leading role in community service outside of school, encouraging other students to participate in social activities. The award (a little more than 2200 CHF) can be used to cover the cost of education, donate to a non-profit organization,
• The Lynch Global Service Program (GSP) Extension Award is a fellowship given to individuals who wish to continue working on a GSP project or go on a second business trip abroad.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision