The 10 Best Schools in Switzerland For 2020

LEYSIN AMERICAN
SCHOOL
Raising a New Generation of Global Citizens
In this ever-changing world, responsible
citizenship is more important than ever. This
world needs people who have an awareness that
expands beyond their own microsystem and can make
a difference not only in their community, but on a
global scale. We need individuals who raise their
voice when it comes to important social, economic,
and environmental issues.
To ensure a globally bright future, we need to mould
our next generation and instill within them values that
will allow them to be independent, curious, and
innovative leaders. Schools that consider it an honour
to play a role in developing such individuals are
crucial to this goal. Leysin American School (LAS)
is one such institution that embodies the above
attributes and has been helping to raise the next
generation of world leaders.
History Worth Remembering
LAS is a renowned school with an interesting story.
Seventy years ago, in 1949, Sigrid and Fred Ott
pursued their dream of starting a summer camp in
Switzerland, resulting in the creation of the
International Ranger Camps. The success of their
summer camps began to feed a desire to take on a new
challenge: opening an international boarding school.
Nearly a decade later, the Otts’ vision became reality.
LAS was founded in 1961, serving as a school where
kids from around the world could come together, gain
a global perspective, and receive a world-class
education.
Since its founding, LAS has grown to host 300
students in its state-of-the-art facilities, including its
Magic Mountain Athletic Centre, 2 libraries, 2
campuses, 5 dormitories, and more.
A New Generation of Leaders
LAS’s approach to education has always been guided
by its mission statement of “developing innovative,
compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world.”
These values were established back in 1949 upon the
founding of the International Ranger Camps, with the
intention of making the world a more open, friendly,
and tolerant place in the wake of the Second World
War.
LAS instills in its students a global perspective and
international understanding. One of their alumni said
it best: “Being part of a student body as diverse as
LAS’s definitely makes learning about the things you
don’t know a priority, rather than arguing with others
about why your worldview, inherently based on
incomplete information, is the correct one.” Living,
learning, and playing alongside peers from every
corner of the globe helps LAS students expand their
horizons, explore new cultures, and gain a more
complete view of global, social, and political
dynamics.
LAS believes in helping students follow the paths
curiosity leads them down. From projects to field trips
to cultural travel, their students understand that there
is always more to learn. Furthermore, the school
provides their students with the tools and resources
they need to investigate topics that pique their interest.
LAS’s location in the Alps has been advantageous. It
helps them communicate the value of
environmentalism to their students. Their young
scholars are always in touch with the mountains,
whether that is through skiing, hiking, gardening, or
recording environmental data. Many of the school’s
staff are long-time inhabitants of Leysin who have
been able to witness first-hand the effects of climate
change in the Alps. They stress the consequences of
these changes to their students, and in doing so they
raise a new generation of environmental caretakers.
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