Students First
Recognizing our responsibility to prepare our students for university, careers and life, we have based our organization, programs and policies on fulfilling every student's needs.

Teachers are the Key
Our faculty plays a key role in creating a total education for our students-one that reaches beyond the classroom to include social, moral, and emotional growth.

Leadership with Inspiration
As educators, we know that inspired students are motivated students. For that reason, faculty and administrators alike work to provide inspired leadership to every student at LAS.

Management with Purpose
Prudent and consistent management practices provide the framework through which our educational goals can be achieved.

Systems for Support
Supporting systems and programs collectively advance the mission and goals of the school.

Continuous Improvement
To promote an evolving environment of academic excellence and personal growth, LAS seeks to make the newest technologies and most innovative tools available for our students.

Academic Challenge
LAS offers students an academically challenging setting, based on realistic goals, to prepare them for university study. To meet this challenge, students are expected to master the skills necessary to become life-long learners. Non-native English speakers can expect a supportive environment in the classroom that enhances the mastery of English communications skills.

Community Harmony
LAS is committed to maintaining a stable, caring and supportive family-like environment. Students receive guidance through daily interaction with live-in faculty who provide an in loco parentis presence while serving as role models.

Balanced Program
LAS offers a balanced program of study, sports, recreation and cultural travel in order to promote the total education of our students.

International Understanding
LAS promotes a living and learning environment where students can mature into model "citizens of the world," actively engaged in promoting those principles defined by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Partnership with Parents
LAS believes that the involvement of parents is integral to the success of our students. Through school-based initiatives that encourage long distance parenting, LAS parents can connect as partners in our educational process.

Stage 1: Arrange a Visit (recommended)

Stage 2: Application Form and Supporting Documentation

An offer of a place at LAS in Switzerland can only be confirmed once we receive the following documentation:
For extenuating circumstances please contact the Admissions Office directly.
1. Application Form: It is imperative that the form be completed in BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS and signed by one of the student's parents or legal guardians.
2. Application Fee: There is a 200 Swiss franc (CHF) non-refundable application fee, payable when the Application Form is submitted. This can be paid in cash, credit card or by bank transfer. (See pages 5 and 6 for details.)
3. Teacher Recommendations: These should be completed by the Math & English Teachers and the School Counselor/Administrator. If for any reason it is not possible to obtain one or more of these recommendations, please contact our Admissions Office.
4. School Transcripts: These should be submitted for the last 3 academic years as well as progress reports for the current year of studies as they become available. Note: All non-English transcripts must be officially translated and submitted in English.
5. Short Questions & Essay: The short questions and essay should be submitted at the same time as the completed and signed application form. The chosen essay should be at least 300 words long and hand written. Non-native English speaking students are expected to submit their answers in the English language.
6. Student Passport: A copy including pages indicating the passport number, expiry date and place of issue should be submitted. (If a dual national, please send a copy of the primary passport used for travel and visa purposes.)
7. Student Photo: 1 digitally scanned passport-style photograph.

Stage 3: IB Diploma & Interviews IB Diploma
Non-native English speakers seeking entrance to the full IB Diploma Programme are required to take an English proficiency test such as the TOEFL or SLEP tests. The Admissions Office will contact interested candidates with instructions.

Interviews
A personal or telephone interview with a member of the Admissions team may be required of certain candidates.

Stage 4: Acceptance
Applications are assessed by the Admissions Committee before the final acceptance decision is made. Decisions will be conveyed to applicants within 10 working days from receipt of a full file, and following receipt of pre-test results and interview comments. Accepted students will receive the following documents in their acceptance package, electronically and / or by courier / postal services:

1. Acceptance Letter
2. Tuition Invoice
3. Acceptance Agreement
4. Visa Information, when necessary (see Stage 6)

Stage 5: Enrollment
Written confirmation as well as payment of at least the security deposit is required to guarantee a student's place at LAS. Once the Admissions Office receives the completed and signed Acceptance Agreement the following enrollment documentation will be sent electronically and / or by courier / postal services:
1. Student Life Handbook
2. Enrollment forms (to be returned to LAS)
3. Summer Reading List
4. Orientation Information

Stage 6: Visas
In accordance with Swiss Law, it is necessary for most students holding passports outside of the European Union, the USA, Canada or Japan to obtain an Entry Visa to commence studies in Switzerland. Please note that a Tourist Visa is not acceptable. The visa application process can take time and therefore students requiring a visa should apply immediately at the nearest Swiss Embassy/Consulate upon receiving their acceptance letter from LAS. Students are also encouraged to obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival at LAS allowing them to travel within other European countries.

Stage 7: Payment
Yearly fees are due by June 1. Yearly tuition is 67,000CHF or 41,500CHF for those attending only one semester. Further details can be found in the Financial Information section of this booklet.

Tuition for the 2010-2011 school year is:

$65,000 (USD)
CHF 69,500 (Swiss Francs)

Financial Aid:
Limited aid is available based on academic merit or need:
Typical scholarships amount to $10,000.
80% of Families pay full-tuition.

Tuition for the Gap Year program for 2010-2011 is: $39,982 (USD)

Leysin American School has made the commitment to the philosophies and principles behind the International Baccalaureate Organization because we believe that quality work and realistic standards are attainable by all young people, whether they choose to pursue the full IB Diploma Program or not.. The guiding force behind our curricula and activities is to encourage all LAS students to reach their greatest potential in every area of strength and to develop new skills and strengths in the process.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The IB Diploma Program is a two-year program and usually begins in the eleventh grade, continuing through the end of the twelfth grade. IB Diploma students have the opportunity to be exposed to rigorous university-level standards while still in a supportive high school setting. There is the potential to also earn the prestigious IB Diploma, an internationally recognized document.

Students pursuing IB courses have the possibility to earn college credit in selected subjects depending upon each university's policies. Students planning to pursue the IB Diploma Program are strongly encouraged to take the highest level coursework possible in the ninth and tenth grade years to better prepare for the rigors encountered in a program consisting of mostly IB-level classes.

Although there is no formal admission process to the Diploma Program, students will be expected to have earned good grades in all subjects and to evidence the sort of active engagement in the learning process which marks the successful IB Diploma candidate.

All students taking IB-level classes will be expected to complete all IBO assessments relevant to each course.

All students at Leysin American school will be exposed to IB-specific standards. LAS students have many opportunities to take IB courses even if they do not wish to pursue the IB Diploma. There is no limit to the number of IB-level courses a student may take, but some IB courses will have priority enrollment for Diploma candidates over Certificate seekers.

Diploma Program Overview

. Entry into the Diploma Program
All students are welcome to pursue the IB Diploma Program at LAS. Existing students will be advised by their teachers and the IB Coordinator as to whether or not it will be feasible to attempt the full IB Diploma. Students new to LAS wanting to accept the challenge of the IB Diploma Program will be reviewed on a one-by-one basis with regards to past academic experience and attitude. First-year IB Diploma candidates will have a probationary period through the first marking period to evaluate attitude and academic performance. In some instances, students may be advised to withdraw from the full Diploma program.

. Diploma Requirements
Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program study five core subject areas (first language, second language, social studies, science, and mathematics) at the IB level for one or two years. Students choose an additional Sixth Subject from any of the core subject areas or from the arts. For students whose native language is not English and are unable to study literature in English at the A1 level, the option to pursue Language A1 Self-Taught exists. See page 22 of the Course Guide for more details.

. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Requirements for the IB Diploma also include the Theory of Knowledge course, completing an Extended Essay, and documenting the required number of CAS hours. Students must earn a minimum passing score in Theory of Knowledge assessments and on the externally assessed Extended Essay to be considered for the Diploma. Additionally, a minimum of 150 CAS hours must be appropriately documented and filed at the school to be considered for the IB Diploma. Successful candidates may earn the IB Diploma in addition to the LAS high school diploma. Students who demonstrate above-average work on Theory of Knowledge assessments and with their Extended Essays may earn up to 3 bonus points toward the IB Diploma.

. IB scores
IB courses are given final, cumulative scores on a scale of 0-7. Scores are the sum of all internal and external assessments; the percentage of weight given to each component of a course depends on each subject. Typically, internal assessments will count between 20% to 30% of a final subject score.

. Diploma candidates must earn a minimum score of 24 points for six courses in order to earn the IB Diploma. IB Diploma candidates must take at least three Higher Level courses and no more than three Standard Level courses. If a student pursues three HL courses, the average for those three must equal 12 with no one subject score below 3. Final scores for IB courses are provided by IBCA via website in early July after the relevant courses have been completed. Official university transcripts for IB coursework must be obtained via email from IBO directly.

. HL and SL Courses
The distinction between Higher Level and Standard Level courses deals primarily with the depth of content for which the student is responsible. HL courses must cover a greater period of time and thus always last for two years. HL courses typically have more assessments associated with them when compared to SL courses, and HL assessments tend to be more rigorous.

. Predicted Grades
Each year, schools provide IBCA with Predicted Grades. The purpose of Predicted Grades are to provide IBCA with a system of checks and balances to ensure that examiner and moderator scores are consistent. More important, teachers compare their Predicted Grades with student results each year to help determine how closely the teacher adheres to and understands IB standards. As a general rule, LAS does not provide Predicted Grades to students or parents because these marks have no bearing on students' scores and also because Predicted Grades are intended to be a tool for teacher self-assessment, not for student assessment.

. LAS and IB Grading
Leysin American School recognizes that scores provided by the IBO represent external standards that, although representative of the values we seek in students, do not always reflect a student's work in the classroom. To that end, LAS provides its students with percentage grades rooted in IB standards but based on performance and effort in the classroom. Post Grad (PG) Year
The Post-Graduate year at LAS is designed for students who have already received their high school diploma and serves as an additional year of enrichment to further prepare for University.

Students can benefit from improving their grades and SAT/TOEFL scores which will increase their chances of entering the university of their choice. Students can also take additional courses such as individual IB certificates or AP Calculus. LAS also provides college counseling and SAT preparation and testing.

Since many universities are also increasingly looking for students with further experience, a year abroad in Europe will enhance social growth and independence, and enable students to partake in a variety of extra curriculum activities. The course includes a five-day study tour to Italy as well as other opportunities to learn more about European culture and languages.

The residence houses of the Leysin American School are absolutely vital to the well-being and positive functioning of the school community as a whole. If students feel at home and at ease in their living situation, they will feel positive about themselves and will be able to perform to their potential.

Building a community is the primary objective of the Leysin American School. We believe in a stable, caring and supportive family-like environment where students receive adult guidance through frequent daily interaction. "Family" is the key word because, given the distance that many of our students travel to get here, our faculty is committed to providing a positive "in loco parentis" role model for students.

The dormitories at LAS provide students with a unique opportunity. Students will be provided a chance to learn appreciation for and understanding of people of other cultures from around the world. Living together in a harmonious setting allows for learning of one another's differences beyond language, food, and traditional costumes, to explore the ideas, values, and histories that have solidified each cultural group's uniqueness. This rich experience opens up another avenue to realize, that despite our obvious differences, there are many more similarities shared between us as human beings, that we might not have previously realized.

Our residences strive to educate students to be responsible, productive and ethical citizens with the skill to think creatively, reason critically, communicate effectively, and with an attitude of respect towards peoples of other cultures.

A first class winter resort, Leysin is a magical place and the environs offer over 60 km (approx. 40 miles) of excellent downhill skiing, a half-pipe for snowboarders, and many kilometers of cross-country trails. We also have use of a beautiful ice skating center. From early January until late March, students spend two afternoons a week skiing and snowboarding on the Leysin slopes. Students of all levels take lessons and our ski and snowboard teams compete against other international schools. Lessons are provided by the professionally trained members of the Swiss Ski School. A school-provided annual pass allows unlimited access to the Leysin and regional slopes.

The ski season presents a unique opportunity for our students, and has become a long-standing tradition. However, we understand that there are a few people who may not be comfortable with downhill skiing, or who may be suffering from maladies prohibiting them from skiing. As a result, the activities department offers a few alternative options to downhill skiing such as: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. While it is not mandated that each student ski, it is strongly encouraged (and very few exemptions are made), given the unique opportunities we have living in an alpine village. Keeping with traditions and the alpine spirit, we do require all students to participate in one of our winter options as a part of our activities requirements.

The Headmaster, in consultation with administrative team members may occasionally call a day off school to go skiing. These days are not scheduled in number or timing and should not be expected, but may be awarded (any day other than Friday) when the greater school community is meeting expectations, skiing conditions are favorable, weather forecasts cooperative, and there is no inconvenience to institutional functioning.

. If there is going to be a ski day, an announcement will be made during the first period of the day.
. Students can leave for skiing after their first period, but must exit their dorm before 10:00am.
. Dorms will be cleared & locked at 10:00am by dorm teams.
. Beginner skiers still skiing plan praz must meet the faculty sponsor at plan praz by 10:30am.
. Buses (including the town bus) will be making trips to the tele-cabine between 9:30-10:30 or (you may take a taxi or walk)
. Dorms will re-open at 4:00pm.ski sign-in no later than 5:00.
. All scheduled appointments must be kept, including ski lessons, dental, doctor, or counseling.
. Study hall starts and functions as normal at 7:15.
. Everyone must be in Leysin and skiing with a buddy
. Wrist guards & helmets must be worn.
. Cell phones need to be carried and turned on

Ideally located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland's Lake Geneva region serves as the gateway for travel to the cultural treasures of nearby France, Italy, Austria and Germany.

Students have centuries of history come to life before their eyes on excursions to cities such as Rome, Paris or Athens. For example, when they visit the Sistine Chapel, the election of the popes of the Catholic Church over the centuries comes to life. When they visit Athens they visit the sites where democracy was born.

Leysin American School combines formal study with travel as part of the curriculum. Students are expected to pursue academic tasks on these visits, complete reports and projects, and are graded on their work.

The Outdoor Adventure program is a series of excursions and activities designed to showcase the natural outdoor resources in the area surrounding LAS. Leysin is located in a prime alpine location, with abundant rock climbing, high-mountain trekking, via ferratas (mountain routes equipped with fixed steel cables and footholds) and several ski resorts and mountain huts nearby. The philosophy of the Outdoor Adventure program is to get students active in the outdoors and into the Swiss mountains - be it by hiking boots, snowshoes or ropes and harnesses - to see the view from the top.

The Outdoor Adventure program consists of afternoon activities and weekend trips. The fall semester program includes an overnight trek to the summit of the Dents du Midi (the highest peak in the area), as well as an after-school activity of orienteering and avalanche awareness. This activity includes hiking around the local ski resort terrain and surveying the various aspects of the slopes, becoming familiar with piste and off-piste trails.

The series of outdoor activities and weekend trips are open to all interested students. They include (but may change due to weather factors and enrollment):
. Overnight trek to summit the Dents du Midi mountain (3257m, 10,686ft.)
. An overnight hiking trek organized by the students
. Sailing on Lake Geneva - a team-building exercise
. Via Ferrata up the Tour D'Ai, Leysin Canyoning and/or Whitewater Rafting (in the Spring)
. Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing
. Early Season overnight Ski Trip
. Winter Overnight Hut Trip
. Overnight Spring Camping Trip
. Lake Geneva Bike Touring Trip
. Paragliding

. Aerobics
. Badminton
. Basketball
. Bouldering
. Capture the Flag
. Rock Climbing
. Cricket
. Dance - Ballroom
. Dance - Salsa
. Dance - Choreography
. Dodgeball/Kickball
. Fitness Course
. Core Exercises
. American flag-football
. Floor Hockey
. Golf
. Hiking
. Horseback Riding
. Ice Skating
. Ice Hockey
. Indoor Soccer
. Karate/Self Defense
. Mountain Biking
. Ski Conditioning
. Squash
. Stretching & Toning
. Swimming
. Sailing
. Tchoukball
. Tennis
. Track
. Volleyball
. Power Walking
. Weightlifting
. Wrestling
. Yoga
. Ultimate Frisbee

which may be offered, depending on enrollment

. Astronomy
. Community Service (helping local underprivileged children)
. IB Art
. Open Mic (music band/concert club)
. Jazz Band
. School Newspaper
. Yearbook
. Assisting Children in Need (charity group)
. Habitat for Humanity
. Event Planners