The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)
The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) is located in the picturesque village of Montagnola. It overlooks the beautiful Lake Lugano and the Swiss mountains. The school provides a serene and stimulating environment for its students.
Founded in 1956 by M. Crist Fleming, TASIS was the first American boarding school in Europe. It has a rich history of fostering international understanding and producing what Fleming called "international human beings"—individuals capable of moving easily in any society and civilization.
TASIS stands on the Collina d’Oro ("Hill of Gold"), a setting that's a constant reminder of the grandeur and beauty of nature. The campus is a blend of historic 17th-century buildings and modern, eco-friendly structures. The school emphasizes the importance of culture and beauty in education. It believes that these elements play a crucial role in shaping students' values and aspirations.
The school offers an inspiring academic program structured around the TASIS Mission Statement. With a strong orientation toward the classical liberal arts tradition, students develop a passion for excellence, respect, understanding of others, and personal values of responsibility, civility, compassion, justice, and honesty. The curriculum is complemented by extensive language learning opportunities and the International Baccalaureate program. TASIS also utilizes its location to visit significant cultural sites in Europe and bring artists and speakers to campus. All of them enhance the educational experience.
Service learning is a crucial component of the TASIS experience. It focuses on education and building sustainable devotion to service among students. The Opsahl Global Service Program, for instance, provides high school students with opportunities to connect across borders. The program is conducted through comprehensive experiences that build empathy and encourage personal responsibility. Various service groups and initiatives allow students to engage with local and global communities. They address issues like poverty, environmental conservation, and education.
Beyond academics and service, TASIS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. They are the Chess Club Cultural Salon and the Mountain Biking Club. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop new skills, fostering a well-rounded personality. The school also has a vibrant sports program. It offers teams in sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and more. They promote physical fitness and team spirit among students.
At its core, TASIS is a tight-knit community where students from approximately 60 nations live and learn together, speaking more than 30 languages. This diverse environment helps break down prejudices, cross barriers of ignorance, and form a community that transcends political and national boundaries. The school believes that when young people from different backgrounds get to know each other, something marvelous happens, and a better world is formed.
In summary, TASIS provides a unique blend of rigorous academic programs, extensive service learning, and a diverse array of extracurricular activities. All set in one of the world's most scenic locations. It's a place where students are inspired to dream big and lead lives of consequence.
Key Takeaways:
- Official Website: https://www.tasis.ch
- Founded: 1956
- Address: Via Collina d’Oro 15, 6926 Montagnola, Switzerland
- Phone: +41 91 960 51 51
- Email: admissions@tasis.ch
- Tuition Fees: CHF 100,500 for Middle and High School Boarding Students; CHF 28,000 - CHF 53,000 for Day Students (grades Pre-Kindergarten to 12 and Postgraduate).
