Private school Leysin American School

Summer in Switzerland @ Leysin American School

Age: 9-16 years old.

Dates, 2026: June 29–July 17, July 20–August 7.

The American Leysin School (LAS) is an elite boarding school founded in 1961 in the French-speaking part of the Swiss Alps, not far from Lake Geneva in the resort of the same name - Leysin.

The summer program has been held since 1949, even before the boarding school was opened!

Leysin is one of the most beautiful alpine resorts in Switzerland, it is a 90-minute drive from Geneva Airport and only 18 kilometres from the famous Montreux. It is an ideal place for a private school, quiet and calm. At the same time, cities such as Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel are very close.

In summer, LAS offers vacation programs with the study of foreign languages ​​and an exciting program.

KEY FACTORS

• The school is located within walking distance from the centre of the town, where there are shops, restaurants, cafes, sports centres and a cinema, where you can always watch a movie in English.
• Every year, students from different countries come to the program, which guarantees a unique multinational composition and new friends around the world.
• This is a very eventful, dynamic and innovative summer program! Students will be able to get the maximum for their development.

EQUIPMENT

The school has excellent equipment: a computer room, a huge library, art and music studios, a cafe, a gym with exercise machines, a sports hall and a cinema where English-speaking films are shown, shops.

PROGRAM

Language program

The Language Track is an intensive course where students can choose betweenEnglish and French and embark on a lively journey designed to significantly boost their language skills, confidence, and cultural understanding. Each morning, you will have a chance to dive into three hours of dynamic instruction tailored to your age and ability level, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner.

Beyond the classroom, all students will take part in cultural expeditions, using their new language skills to navigate, explore, and connect with the local environment. Whether it's a scavenger hunt through the village of Leysin or interviewing local artists, these experiences deepen linguistic ability and cultural appreciation.

By the end of the course, students of both languages will have honed their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. They will emerge with a greater understanding of grammar, an expanded vocabulary, and the ability to communicate more fluently and confidently. Additionally, students will have developed a nuanced appreciation of the culture, traditions, and lifestyles associated with the language they have chosen to study.

Leadership Course

ALP (Alpine Leadership Program): Embark on an exhilarating journey through the majestic Swiss Alps! This program challenges students to step beyond their comfort zones in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment led by experienced instructors and local guides. Each day in ALP is an adventure, with students spending three hours every morning engaged in a variety of dynamic outdoor activities. They will learn the essentials of trip planning, orienteering, wilderness cooking, shelter building, and first aid. The curriculum is hands-on, with students actively participating in rock climbing, hiking, and camping, learning to adapt and respond to the diverse Alpine environment. An emphasis on teamwork and peer leadership allows every participant to take charge and lead activities, fostering confidence and decision-making skills. 

The Program culminates in an overnight camping adventure, where students will put their newly acquired skills to the test and celebrate their achievements. By the end of the program, students will not only have a profound appreciation for the natural world but will also be equipped with the leadership skills to navigate future challenges, in the outdoors and beyond. Join us for an unforgettable summer of growth, adventure, and leadership in the Swiss Alps!(Additional 500 CHF Tuition Fee)

Summer Enrichment Track offers students the opportunity to dive into three specialized areas: Performing Arts, DaVinci in the Digital World, and Global Minds.

1. Performing Arts

Under the guidance of experts in directing, acting, choreography, and music, students will hone their artistic talents. They will have a unique opportunity to learn professional performance techniques, character development, and the finer points of stagecraft. Working with experienced choreographers, students will explore the physical aspects of storytelling, while music teachers will help them master musical elements that enhance performance. Whether it's acting, dancing, or singing, by the end of the program, students will have a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the performing arts.

2. Programming

Students will be able to discover their inner innovator by exploring the interconnection between art, science, and technology. They will be introduced to cutting-edge digital tools, including 3D design, programming, and robotics, to expand their digital literacy and solve exciting challenges together. They will also learn about the role of artificial intelligence in various contexts, whether it be the world of art, data reliability, or the impact of generative artificial intelligence on the planet. The program has been developed by computer science experts and engineers and will provide students with a master class in technology.

ACCOMMODATION

Pupils live in comfortable residences, in rooms for 2-4 people with all amenities. Boys and girls live in detached buildings.

SPORT

Each day, students choose a different afternoon activity. We offer so many activities that students could choose something different every day and never do the same thing twice! From horseback riding to ice skating, this is a great time for students to try something new!

Activities we have offered in the past have included Floor Hockey, Finger Knitting, Beach Volleyball, Dirt Biking, Ukulele Lessons, Painting & Drawing, Yoga, Hiking, Tie-dye, Football (Soccer), Parapenting, and Dance, and so much more. There really is something for everyone!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

In the afternoon, children take part in interest clubs. Classes are held in small groups, students work communicating to achieve a common goal.

• Team sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball, and more. Club leaders will offer individual training and set goals that will help you develop in each sport, regardless of your initial level. Children will not only improve their coordination and athletic skills, but also understand the value of teamwork, athletic skill, and strategic thinking.
• Visual arts: painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. This club is a great opportunity to unleash your creative potential and hone your artistic skills. The club is suitable for all skill levels. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of art by experimenting with different materials and techniques, while more advanced artists will be able to develop their own unique style and create a unique portfolio of work. All artists will be able to share their final projects with other students during an exhibition.
• Music and Video Production: Learn about music, video, and technology that helps you create your own songs, beats, and videos. Through engaging lessons and creative tools for recording, editing, and mixing, children will learn to turn their ideas into high-quality projects.
• Hiking and rock climbing: Through a balanced mix of hiking and rock climbing, kids will immerse themselves in the beauty of the Leysin mountain region, exploring breathtaking trails and peaks surrounding the picturesque campus. Leysin, known for its stunning scenery, offers a variety of routes for both hikers and climbers.
• Cooking and baking: For those who love to cook, bake, and eat, and want to learn about sustainable and environmentally friendly cooking methods. Children will create delicious dishes and treats. The culmination will be a cooking competition. As they progress through the course, students will create a personal cookbook with recipes and photos of their culinary achievements.
• Tennis: Children will receive individual coaching, improve their tennis skills, and participate in competitions. Children are offered a dynamic club program against the backdrop of the stunning Swiss Alps. The club's team of specialists will provide an exciting and enriching experience for players of all levels, from beginners to experienced players.

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES

Our eveningsare just as exciting as our daytime activities! From exhilarating sports nights where energy and competition thrive, to cozy family nights that bring everyone together in a warm, communal atmosphere, our themed evenings are designed to cater to diverse interests and ensure endless fun.

For those who love the great outdoors, opportunities abound to gather around a fire while singing songs and sharing stories under the starlit sky. Several of our evening events are designed to bring the entire camp together, allowing students from different dorms and age groups to mingle and form newfriendships. One of the highlights of our summer program is the Final Banquet. This grand celebration is a time to dress up, feast on a variety of delicious foods, and capture memorable moments with friends in photographs. 

Every Friday afternoon, we offer our students the chance to indulge in unique and thrilling experiences. Fantastic Fridays are designed to give you a break from the usual routine and immerse yourself in new, exciting activities. Gear up for a Friday like no other, where each week brings a new adventure and the chance to explore, laugh, and grow! Our Fantastic Fridays in the past have included a range of exhilarating options, including:

• Jumpland
• Surfing
• Canyoning
• Paddle Boarding
• Escape Room
• High Ropes Course
• Lasertag
• White Water Rafting
• VR Game Center

EXCURSIONS

Every weekend of our summer program offers a delightful blend of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion, perfect for recharging and experiencing the wonders of Switzerland and beyond! Our 2025 excursions included (but were not limited to!):

• Lucerne – A picturesque lakeside city surrounded by mountains. Lucerne is famous for its medieval architecture, charming old town, and the stunning Chapel Bridge.
• Bern – The capital of Switzerland! Bern is known for its UNESCO-listed old town, beautiful river views, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower.
• Zermatt – A breathtaking mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn (think Tobelerone bar!). Zermatt offers stunning alpine landscapes and the chance to experience snow - even in summer!

COST, 2026

3 weeks - CHF 9,300
6 weeks - CHF 16,750

Included in cost

• Teaching
• Accommodation and meals
• The whole excursion and entertainment program

Extra paid

• Leadership course - CHF 500
• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport
• Services of our company

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We operate since 1996
• Choose camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We place children only in camps which provides good accommodation
• Conducted a personal inspection of almost all the schools that we offer
• We do not work with the mass segment, only camps for discerning customers
• You can call us 24/7
• We inform you about the particularities of each course
• What customers appreciate us for