TASIS Lugano

TASIS Campus: A Look from Above

Ages: 7-10, 11-13, 14-17.

Dates, 2026:
Session 1: June 21 – July 16.
Session 2: July 19 – August 8.

TASIS, an American school in Switzerland, was founded in 1956 as the first American boarding school. TASIS Switzerland is located on the slopes of Montegnola, a few minutes' drive from Lugano.

Lugano is a city in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in Switzerland. The city is renowned for its medical, commercial, and banking services, as well as the safety and stability that characterize Switzerland. Lugano is a cosmopolitan city with historical charm: wide squares, cobbled streets, sidewalks, cafes, restaurants, jewelry stores, fashion boutiques, and local shops specializing in food. The school offers impressive views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains.

Key factors

• A magnificent location, stunning views, and clean mountain air - the best combination for a summer vacation.
• A wide and varied program for children of different ages.
• A wide range of activities.
• Excellent sports programs in soccer, golf, tennis, and CrossFit from the best coaches! This is an opportunity to practice professional sports at a world-class level.
• Representatives from more than 60 countries around the world study at the summer camp at the same time—this is an opportunity to make real friends!

Facilities

The main building is located in a 17th-century building. Villa de Nobili was once the residence of the Italian ambassador. The 14 buildings of the student campus are well equipped and furnished. The teaching blocks have computers, special equipment (in laboratories), and interactive whiteboards (in lecture halls). The campus also has a swimming pool, a sports complex, and numerous playgrounds and fields. Separate rooms and blocks are equipped for the creative development of students. These include a theater studio, a music hall, and an architecture class.

Program for children (7-10 years old)

TASIS Summer Programs (CDE: Ages 7–10)

Children aged 7-10 can choose to stay in the school residence or with their parents.

The school offers education in a warm, safe, and caring environment. The program helps children develop independence and self-confidence. Through creative activities, excursions, and sports, the school introduces children to a foreign language, encouraging positive relationships. 

Courses (2 hours on weekdays)

• English as a Second Language (ESL).
  An opportunity to significantly improve language skills under the guidance of experienced teachers. Children are fully immersed in the language environment and, in addition to lessons, actively practice English during activities, excursions, and when communicating with their peers.
• Italian.
  Ticino, Switzerland's only Italian-speaking canton, is the ideal environment for learning spoken Italian. Students reinforce their classroom learning with trips throughout the Ticino region and Italy.
• French.
  Children learn from native speakers who help them gain confidence in their knowledge. Optional trips to the French-speaking part of Switzerland give them the opportunity to use the language in real-life situations.

Morning activities are dedicated to fitness and exercise. Children choose from several options, including organized sports (kickball, basketball, dodgeball, team games), individual activities (yoga, hiking, table tennis, intellectual activities), or swimming.

Sports

As an alternative to morning activities, students can sign up for sports clubs, which take place at the same time. Classes are held twice a week.
The cost of each course is CHF 500-600.

• Tennis.
  The tennis club is designed for students who want to improve their skills. Children must bring their own racket. The ratio of coaches to students is 1:6, with a maximum of 16 people in a group. 
• Milan soccer camp.
  An intensive program led by a coach from the revamped Milan club. This is a unique opportunity to learn at the highest level from the best coaches.
• SUP boarding.
  Children will learn the basics of this fun and relaxing sport. Number of students: 6.
• Horse riding.
  Children will learn how to care for horses and practice riding. Suitable for beginner riders and those who want to learn more about horses. Maximum 16 people per group.

Additional classes

The second half of the day is filled with creativity and hands-on learning through art and science. These classes allow children to grow in courage and confidence as they express themselves in new ways.

After lunch, children study the STEAM Science Course: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (1 hour on weekdays).
The fundamental principles of mathematics and natural sciences are studied through design assignments and practical activities. The course focuses on developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The STEAM course is designed for near-native English speakers and native English speakers who want to strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills.

After the science course, children can look forward to the Performing Arts program.
The school's talented team prepares children for a musical performance and teaches them singing, dancing, art, theater, percussion, and even the ukulele! Children learn songs in English, French, and Italian and showcase all their new talents at the Summer Arts Festival at the end of each session.

Each week, students choose two electives dedicated to cooking, visual arts, design, and science. For example, making pancakes, creating wax sculptures, painting, playing the ukulele, playing the drums, knitting/embroidery, soap making, clothing design, robotics, and environmental science.

After dinner, teachers organize activities that focus on teamwork and strengthening friendships. Favorite activities include dancing, Harry Potter night, capture the flag, and carnival.

On weekends, children staying at the boarding school participate in trips and activities outside the campus, including trips to nearby mountains and cities.

Program for teenagers (11-13 years old)

TASIS Summer Programs (MSP: Ages 11–13)

Morning classes

Students choose a course for their main studies, to which they devote 4 hours in the morning, 5 days a week. The following options are available:

• English as a Second Language (ESL).
  An opportunity to significantly improve language skills under the guidance of experienced teachers. Children are fully immersed in the language environment and, in addition to lessons, actively practice English during activities, excursions, and while communicating with their peers.
• Creative Writing.
  For children with a high level of language proficiency. Children learn about literary techniques, narrative structure, and persuasive writing, and practice writing fiction, essays, and poetry. They also strengthen their creative thinking skills by discussing artificial intelligence and the importance of original and creative thinking.
• Italian. Ticino, Switzerland's only Italian-speaking canton, is the ideal environment for learning conversational Italian. Students reinforce their classroom learning with trips throughout the Ticino region and Italy.
• French.> Children learn from native speakers who help them gain confidence in their knowledge. Optional trips to the French-speaking part of Switzerland give them the opportunity to use the language in real-life situations.
• Science course STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics).
  Students learn the fundamental principles of mathematics and natural sciences through design assignments and practical exercises. The STEAM course is designed for near-native English speakers and native English speakers who want to strengthen their critical thinking and communication skills. Classes are built around finding solutions and connections to real-world problems. Students will create a digital engineering notebook that will inspire them and that they will work with every day in class, acquiring new skills and learning about the components that define life in the fields of electronics, coding, and engineering design. Projects include developing a 3D-printed microdrone and programming boards.
• Musical Theater.
  In this one-of-a-kind course, children participate in acting, singing, and dance classes, working alongside professional teachers. Kids who are more interested in the production side of theater can choose costume design, lighting, sound engineering, and producing. All students are invited to participate in the final performance at the Summer Arts Festival. Please note that there is a minimum language requirement for this program
• Digital Photography.
  An experienced photographer works with the students. The curriculum focuses on camera features, composition, lighting techniques, and image processing, as well as various trips to scenic locations around Ticino. Students must bring their own SLR camera.

Sports

Twice a week after lunch, students take part in a sports program. Possible activities include archery, volleyball, recreational tennis, basketball, hiking, rock climbing, dancing, and recreational soccer. There are also water sports on Lake Lugano, such as stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and swimming.

For those who are serious about sports, the school offers sports clubs that will allow them to improve their game. Classes are held after lunch. Classes are held for an additional fee. The cost of each course is CHF 500-600.

• Tennis.
  The tennis club is for students who want to improve their skills. Children must bring their own racket. The ratio of coaches to students is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 people in a group. The ratio of coaches to students is 1:5.
• Golf.
  Classes are designed for young golfers who want to improve their game. Students practice their skills on the driving range and at the nearby Lugano Golf Club. Equipment can be provided if necessary. Maximum 5 students per group.
• Milan Soccer Camp.
  An intensive program led by a coach from the revamped Milan club. This is a unique opportunity to learn at the highest level from the best coaches.
• Sailing.
  Children will learn the basics of sailing, such as how to rig a boat, how to sail upwind and downwind, and how to tack and jibe. They will also learn about water safety and how to be a responsible boat captain. As they progress, they can master more advanced skills such as racing, cruising, and navigation. 
• Water skiing.
  Children will learn the basics of water skiing: how to get on the skis, how to maintain balance, and how to turn. They will also learn about water safety and how to be a responsible boat passenger. As they progress, they can master more advanced skills such as slalom, jumping, and skiing tricks. 

Additional Activities

Exciting afternoon sports activities include land and water sports, from windsurfing to archery and volleyball. Most afternoon activities end with a swim in the lake.

In the evenings, there are cultural events, group games, dancing, and a World Cup soccer tournament—evening activities give children the opportunity to get together and try something new.

Excursions

A travel program awaits children on the weekends.

Overnight trips allow you to explore more distant places. Cultural trips may include the Italian Riviera, Lake Geneva, Zurich, and Verona. Adventure trips explore the natural terrain around Zermatt, Andermatt, and Ticino. Children stay for one or two nights. Additional fees apply.

Day trips focus on places that are a short drive from campus. Trips to Milan, Zurich, or Lucerne include cultural excursions and time to explore the city with friends. Adventure seekers can choose canyoning, canoeing, rafting, or caving. All trips are included in the tuition, and children return to the school every evening.

Program for teenagers (ages 14-17)

High School Program (HSP: Ages 14–17)

Students choose a course for their main studies, to which they devote 4 hours in the morning, 5 days a week. The following options are available:

• English as a Second Language (ESL).
  The lessons are well structured and aimed at developing students' confidence in using the language. Children are fully immersed in the language environment and, in addition to lessons, actively practice English during activities, excursions, and when communicating with their peers.
• Academic Writing.
  For children with a high level of language proficiency. Students improve their writing skills by learning how to structure and write essays, research papers, and persuasive texts. Students will compile a portfolio that will be an advantage when applying to university. 
• French language.
  Children learn from native speakers who help them gain confidence in their knowledge. Optional trips to the French-speaking part of Switzerland give them the opportunity to use the language in real-life communication situations.
• Your own startup.
  Students will learn the basic principles of a startup, how digital innovation has dramatically changed the way entrepreneurs should start building a new business, and what skills are most important in the business world today. Ultimately, students will develop their own ideas into a startup.
• Musical theater. Students improve their acting, singing, and dancing skills by working with professional performers from New York, London, and Los Angeles. The group performs a musical on the last evening of each session.
• Digital Photography.
  A course for children who are passionate about photography and want to take their photography to the next level. The course focuses on the technical and aesthetic properties of digital photography, with an emphasis on using a digital camera as a tool for photographic self-expression. Students will learn basic photo editing skills in Adobe Lightroom. Children take part in trips to picturesque locations around Ticino. 
• Film Making.
  Children participate in a variety of intensive filmmaking classes, honing their production skills to create an original short film. They create their own original short film script during the scriptwriting phase, learn the basics of acting for film during the screen acting phase, and learn the craft of filmmaking both on and off screen during the filmmaking lab. No previous experience is necessary—just an interest in the process of bringing a story to life through film.
• Architecture and Design.
  Classes are held in a purpose-built architecture studio on the school campus. Classwork includes studying 19th-century classical architecture, sketching from slides, and creating several models that will be presented at the Summer Arts Festival. Weekend trips will be made to Basel, Ronchamp, and Weil am Rhein to explore the famous Vitra Museum. The course is offered at an additional cost of CHF 800. A minimum of intermediate English is required for the course.
• Fashion and Textile Design.
  Students learn the process of clothing design by creating their own collection, including sketching, fabric selection, and pattern making. They also study branding, marketing, identity, visual perception, color psychology, and trend forecasting. School excursions include visits to a textile and printing factory in Como and the Costume Museum at Palazzo Morando in Milan. A minimum intermediate level of English is required for the course.
• Italian Cuisine.
  Children will learn how to cook authentic Italian food! They will select ingredients at Italian markets, visit Italian cheese and meat factories, practice knife skills, and learn how to perfectly balance spices. Students will finish the course with a deep understanding of Italian culinary culture, as well as recipes they can use for years to come.
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Course.
  This course explores scientific concepts and principles present in our everyday lives, from homeostasis to ice cream! The course is held at the modern Campo Science Center and includes lab work, creative group projects, and discussions on chemistry, biology, and physics. Students become more familiar with scientific language and concepts and choose a scientific phenomenon to research and explain to others. They demonstrate their knowledge by creating posters and projects that they share during summer arts festivals held at the end of each session.
• Introduction to Investing (15+).
  Children will learn investment methods and strategies in the world of global banking. They will use virtual capital to create their own investment portfolio and discuss their daily progress. Theoretical classes cover investment principles, risk profiles, diversification, and investment options such as bonds, foreign currency, gold, and cryptocurrency. This course is designed for students aged 15 and older.

Sports

For those who are serious about sports, the school offers sports clubs twice a week to help them improve their game. Classes are held after lunch. Classes are offered at an additional cost. Each course costs CHF 500-600.

• Tennis.
  The tennis club is designed for students who want to improve their skills. Children must bring their own racket. The ratio of coaches to students is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 people in a group. The ratio of coaches to students is 1:5.
• Golf.
  Classes are designed for young golfers who want to improve their game. Students practice their skills on the driving range and at the nearby Lugano Golf Club. Equipment can be provided if necessary. Maximum 5 students per group. 
• Milan soccer camp.
  An intensive program led by a coach from the revamped Milan club. This is a unique opportunity to learn at the highest level from the best coaches.
• Sailing.
  Children will learn the basics of sailing, such as how to rig a boat, how to sail upwind and downwind, and how to tack and jibe. They will also learn about water safety and how to be a responsible boat captain. As they progress, they can master more advanced skills such as racing, cruising, and navigation.
• Water skiing/Wake boarding.
  Children will learn the basics of water skiing: how to get up on the skis, how to maintain balance, and how to turn. They will also learn about water safety and how to be a responsible passenger on a boat. As they progress, they can master more advanced skills such as slalom, jumping, and skiing tricks.
• CrossFit.
  Get in shape fast with this famous strength and conditioning program that combines aerobic exercise, calisthenics, and weightlifting. Maximum of 16 people per group. 

Additional Activities

Children who are not interested in participating in the sports club can choose two other sports and activities, which are included in the tuition fee.

1. Water sports, indoor and outdoor fitness classes.
During the session, twice a week, students can choose water sports as their daytime activity. Water sports take place on the beautiful Lake Lugano under the supervision of lifeguards and trained staff. These can include SUP boarding, windsurfing, swimming, and kayaking.

2. Indoor and outdoor fitness classes.
Students can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including volleyball, tennis, basketball, yoga, spinning, strength training, hiking, rock climbing, dancing, and soccer.

Excursions

A travel program awaits children on the weekends.

Overnight trips allow students to explore more distant places. Cultural trips may include Nice and Monaco, Venice, Florence, or Rome. Adventure trips explore the natural terrain around Zermatt, Interlaken, or Andermatt. Students stay for one or two nights. Additional fees apply.

Day trips focus on places that are within a few minutes' drive of the campus. Trips to Milan, Zurich, or Lucerne include cultural excursions and time to explore the city with friends. Adventure seekers can choose canyoning, canoeing, rafting, or caving. Or students can relax in Ascona, Locarno, or Tesserete. All trips are included in the tuition, and children return to the school every evening.

Accommodation

There are 7 comfortable chalet-style residences on campus. The rooms are designed for 2-3 people, fully furnished and equipped with all necessary appliances. Each room has a bathroom. In addition, each residence has a small kitchen, a cozy living room for common use, and a laundry room.

Cost, 2026

Session 1 (21 June – 16 July) – CHF 8,600.
Session 2 (19 July – 8 August) – CHF 10,100

Course booking is free of charge.

The price includes

• Tuition
• Accommodation and meals
• Study materials
• Laundry

Additional fees apply

• Airfare
• Visa 
• Insurance 
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Supervision during your child's stay abroad (optional)

HOW WE DIFFER FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been operating since 1996.
• We select camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers.
• We only select camps with good conditions 
• We have personally inspected almost all of the schools we offer 
• We do not work with the mass market, only camps for discerning clients
• Our phone line is always open 24/7 
• Why our clients value us