Switzerland, Lugano
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TASIS The American School in Switzerland is a private, co-educational American international day and boarding school for ages 3–18, located on the Collina d'Oro in Montagnola above Lugano. The school offers the American Diploma, Advanced Placement, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English as the primary language of instruction and a comprehensive English as an Additional Language program. In Pre-K to Grade 8, students study in parallel English and Italian, and IB languages include English, Italian, German, and Russian, with support for other self-taught languages; bilingual instruction for Grades 1–9 aligns with Cantonal requirements. The campus blends 17th-century heritage with modern, eco-friendly buildings, including the Campo Science Center and multiple libraries; sustainability features include geothermal heating and hydroelectric power. Extracurriculars are extensive: Model UN, Robotics, Drama and Dance, along with Alpine trips and more than 20 sports. IB diploma candidates have posted 97%+ pass rates since 2016, about 50% earn bilingual diplomas, and TASIS supports service through the Opsahl Global Service Program.
Via Collina d'Oro 15, 6926 Montagnola, Switzerland
TASIS The American School in Switzerland has 750 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English, Italian.
Montagnola, Ticino, Switzerland. The campus sits on the Collina d'Oro above Lugano. Address: Via Collina d'Oro 15, 6926 Montagnola, Switzerland.
Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Private, co-educational, American international boarding and day school
67 nationalities represented; students from more than 60 nations
English as an Additional Language (EAL) program
American international boarding school in Europe
Shuttle bus service via the 436 Posta Bus; stop Certenago Paese; schedule roughly every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 23:00
Annual tuition at TASIS The American School in Switzerland ranges from CHF 29,000 to CHF 106,000 for 2026/27.
TASIS The American School in Switzerland teaches IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.
The TASIS curriculum draws on Core Knowledge, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. English is the primary language of instruction, with a comprehensive English as an Additional Language program. In Pre-K through grade 8, students are taught in parallel English-language and Italian-language programs. IB Diploma Program languages include English, Italian, German, and Russian, with support for other self-taught languages. Fluent students are required to study at least one modern language in addition to their native language. TASIS offers the American Diploma, AP, and IB programs, with bilingual instruction in English and Italian for grades 1–9 in accordance with Cantonal requirements; IB diploma candidates have posted pass rates of 97 percent or higher since 2016, and about 50 percent earn IB bilingual diplomas.
Average class size is 13 and the student–teacher ratio is 6:1.
IB Diploma pass rates have been 97 percent or higher since 2016, and about 50 percent of Diploma candidates earn IB bilingual diplomas. AP Scholar Awards have been earned by dozens of TASIS students, including 67 recipients in a recent year and 48 in another.
The University and College Counseling Office helps students develop a detailed postsecondary plan and has helped students gain acceptance to hundreds of universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Cornell, Williams, Duke, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, Bowdoin, and Middlebury.
Social and emotional learning is supported through a Responsive Classroom–inspired framework in TASIS Elementary School, emphasizing five virtues and a student-centered approach. The Counseling Department provides social-emotional support, including stress-management interventions, and the Learning Resource Center runs workshops in learning strategies and parent education. Pastoral care is provided through Residential Life by a dedicated Pastoral Care Coordinator.
Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides services to support students with diverse learning profiles, including a designated Learning Support Specialist, Learning Support Plans, extended time on assignments and tests, proctoring exams, and in-class support for Pre-K–Grade 5. The LRC also offers literacy and mathematics support and executive function strategies, and manages applications for accommodations on standardized exams. Enrollment in the LRC is available through the TASIS enrollment portal. The Elementary School Handbook notes TASIS does not have a comprehensive learning support program.
The school has a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) program throughout the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing is supported by stress-management interventions and school counseling services. The Elementary School emphasizes social-emotional learning through a Responsive Classroom–based approach, and pastoral care is provided through Residential Life with a dedicated Pastoral Care Coordinator.
The school has a formal Student Protection policy with a comprehensive approach, including staff screening and background checks, education and training for staff, students, and parents, and self-audits of safeguarding procedures. Safeguarding contacts include Tanya Jovanovic, Student Safeguarding Officer, and Paola Sguazza, Director of Operations.
Applications are accepted year-round. Create a profile and begin your application via the Admissions Application Portal. Admissions decisions are communicated promptly by the Admissions Committee; upon acceptance, enrollment information is provided. TASIS admits qualified students of any race, color, nationality, religion, and ethnic origin and does not discriminate on these bases in its admissions policies and practices. TASIS serves students aged 3–19, offering bilingual instruction for grades 1–9, English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses, the Advanced Placement (AP) program, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. All students work toward earning an American high school diploma, with many pursuing the IB Diploma. Visiting the campus or meeting with a TASIS representative during off-campus visits is encouraged. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of need and merit. TASIS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and the European Council of International Schools.
Awards and Scholarships: The TASIS Foundation Inc. currently manages three funds that reward students for achievements in a given field: The Cathy Clark Memorial Scholarship, The Pritzlaff Leadership Award, The Lynch Global Service Program Extension Award, and Linda Buchanan Jacob Memorial Fund. The TASIS Foundation maintains an annual CHF 2,000,000 scholarship and financial aid budget. The school invites sponsorship of scholarships or programs and endowment of chairs, and offers opportunities to establish restricted funds to honor loved ones or support projects.