News

TASIS The American School in Switzerland students scored a 4 or higher on 64 percent of the 196 Advanced Placement exams they took this spring, and 37 students earned AP Scholar Awards. Learn more about this year’s impressive results.

As the first session of the 2021 TASIS Summer Programs neared its conclusion, students in the Middle School Program (MSP) and TASIS Summer Program (TSP) showcased their impressive talents in the Palestra on the evening of July 20.

The competition at this year's TASIS Summer Olympics was fierce! See a brilliant video created by Alex Secilmis '19 with an original track composed and performed by TASIS Music Teacher Alessio Di Tonno.

The Elementary School and Middle School held their annual Moving-Up Ceremonies on the morning and afternoon of May 28. Watch the ceremonies to see student speeches, musical performances, the presentation of awards and diplomas, and more.

Highlights from the 2021 Senior Banquet included poignant remarks from Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff, inspiring speeches from six members of the Class of 2021, and a lovely musical performance by Ella Abisi '21.

The 47th annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival included two major theatrical productions, four vocal and instrumental recitals, a conducting workshop, a finale concert, a visual art exhibition, and more. 

The 102 students in the Class of 2021 have received 319 offers of admission to 260 universities in 14 countries: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Each spring, the TASIS High School Faculty selects three service-minded students from grade 11 to receive the Junior Awards. Read about this year's recipients.

Four scholars from the Class of 2022 represent the fifth class of the chapter, which now totals 38 members.

Athletic Director Masa Yo and Associate Athletic Director Alex Zanecchia hosted a virtual Spring Athletic Awards assembly for all High School students and faculty members on the afternoon of May 14. Learn about all the award recipients, including the Male and Female Athlete of the Year.

This year's festival will include theater performances, concerts, recitals, a visual art exhibition, a film screening, and a conducting workshop.

More than 50 members of the TASIS community completed the 8th annual Walk for Water on the afternoon of May 6 in an effort to simulate what many people in the developing world must go through on a daily basis to secure clean water.

SNDC Artistic Director Julie Frazier-Smith organized the excursion in the spirit of wellbeing and rejuvenation for students who have now been dealing with the effects of the pandemic for more than a year.

This month we provide a snapshot of what one day is like in the beautiful Şahenk Fine Arts Center, offering an inside look at the first-rate TASIS Visual Arts Program.

The 8th annual Beat the Bells Run will take place on Saturday, May 1, and will include a virtual component for members of the TASIS community who would like to take part in this treasured tradition from anywhere in the world.

Social entrepreneur Rakhi Mehra shared her inspiring personal journey with TASIS seniors on the evening of April 12, marking the final chapter of the 2020–2021 TASIS Speaker Series.

From alpine adventures and after-school activities to lab experiments and theater performances, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

High School Theater students and faculty members shined in performances of the classic Shakespearean comedy on the evenings of March 26–27 in the Palmer Cultural Center. See their excellent work.

Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff is excited to be back in the classroom once again. Following his annual lessons on virtue ethics to IB students earlier this month, he is now delivering a four-part seminar centered on the philosophical structures behind the ideas of truth, goodness, and beauty to all TASIS sophomores.

Leonid Serbinov '21, a second-year IB student and standout basketball player, has been exploring Lugano since he moved here in 2019 and has discovered some of the best outdoor basketball courts in the area. He is pleased to share his findings with the TASIS community.

Student writer Joy Mack '21 discusses the lessons she's learned while moving through the college admissions process.

The latest installment of NBC Nightly News's "Around the Globe" series calls upon TASIS to contribute to a report on Switzerland. Director of Institutional Advancement Bill Eichner and several Middle School students are featured.

Nearly 30 students submitted poetry, short stories, themed collections, or illustrations to the Spring 2021 issue of the TASIS Literary Magazine. See their excellent work and hear from Alexia Dochnal '22, who founded, edited, and designed the publication.

Take an inside look at a typical Friday for a Kindergarten student in the TASIS Elementary School. 

More than 100 TASIS High School students and faculty chaperones were treated to beautiful weather, excellent snow conditions, and the return of a beloved TASIS tradition in Splügen over the long weekend of February 25–28.

From International Week to Carnevale celebrations and plenty of time in the mountains, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

We offer an inside look at a typical Monday for a sixth-grade student in the TASIS Middle School.

Justice Esquivel delivered a virtual address entitled "Violence Against Women: A Global Vision" on the evening of February 17, marking the third installment of the 2020–2021 TASIS Speaker Series. 

More than 80 students across all three TASIS divisions contributed to the production of this uplifting music video in celebration of International Week 2021.

Students from 47 of the 59 nations represented in the 2020–2021 TASIS student body were able to march in this year's parade, which was held outdoors with a limited audience due to the current restrictions on large gatherings.

From the return of students and faculty to skiing outings and preparations for upcoming performing arts events, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Susanna Campbell '23 sat down with new Director of University and College Counseling Ms. Johanna Fishbein, who brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to TASIS and strives to empower all students to take control of their own college planning process.

We offer an inside look at a typical Monday for a third-grade student in the TASIS Elementary School.

Our student content producers in the High School interviewed their peers to find out if they can take anything positive away from 2020 and see what their goals are for 2021.

Learn about the exhaustive process that led to this important achievement and review the commendations listed in the Team Evaluation Report compiled by representatives from CIS and NEASC following their virtual visit in November.

TASIS, which most recently went through the International Baccalaureate's rigorous authorization and evaluation process early in 2019, is honored to join a legacy of IB World Schools around the world that have reached this impressive milestone.

In this delightful pre-recorded concert, the Elementary School Choir and each individual class perform a holiday number, the ES Modern Dance group shares an originally choreographed piece, and the Tip Tap dancers show what they've been working on all fall.

In this impressive pre-recorded service, members of the High School, Middle School, and Elementary School choirs collaborate with guest performers on a series of holiday classics—including "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "Gloria"—Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff addresses the community, Chairman of the Board Lynn Fleming Aeschliman delivers a reading, and more.   
 

Directed by Mr. Matthew Frazier-Smith and Ms. Julie Frazier-Smith, the Elementary School Theater Club recorded seven original scenes in the Palmer Center on the evening of December 7. Enjoy the full performance.

Directed by Mr. Matthew Frazier-Smith and Ms. Julie Frazier-Smith, the Middle School Theater Club recorded six original scenes in the Palmer Center on the evening of November 19. Enjoy the full performance.

Led by Julie Frazier-Smith, Sweet November Dance Company and guest performers from all three TASIS divisions pre-recorded nine choreographed dances in the Palmer Center and released the company's 2020 fall concert on November 30.

Mr. Rigg, who is the longest-serving Headmaster in TASIS history and currently serves on the TASIS England Board of Directors, officially joined the TASIS Switzerland Board of Directors on November 20.

In place of our traditional live holiday events, we will be pleased to present two virtual holiday performances this year. Learn about this year's Christmas Service and Elementary School Christmas Concert.

Successful local entrepreneurs Enrique Sanz and Mara Bertelli Sanz, who have spent the past decade working tirelessly to change Lugano's culture and ethos, delivered an inspiring address to TASIS seniors and visited several classes over the course of a two-day virtual visit on November 16–17, marking the second installment of the 2020–2021 TASIS Speaker Series.

Camera crews from the highly respected cultural programs visited TASIS on November 2 to interview faculty members and students about the 2020 presidential election.

Alexia Dochnal '22 interviewed High School English Teacher Ms. Carolyn Rosenberger, who has taught both IB and AP Literature since arriving at TASIS in 2018.

Joy Mack '21 interviewed High School Math Teacher Mr. Daniel Schwartz, who has taught all levels of IB Mathematics over the course of his 11 years at TASIS.

Jane Wilson '22 sat down with Middle School EAL Teacher Ms. Perri Sartorelli, who helped launch the TASIS Elementary School in 2005 and has taught EAL in the Middle School since 2011.

The prolific scholar and critically acclaimed author delivered an address on the significance of Carlo Collodi's "The Adventures of Pinocchio" on the evening of October 14 and visited six English Literature classes the following day.

Susanna Campbell '23 interviewed High School Economics and History Teacher Mr. Eric White, who taught at TASIS from 2017–2021 after working in the United States public school system for more than a decade.

Nika Grigorian '23 sat down with Elementary School Teacher Ms. Sarah Hertig, who is teaching second grade this year after spending her first four years at TASIS in the first-grade classroom.

Learn about the size of each division, the number of students who are new to TASIS, which nations are represented, which languages are spoken, and more.

Omar Bassem Rahal (Lebanon) '20 will do his undergraduate studies at Medical University of Warsaw and intends to pursue a career in surgery and research after completing his specialty in the United States.

Anna Savinova (Russia) '20 will seek a dual degree in Design and Art History at Parsons School of Design in New York City after also considering offers from Maryland Institute College of Art, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, The School of Visual Arts New York City, and Pratt Institute.

Daisy Bachofen (USA) '20, who ultimately hopes to be a filmmaker and run her own business, plans to head to University of Hawaii after a gap year.

Moritz-Jacob Mohr (Germany) '20 will pursue a degree in International Business with a specialization in Asia at Rotterdam University of Applied Science after also receiving offers from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

Alara Secilmis (USA/Turkey) '20 will seek a degree in Fashion Design at Parsons Paris, selecting the distinguished art and design college over University of the Arts London, University for the Creative Arts, and Bournemouth University.

A stellar 42 points on his IB Diploma Programme® assessment helped Giorgio Cardani (Italy) '20 secure offers from ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University College London (UCL), Polytechnic University of Milan, University of Bath, and University of Edinburgh.

Aspiring art curator Katya Panasenko (Russia) '20 will study History of Art at The Courtauld Institute of Art, selecting one of the world's foremost specialist colleges over University College London (UCL) and University of York. 

Michael Ulku-Steiner Leadership Award recipient Giulia de Cristofaro (Brazil/Italy) '20 will study Economics at Duke Kunshan University, a Chinese-American partnership of Duke University and Wuhan University.

Learn about the 15 incoming members of the TASIS Faculty and the current faculty members who will be filling new leadership roles for the 2020–2021 academic year.

Article taken from the 2020 issue ofTASIS Today

Filippo de Cristofaro (Brazil/Italy) '20, an AP Scholar with Distinction, plans to study Finance at University of Southern California, selecting the outstanding private research university over University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of San Diego, Boston University, and Fordham University.

Amela Buzi (Albania) '20 will seek a degree in Strategic Design and Management at Parsons, selecting the esteemed art and design school over University of the Arts London (London College of Fashion), City University London, Coventry University London, Pace University in New York, and Fordham University. 

Fiona Erskine (UK/USA) '20 will seek a degree in Biomedical Science at University of Edinburgh and ultimately hopes to either practice medicine or conduct medical research.

After a remarkable eight years at TASIS, Valedictorian and top IB scorer Giulia Meregalli (Italy) '20 will study in the Department of Land Economy at Cambridge University.

After 13 years at TASIS, Hanna Osgood (France/USA) '20applied early to Boston University and was happy to accept an offer from the private research university, where she will seek a degree in Political Science.

After two excellent years at TASIS, Enzo Tondo (Brazil) '20 has decided to return to his home country for his post-secondary studies and is setting his sights on Insper, one of the most prestigious schools of business, economics, and engineering in all of Latin America. 

A trilingual scholar and exceptional history student, Maria Mastronardi (Italy) '20 selected University College London (UCL)over King's College London and École hôtelière de Lausanne.

IB Visual Arts standout Zoe Wang (China)'20 will seek a degree in Culture, Media & Creative Industries at King's College London after also considering offers from three other excellent schools in London: University College London (UCL), Goldsmiths University, and Central Saint Martins - University of the Arts London.

The average score posted by the 48 TASIS students who obtained an IB Diploma in 2020 was 32.6, exceeding the worldwide average by 2.7 points. Learn about this year's results and the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 IB grades.

After more than two months of relying exclusively upon distance learning, we were thrilled to welcome Elementary and Middle School students back to campus on May 25. Learn how we got to this point and where we are going.

The 109 students in the Class of 2020 gained admission to 164 universities and colleges in 14 nations, with 66 offers coming from schools ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education 2019–2020 World University Rankings. 

In lieu of a live performance of this year's Elementary School Spring Musical, Out of the Woods, the ES musical students collaborated on a virtual performance of some of their favorite songs from the show!  

Jennifer Zanarini recaps a busy year, shares a highlight video, and encourages parents to get involved with the 2020–2021 TASIS Parent Association. 

High School Academic Dean Dr. Mark Abisi was pleased to announce that three scholars from the Class of 2020 and four from the Class of 2021 have joined the TASIS chapter, which now totals 32 members. 

Each spring the TASIS High School Faculty recognizes three students from grade 11 who have compiled an exemplary service record. Read about this year's recipients. 

Twelve members of the School's 64th graduating class earned special recognition at the 2020 Commencement Ceremony. Learn about this year's recipients.

We honored 109 hardworking, courageous, and resilient students with a virtual Commencement Ceremony on the morning of May 30. Please join us in celebrating our 64th graduating class!

The 2020 Spring Arts festival moved online this year and included collaborative songs and theatrical performances, a live dance concert, instrumental and vocal recitals, a virtual art exhibition, and more.  

Athletic Director Masa Yo '04 and Associate Athletic Director Alex Zanecchia '02 hosted a virtual Winter Sports and Academic Year Sports Awards assembly for all High School athletes and coaches on the afternoon of May 15. See highlights from the winter season and learn about all the award recipients.

Learn how you can join SNDC company members and guest choreographers on Zoom from 17:30–18:30 for "living room" solo performances and a question-and-answer session. Don't miss this exciting event!

In this poignant essay, Alexia Dochnal '22 discusses her life in self-quarantine and offers her perspective on these troubling times.

Learn how you can participate in this treasured TASIS tradition from anywhere in the world on May 1.

In response to the International Baccalaureate's decision to cancel the 2020 exams, TASIS IB Coordinator Howard Stickley has devised a plan to ensure that all second-year IB students continue to have an enriching educational experience this spring.

Scholar, professor, and TASIS Foundation Board Member Dr. Michael D. Aeschliman has published a new essay that aims to provide both comfort and insight at this ominous and painful time. 

TASIS families in China and Noble Wings Switzerland have joined forces to donate 10,000 EU-certified surgical masks to the Ticino Medical Association.  

We asked students and teachers to let us know how they are handling the transition to distance learning and to share any messages they have for the TASIS community. 

As a follow-up to our initial article about distance learning at TASIS, we discuss the results of surveys that were sent to Middle and High School parents at the end of week one.

Our teachers are working incredibly hard to make the best of a difficult situation and ensure that our students stay on track with their studies as we await further developments on the coronavirus pandemic. Learn about some of the successes of our first week of distance learning.

Alexia Dochnal '22 and Jane Wilson '22 examine how their time at TASIS has made them more international, reflect upon why International Week is such an important tradition, and discuss some of their favorite memories through the years.

Daisy Bachofen '20 did an outstanding job capturing the excitement of this year's International Food Fair, a signature International Week event. Enjoy her video.

Planhotel Hospitality Group President Sara Rosso Cipolini addressed the senior class in the Palmer Center on the evening of February 17, marking the third installment of the 2019–2020 TASIS Speaker Series.

Joy Mack '21 discusses how a school as international as TASIS benefits from setting aside one week each year to celebrate the cultural richness of its community.

TASIS kicked off International Week 2020 on the morning of February 10 with a lively Opening Ceremony that included the Parade of Flags, the presentation of Torch Awards, an IB Theatre presentation, and several outstanding music and dance performances. Watch the ceremony and read about some of the highlights.

Since 1979, the TASIS Model UN program has helped the School realize Mrs. Fleming's vision of creating "not international schools but international human beings." Enjoy a pictorial review of this year's trip. 

We are pleased to announce that the TASIS family of schools will soon be using a new set of crests. Learn what drove this change and see the results. 

We will soon enhance our campus with a beautiful synthetic ice rink designed to build community spirit and engage students in a variety of wholesome activities, including hockey, figure skating, broomball, and curling. Learn more about this exciting addition.

Deutsche Welle correspondent Thomas Sparrow delivered an engaging talk to TASIS seniors in the Palmer Center and connected with students in a number of classes over the course of a three-day visit in late January that represented the second installment of the 2019–2020 TASIS Speaker Series. Learn more and watch his full address.

Movement Outreach student leader Alexia Dochnal '22 reports on an exciting addition to the TASIS Service Learning Program and discusses the program's new structure, which requires all 10th-grade students to serve the local community for a full year.

Student representative Joy Mack '21 examines the unheralded but valuable role the High School Student Council plays at TASIS, discusses some of the events the group has organized in recent years, and outlines its goals for the future.

Fifteen students used the LEGO MINDSTORMS® platform to design, build, and program robots at a regional tournament at Centro Professionale Tecnico in Lugano on January 11. Learn how this year's teams did.

What happened at TASIS in 2019? Below we highlight a story or two from the TASIS Blog from each month this year.

Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through five put forth a delightful performance at the annual Elementary School Christmas Concert in the Palestra on the morning of December 18. Watch the full performance, see photos, and learn who participated in this year's concert.

One hundred TASIS alumni gathered at the elegant and historic Cosmos Club on Embassy Row to catch up with classmates and friends spanning graduation years from 1959 to 2019.

TASIS opened the holiday season in style with a wonderful Holiday Market and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the afternoon and evening of December 6. Learn what made this year's event stand out.

This year's extraordinary Christmas Service was celebrated at the beautiful church of San Nicolao della Flüe on the afternoon of Sunday, December 8. Watch the full service, see a collection of photographs, and learn who contributed to this annual community-building event.

A small group of TASIS alumni from the 1990s and 2000s greatly enjoyed a reunion dinner with Director of Institutional Advancement Bill Eichner in Tokyo on November 16.   

Skye Rourke '20 looks back at the Global Service Program trip she made to Ulgii, Mongolia, last June and discusses how its impact has only grown stronger with the passage of time.

Director Julie Frazier-Smith and the Sweet November Dance Company performed 10 choreographed dances in front of a huge crowd in the Palmer Center on the evening of November 26. Watch the full performance and learn more about the company.

Alexia Dochnal '22 reflects upon the Honors World Literature Academic Travel trip to Florence, in which she and her classmates explored the homeland of the incomparable Italian poet Dante Alighieri.
 

More than 100 alumni congregated at the Swiss Embassy in London for the first All-TASIS reunion in London since TASIS Switzerland and TASIS England co-celebrated their 50-year and 30-year anniversaries back in 2005.   

Jane Wilson '22 shares some of her favorite memories from the many school trips she has been on since starting at TASIS in 2013.

Guided by Director Valerie Bijur Carlson and Assistant Director Matthew Frazier-Smith, the TASIS High School Theater Company delivered three excellent performances of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol in the Palmer Center over the weekend of November 15–17. Watch two of the shows, see photographs, and learn about the cast and crew, which relied upon contributions from students in all three TASIS divisions.

Learn who won the awards for each High School and Middle School team for the fall athletics season, read recaps of tournaments and individual matches, see photo galleries, and enjoy the impressive presentation put together for the High School Athletics Assembly. 

Joy Mack '21 discusses the IB/AP Physics Academic Travel trip to Bern and Geneva, where students had the unique opportunity to visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and tour a number of prominent energy plants.

From "Bah, Humbug" to "God bless us all, every one," we are sure audiences will love every moment of this treasured holiday classic, which opens in the Palmer Center on the evening of November 15.

Dr. Sirén—a 1988 graduate of TASIS who now serves as the Peggy Pierce Elfvin Director of the renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery—addressed the entire senior class, led a question-and-answer session with students and faculty members, and spent time with IB and AP visual arts classes over the course of a three-day visit in late October.

Director of Communications Mark Chevalier sat down with Middle School Italian Teacher Ms. Irene Avaldi-Bianchini, who has been at TASIS since 2003 and feels more strongly than ever that this generation of students has a very bright future.

Jane Wilson '22 sat down with Elementary School teacher Ms. Sarah Maas Bearden, who started at TASIS in 2013 and currently teaches fourth grade while also serving as Core Knowledge Coordinator. She emphasizes openness and honesty in the classroom and encourages her students to aim high.

Joy Mack '21 interviewed Elementary School Teacher Ms. Natasha Koltypin, who has taught both Kindergarten and first grade since starting at TASIS in 2015 and believes it is essential to forge a personal connection with each student.

Nicole Abrate Echezarreta '20 interviewed High School German Teacher Ms. Ania Barciak and crafted a thoughtful profile.

Ollie Rasini '99 reflects upon the time she spent with the TASIS Middle School community last fall and offers valuable advice to both current students and her fellow alumni.
 

More than 400 TASIS High School students and faculty members participated in the School's third annual Terry Fox Run—completing as many 500-meter laps as possible in 45 minutes—on the afternoon of October 16 to raise money for cancer research and honor the legacy of inspiring athlete, humanitarian, and activist Terry Fox. 

Dr. Sirén—a 1988 graduate of TASIS who now serves as the Peggy Pierce Elfvin Director of the renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery—will visit seven IB and AP visual arts classes, address the entire senior class, and lead a question-and-answer session with students and faculty members.

The Class of '69 celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand fashion at the Chico Hot Springs Resort in Montana. 

TASIS was honored to welcome the families of Middle and High School students to campus October 11–12. Watch the Family Weekend Assembly and learn a bit about this annual tradition.

Twenty-seven alumni from TASIS Cyprus congregated in Virginia this September, marking their first reunion in 13 years.  

TASIS Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff delivered a series of engaging lectures about Aristotle's Virtue Ethics to Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes in early October.

Alexia Dochnal '22 interviewed Middle School English Teacher Ms. Ritta El-Manadily, who taught at TASIS from 2005–2020 and believes that the student should always be at the center of one's teaching universe.

Refilwe Lauren Riba '19 (South Africa) will pursue a Bachelor of Law at University of Cape Town after turning down offers from University of Kent, Newcastle University, City University of London, University of Leeds, and King's College London.

Aurelia Dochnal '19 (Poland) will pursue a joint Bachelor's and Master's Degree in East Asian Studies at Yale University after a remarkable five years at TASIS that also led to offers from University of Oxford, Stanford University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, and Williams College.

Minjoon Seo (South Korea) will continue his studies at Imperial College London after also considering offers from University of Toronto, University College London, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and University of Hong Kong.

Lana Kozak '19 (Ukraine) could not pass up a rare unconditional offer from University of the Arts London, one of the world's top schools for art and design, despite receiving offers from two more prestigious art schools: University for the Creative Arts and Goldsmiths, University of London.

Filippo Cipolini '19 (Switzerland/Italy) will continue his studies at Boston University after an outstanding 13 years at TASIS that culminated with a Bilingual IB Diploma and an inspiring speech at the 2019 Senior Banquet.

Virginia Italia '19 (Italy/Switzerland) will seek a degree in Architecture at University of Manchester after also considering offers from University of Bath, University of Sheffield, and University of Westminster. 

Alex Secilmis '19 (Turkey/USA) will study English Literature with Film Studies at King's College London after turning down offers from University of St Andrews, Bath Spa University, and Emerson College.

Yeonkyung Irene Lee '19 (South Korea) will study Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London after also receiving offers from University College London, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Toronto, and University of British Columbia.

After six outstanding years at TASIS, 2018 Cathy Clark Memorial Scholarship recipient Diana Khassanova '19 (Kazakhstan) has decided to pursue a degree in History of Art at University of Warwick.  

TASIS held a special assembly featuring a keynote presentation from Dr. William Sawyer, a senior computational scientist at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre, and lessons in Elementary, Middle, and High School classes throughout the day were directly connected to environmental issues. The day of action will be followed by a week of awareness and activism with several anchor events designed to foster collaboration among teachers, administrators, and students.

TASIS Foundation Board member Dr. Michael D. Aeschliman's first book has been re-released with a substantial new introduction by the award-winning English science writer Dr. James LeFanu. Learn about the book and Dr. Aeschliman's distinguished 50-year career in education.

TASIS held a special Founder's Day Assembly on the afternoon of September 12 to commemorate the incredible life of M. Crist Fleming, who overcame many obstacles to found the School in 1956 and nurture it to greatness.   

We are thrilled to announce that the TASIS family will be extending to the Iberian peninsula in the fall of 2020! Learn about this exciting development.

We love to share stories of alumni connections when they are brought to our attention. This month we take a look at an emerging friendship between Caroline Rothstein '01 and 2018 Valedictorian Shu Ye, both of whom matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania following their graduations from TASIS.

Learn about the size of each division, the number of students who are new to TASIS, which nations are represented, which languages are spoken, and more.

TASIS is delighted to welcome an outstanding group of new faculty members for the 2019–2020 Academic Year. Learn about each addition.

Beginning at the age of seven, children in the Le Château des Enfants (CDE) program have the opportunity to be boarding students at the TASIS Summer Programs. In this inspiring new video created by Graham Pearsall and Alex Secilmis '19, several of these students discuss what they love most about the program.

More than 150 alumni and friends representing five decades met in Athens to celebrate the passing of 40 years since the start of the TASIS adventure in Greece.

Alex Secilmis '19 put together this beautiful look at the final week of the summer, which started with an exciting Parade of Flags and culminated with an incredible Summer Arts Festival.

Students who attended the 2019 TASIS Summer Programs had the opportunity to pursue a huge variety of performing arts offerings under the direction of the best team in the business. See the culmination of their hard work.

Alex Secilmis '19 created this energetic look at a particularly exciting week at the 2019 TASIS Summer Programs.

Alex Secilmis '19 created this energetic look at a particularly exciting week at the 2019 TASIS Summer Programs.

Alex Secilmis '19 retook the reins at the start of session two of the 2019 TASIS Summer Programs and produced this engaging look at the sights and sounds of opening week.

Twenty-five AP Scholars and a school success rate of 89 percent are among the highlights from the 2019 Advanced Placement exams. Learn more about this year's results.

Assistant Athletic Director Alex Zanecchia and several coaches and student athletes discuss the TASIS Athletics Program, which encompasses competitive varsity programs, recreational activities, and community-building events.

Executive Chef Fabio Marrone and the TASIS Dining Services team are proud that the School has earned the Swiss Fourchette Verte label, which signifies that each meal served is healthy and well-balanced.
 

A 60-second look at the people, activities, and adventures that made up the third week of the 2019 TASIS Summer Programs in Lugano, Switzerland.

A small group from the Class of 1984 enjoyed some serious "reunioning" June 28–30 in Park City, UT.    

This 60-second look at week two features video highlights captured by photographers Lily Engelmaier and Kinte Taylor. 

Students in the TASIS Summer Program's Academic Writing course penned short essays about their weekend trips to Venice, Verona, Munich, and more. Enjoy their impressive work while learning more about TSP's academic and travel offerings. 

Prolific young filmmaker Alex Secilmis '19 put together this 90-second look at a terrific opening week in Lugano.

High School boarding students showcase their rooms and discuss what life is like in the TASIS dorms.

Student artists and members of the High School's visual and performing arts departments discuss what makes the TASIS Fine Arts Program so special.

Enjoy a 360-degree tour of TASIS and a closer look at several of the iconic locations on campus.

Our live-stream of the full Commencement Ceremony has been cleaned up in post-production and divided into smaller segments to make it easier to watch the content you're interested in. 

The 2019 TASIS Summer Programs in Lugano, Switzerland, officially opened on June 22. Read about the early days, see photos and video highlights, and learn how you can keep an eye on the action this summer.

More than 35 members of the Class of 2009 gathered in Lugano over the weekend of June 13–16 to enjoy an evening at the Principe Leopoldo, a boat ride on the lake, and a nostalgic dinner in Casa Fleming.  

In her final article as a TASIS student writer, Esma Karuv '19 comes to terms with the end of a High School career that was a "magical integration of service, integrity, humility, compassion, responsibility, and vision."

TASIS Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff has announced that Elementary School Music Teacher Melody Tibbits Zanecchia is the recipient of the 2019 Khan-Page Master Teacher Award.

The TASIS Elementary School held its annual Moving-Up Ceremony in the Palestra on the morning of June 6. See photos and video footage of student presentations, musical performances, the presentation of diplomas, and more.

The Middle School held its annual Moving-Up Ceremony in the Palmer Center on the afternoon on June 4. See photos and video footage of student speeches, musical performances, the presentation of awards and diplomas, and more.

The 102 students in the Class of 2019 were accepted to 168 universities and colleges in 11 nations, including a total of 61 offers from schools ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education 2018–2019 World University Rankings.

Fourteen members of The American School in Switzerland's 63rd graduating class earned special recognition at the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. Learn about this year's recipients.

Highlights from the 2019 Senior Banquet included two moving musical performances, poignant remarks from Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff, and inspiring speeches from six members of the Class of 2019. See how the evening unfolded.

Each spring, the TASIS High School Faculty selects several philanthropic students from grade 11 to receive the distinguished Junior Awards. Read about this year's recipients.

The Elementary School Theater Company put forth two outstanding performances of The Prince and the Pauper in the Palmer Center on the evenings of May 28–29. The world premiere was filmed and can be watched in full.

The third class of the chapter, which now totals 25 members, comprises three scholars from the Class of 2019 and four from the Class of 2020.

See the list of award recipients for each High School and Middle School spring team, learn who was named male and female athlete of the year, and enjoy an entertaining highlight video from the season.

With the 45th annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival just around the corner, we take a look at the emerging careers of eight remarkable artists from the Class of 2008.

The 45th annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival began in earnest with an assembly in the Palestra on the morning of May 14 and concluded with an inspiring celebration on the evening of May 19. Read about the week and watch many of the events.

Fresh off completing her first Advanced Placement class—AP European History—and sitting for the exam, Joy Mack '21 shares some valuable advice.

All members of the TASIS community and the general public are cordially invited to campus from May 10–19 to enjoy concerts, theatrical performances, dance performances, film screenings, visual arts exhibitions, guest lectures, art workshops, and more. See the full schedule of events.

Thirty-eight students, faculty and staff members, parents, and guests made it down to Lake Lugano and back before the Sant'Abbondio bells chimed at 7:00. They helped raise more than CHF 400 for the Nepal Global Service Program group.    

Prolific student filmmaker Alex Secilmis '19 capped off his TASIS career in style with the release of the feature-length comedy Ric Tac Two, which premiered in front of a large crowd in the Palmer Center on the evening of April 11. Enjoy the hilarious film, which features a deep and talented cast of 40 TASIS students and teachers, and learn more about Alex's remarkable achievements.

In the latest episode of TASIS Stories, Director of Communications Mark Chevalier sits down with three of the School's exceptional young artists—Francis Accilien '19, Lana Kozak '19, and Sofya Rappoport '22—to learn about their backgrounds, the opportunities they've had to grow as artists at TASIS, their thoughts on the upcoming Spring Arts Festival, and their future ambitions. 

With Graduation Weekend just a month away, student filmmaker Cristina Estevez '19 set out to discover what the amazing Class of 2019 will miss most about TASIS. 
 

Seven TASIS students and two faculty leaders spent the first half of their spring holiday in Rîșcova, Moldova, where they worked closely with EcoVisio Moldova to implement a number of community initiatives. Read a recap of this year's trip and watch an excellent video created by Iris Kaymak '20.

Alumni representing a broad cross-section of the TASIS community attended an elegant reception in the Lone Star State on April 6.   

TASIS Elementary School Teacher Matthew James Friday discusses his first Global Service Program trip to Ethiopia, a journey defined by smiles, love, and important life lessons. We also hear from two fifth-grade students who have previously worked with Nuovo Fiore Ethiopia.

TASIS commemorated National Poetry Month with a special assembly in the Palestra on the morning of April 4, and, in a new initiative spearheaded by English Department Chair Dr. Chris Love, English teachers and their students interviewed one another to learn about their favorite poems.

TASIS Elementary School Teacher Matthew James Friday has had more than 60 poems published in dozens of print and online journals around the world and recently had a short story about the etymology of his unique surname published in The New Normal, a compendium of stories written by international school teachers around the globe.

The Percussion Ensemble of the G. Verdi Conservatory of Como performed in the Palmer Center on the evening of April 4 as part of the TASIS Cultural Events Program. Art History and Architecture & Design Teacher Mark Aeschliman attended the performance and was inspired to write an excellent poem. 

Congratulations to High School Theater Director Valerie Bijur Carlson and her talented and hardworking cast and crew for delighting audiences with three outstanding performances of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance over the weekend of March 29–31. Learn about the musical and watch the full shows from Friday and Saturday night.

Bryan Soh '18, who just returned to his native Singapore to begin two years of compulsory National Service, says farewell to the country and community that have had such a profound impact on his life over the past four and a half years.

Airi Barnes '20 and Zawadiyah Tolliver '20 express their gratitude for all that they learned on this year's Global Service Program trip to Odisha, India.

These small but spirited group of alumni rekindled the TASIS bond as if no time had passed at all.    

Joy Mack '21 penned a journal-style account of the seven days she and her classmates spent skiing and snowboarding in beautiful Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Daisy Bachofen '20 is the latest filmmaker to chronicle a TASIS Ski Adventure. Enjoy her excellent work and have a look at several other videos produced in recent years.

See who won the awards for each High School and Middle School team and watch an entertaining highlight video from the 2018–2019 winter athletics season.

Distinguished theoretical physicist Dr. Mark Trodden closed out the 2018–2019 TASIS Speaker Series by delivering a stimulating talk about modern cosmology in the Palmer Center on the evening of March 20.

Fifty-three TASIS IB II students spent their Spring Academic Travel session in Siena, Italy, where they prepared for their upcoming exams at a historic Carthusian monastery. Student filmmakers Alex Secilimis '19 and Lana Kozak '19 documented the lighter side of the trip.

We sat down with TASIS Computer Science standout Kamron Kelley '21 to learn about his experience at an innovative workshop—Cybersecurity Weekend with Google Switzerland—that was held in Zurich over the weekend of March 9–10.

Director of Institutional Advancement Bill Eichner and TASIS alumni from three decades gathered in Taipei for a fun-filled evening on March 6. 

Nicole Abrate Echezarreta '20 discusses the ways in which her Spring Academic Travel trip to Lisbon, Portugal, vastly exceeded her expectations.

In this episode of TASIS Stories, we tap into the collective wisdom of Mark Aeschliman, Howard Stickley, and Bill Eichner—who have combined for more than 110 years of experience at TASIS—to learn how the School has evolved over the past four decades.

Our latest edition of alumni notes offers a look at recent achievements in politics, acting, sustainability, and medicine. We also promote an upcoming TASIS Cyprus reunion and a creative retreat opportunity in France, celebrate the engagement of yet another TASIS couple, and commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Mrs. Fleming's passing.

International Baccalaureate student Omar Rahal '20 is one of just 120 high school students worldwide headed to the prestigious Barcelona International Youth Science Challenge in July.

Joy Mack '21 highlights the important role food plays throughout International Week and discusses some of her favorite dishes from this year.

Guests are welcome to visit Al Focolare from 9:00–11:00 to learn more about the TASIS Early Childhood Program, which includes Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3–4), Kindergarten, and first grade. 

Fifteen TASIS students represented the nation of Algeria at The Hague International Model United Nations conference, marking the 40th anniversary of the School's Model UN program. Anna Alyakina '19 explains how this transformative conference helps shape the future leaders the world so desperately needs.
 

TASIS commenced International Week 2019 on the morning of February 11 with an Opening Ceremony that included the Parade of Flags, the presentation of Torch Awards, and impressive musical and dance performances. Watch the ceremony and read about some of the highlights.

Acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, and producer Michael Lesslie discussed his writing philosophy and circuitous path to success with TASIS seniors and guests in the Palmer Center on the evening of February 5. He is the third distinguished guest to visit TASIS as part of the 2018–2019 TASIS Speaker Series.

Seven members of the TASIS Faculty attended the fourth Milan International Teachers Association Conference on February 2 and returned to Lugano with knowledge, techniques, and inspiration to share with their colleagues.

Following an exhaustive 14-month self-study process, the IBO determined that the TASIS IB Program demonstrates "strong programme implementation across all areas" and granted the School 31 commendations.

See images from the 2019 Winter Photography Exhibition, read Nicole Abrate Echezarreta's reactions, and learn more about photography courses offered at TASIS.

The rising star's concert at Palazzo Dei Congressi will be part of a 12-week, seven-nation tour that opens in Padova, Italy, on April 16.

Joy Mack '21 sat down with Middle School Math and History Teacher Mr. Patrick Alava, who began teaching at TASIS in 2011 and was honored to receive the Khan-Page Master Teacher Award in 2018.

Esma Karuv '19, who came to TASIS in ninth grade after spending her entire childhood in New York, discusses the "unforgettable adventure" she's been on ever since.

Twenty-one Middle School and Elementary School students used the LEGO MINDSTORMS® platform to design, build, and program robots at a regional tournament in Bellinzona on January 12. They competed for nine grueling hours and came away with two team awards.

We caught up with Billion Dollar Boy co-founder Permele Doyle '05 to learn how she became an expert in the fascinating field of influencer marketing.

The hundreds of videos on the TASIS YouTube channel have now amassed 1.5 million views—with nearly 500,00 views coming in the past year alone! We've compiled a list of ten of our favorites from 2018, many of which were produced by TASIS student filmmakers. 

We recently topped 5000 followers on the tasislugano Instagram page, and here are 15 of our favorite posts from the past year.

Read a recap and see photos and videos from many of the holiday events that took place at TASIS this month, including the TPA Holiday Market, the All-School Christmas Service, the Middle School Christmas Celebration, the Elementary School Christmas Concert, and a visit from Santa Claus.

TASIS Alumni and Development Officer and Service Learning leader Zuleika Tipismana shared her incredible story with all High School students and faculty members to open the 2018–2019 Faculty Lecture Series on the morning of November 29.

 Yvonne Procyk visited the former Mary Lyon School, where M. Crist Fleming spent her formative years.  

Led by Director Julie Frazier-Smith, Sweet November Dance Company unveiled six original pieces of choreography in front of a full house in the Palmer Center on the evening of November 27. 

Alumni representing each of TASIS's seven decades attended this elegant reception in the Big Apple.  

Daisy Bachofen '20, Lana Kozak '19, and Cristina Estevez '19 created engaging short films about their Fall Academic Travel trips to the Azores, Venice, and Vienna. See their excellent work.

This month we cover politics, fashion, music, theater, a trip to Mrs. Fleming's hometown, a big reunion in New York, and a gathering of current TASIS students and young alumni in London as we share stories that span from Europe to California.

Joy Mack '21 discusses the five rainy but magical days she and her Honors World Literature classmates spent in Florence furthering their studies of the illustrious Italian poet Dante Alighieri.

Learn who won awards for each team, see who was honored with the School's first PRIDE awards, and watch a great highlight video from the 2018 fall season.

Congratulations to Director Valerie Bijur Carlson, Assistant Director Matthew Frazier-Smith, and the entire antigone/CAESAR cast and crew for three outstanding performances of the double tragedy over the weekend of November 16–18. Watch the play and learn about the cast and crew.

The highly decorated newscaster discussed her compelling journey, the significance of her time at TASIS, and her pioneering career as a female journalist in Turkey as part of the TASIS Speaker Series on the evening of November 18. Watch her full address.

Bryan Soh '18 spoke with High School Theater Director Valerie Bijur Carlson about the uniqueness of this year's fall play, the double tragedy antigone/CAESAR, which will premiere in the Palmer Center on the evening of Friday, November 16.

The TASIS Varsity Boys Volleyball and Varsity Girls Soccer teams emerged victorious at the ESC and NISSA Championships, respectively, over the weekend of November 9–10.

Nicole Abrate Echezarreta '20 poignantly reflects upon the eye-opening trip to Berlin she and 17 other European History students embarked upon in early November.

TASIS juniors had the opportunity to learn from young alumni studying at universities in the United Kingdom during their Fall Academic Travel trip to London. 

More than 300 High School students and faculty members established a new record by completing 3053 laps, covering a total distance of 1527 kilometers (36.2 marathons).

Esma Karuv '19 reveals her favorite spot on campus—a gift from the Class of 2010!—and discusses how it has allowed her to get to know TASIS teachers in a different way.

Thanks to tremendous support from the TASIS Parent Association (TPA) and the remarkable efforts of student and parent volunteers, TASIS was able to provide students in all three divisions a delightful Halloween experience this year. 

Nicole Abrate Echezarreta '20 interviewed High School Chemistry and Physics Teacher Mr. Gil Grimm, who taught at TASIS from 1997–2000 and from 2011–2021.

TASIS Hellenic alumnus Rumen Stefanov '93 reflects upon his journey from a monolingual teenager who started at TASIS when he was just 13 to a polyglot who now works for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.

This year TASIS students will learn from and interact with an emerging filmmaker and photographer, an award-winning journalist, an accomplished writer and producer, and a distinguished theoretical cosmologist and particle physicist. Filmmaker and TASIS graduate Milo Zanecchia '08 kicked things off on the evening of October 22.

Hundreds of families journeyed to Lugano for the School's annual Family Weekend celebration on October 12–13. See how the weekend unfolded.

The High School Theater and Dance programs ended Family Weekend on a high note with a trip to see a Chekov-inspired dance-theater production at Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC) on the afternoon of October 14.

TASIS was honored to welcome acclaimed poet A. Van Jordan to campus in early October as the School's second Linda Buchanan Poet in Residence. After meeting with students extensively over the course of his four-day visit, Professor Jordan remarked, "It's clear that TASIS creates an environment that engenders empathy across cultures, and I wish we had more of that in the world."

Shu Ye '18 (China) will major in Art History at the University of Pennsylvania, selecting the renowned institution over Vanderbilt University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); University of Southern California (USC); and New York University (NYU). 

The long list of notable accomplishments by TASIS alumni never stops growing. This edition of alumni notes focuses on recent achievements in politics, business, journalism, and scholarship.

We take our annual look at the many impressive things TASIS faculty and staff members did over the summer, including Dean of Students KC McKee traveling to Israel to lead the Italian National Lacrosse Team at the 2018 Men's World Lacrosse Championship.

The TASIS community celebrated the life of Founder and international education pioneer M. Crist Fleming on the afternoon of September 13. 

The milestone event was attended by 160 local business leaders, friends of TASIS, and members of the press and featured a keynote address from Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

We take an entertaining look at the incredible life of international education pioneer M. Crist Fleming, who was born in Boston on September 10, 1910, and founded TASIS in 1956. The School will hold a special Founder's Day Assembly on the afternoon of September 13.

The 705 members of this year's student body hail from 57 different nations and speak 35 different languages as a mother tongue.

This reunion weekend in early August for the Classes of 1970–1972 included a tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a dinner cruise on Lake Erie.

Learn about the professional educators who will be joining the TASIS community for the start of the 2018–2019 Academic Year.

Students concluded the 2018 TASIS Summer Programs by showcasing their considerable talents at the Summer Arts Festivals on July 16–18 (session one) and August 8–10 (session two). See their excellent work and learn more about the unmatched performing and visual arts programs offered at TASIS.

Aspiring entrepreneurs in the TASIS Summer Program studied the basic principles of the lean startup approach and capped off the session by presenting four innovative business proposals.

Aspiring filmmaker Alex Secilmis '19 joined the Communications Office for a few weeks and put together two excellent highlight videos.

Amelia Panella '18 caught up with 10 students and counselors to find out what they love about spending their summers in Lugano. 

Students from the 2018 Summer Programs celebrate student accomplishments in music, drama, musical theater, dance, photography, architecture, and visual arts from August 8–10.

When he's not spending his summers in Lugano, Dr. Jim Haley is the Science Department Chair and teaches chemistry at a private school in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Amelia Panella '18 sat down with him to learn more about his background and the excellent program he runs at TASIS.

MSP students enrolled in the Milan Academy Scuola Calcio were delighted to be among the first to meet Gonzalo Higuain and Mattia Caldara. 

Marc-Pierre Jansen runs the Middle School Program (MSP) during the summer and spends the rest of the year working for TASIS in the United States. Amelia Panella '18 interviewed Mr. Jansen to learn more about his background and the outstanding program he directs each summer.

A Pre-Kindergarten teacher in California for most of the year, Meagan Vincent loves coming to Lugano each summer and having the opportunity to work with a larger range of ages. Amelia Panella '18 sat down with Ms. Vincent to learn more about her background and the important work she does at TASIS.

We review the data and highlight some of the many successes from last spring's International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

We take a look at the highlights from the 2018 Advanced Placement exams, including quite a few standout sections and individual honors.

Please enjoy a quick look at some of the many exciting things that happened on and off campus during the first three weeks of the 2018 Summer Programs.

Alumni from 1998 celebrating their 20-year reunion, along with fellow alumni from '97–'00, gathered in Athens for the second TASIS Hellenic reunion at the favorite TH hub—the infamous Café Escoba!        

Alumni and friends from the 1980s and early 1990s gathered in Athens on June 29–30 to reminisce about TASIS Hellenic, an international school that was opened by M. Crist Fleming in 1979 and remained a part of the TASIS family of schools until 2004.

We take a look at Tommy Manning's incredible performance in Slovenia and highlight several other recent successes from members of the ever-growing TASIS running community.                       

Writer Amelia Panella '18 and photographer Lily Engelmaier teamed up to chronicle the trip boarding students from Le Château des Enfants (CDE) took to Parco San Grato and Lido di Carona on Sunday, July 1.              

Students from both TASIS The American School in Switzerland and the TASIS Switzerland Summer Programs will continue to have the exceptional opportunity to train with coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio.       

Amelia Panella '18 sat down with Rosenbaum, a professional actor and composer from New York who has worked at the TASIS Summer Programs since 2014. He discusses how his predecessor, Matthew Frazier-Smith, prepared him for his demanding new role and shares his vision for the future of DPAT.           

The 2018 TASIS Summer Programs in Lugano, Switzerland, opened on Saturday, June 23. Read about the start, see photographs and video highlights, and learn about the various ways you can keep up with the action this summer.

A hiking holiday in the French Basque Country for TASIS alumni and friends generated memories this group will not soon forget. 
 

The second June 2018 TASIS reunion in Lugano provided a beautiful backdrop for alumni to reunite after 20 years.

The TASIS community bids a fond farewell to Zach Mulert, who arrived at TASIS in 2011 and has directed the School's Global Service Program since its inception in 2013. Veteran teacher and service leader Danny Schiff looks forward to the challenge of stepping into his new role.

Maria Veronica Ramos '19 reflects upon the Understanding Ulgii Global Service Program group's 10-day journey to Ulgii, Mongolia.

Giovanni Barbieri, Lukas Heuchert de Camargo, and Jane Wilson accompanied TASIS Middle School Science and Coding teacher Amy Bloodworth to the World Robot Olympiad competition in Aarburg, Switzerland, on June 10.

TASIS welcomed the Class of 2008 back to Lugano in June, kicking off the first in a series of reunions this summer.

TASIS Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff has announced that Middle School Math and History teacher Patrick Alava is the recipient of the 2018 Khan-Page Master Teacher Award.
 

The Middle School and Elementary School held their annual Moving-Up Ceremonies on June 5 and June 7. See photos and video footage of student speeches, musical performances, the presentation of awards and diplomas, and more.

The Elementary School Theater Program performed the original musical Cry Wolf in front of sold-out crowds in the Palmer Center on the evenings of May 31 and June 1. Watch the premiere in its entirety.

TASIS teachers and students will now have access to Digital Theatre Plus, a 21st-century educational library of classic and contemporary plays, literary theory and criticism, theater history, and interviews with theater practitioners. 

The 103 students in the Class of 2018 combined to receive admission offers from 161 universities and colleges in 13 nations, including 56 offers from schools ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education 2018 World University Rankings.

Standout members of TASIS The American School in Switzerland's 62nd graduating class were recognized for excellence in a number of areas at the School's Commencement Ceremony on May 26.

Watch the Commencement Ceremony, learn a bit about the 103 members of the Class of 2018, see a full list of college and university acceptances, and enjoy photo galleries from a busy Graduation Week.

This year's Senior Banquet featured excellent musical performances and poignant remarks from Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff and several members of the Class of 2018. See how the evening unfolded.

The 44th annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival began with an Opening Celebration in the Palestra on the morning of May 15 and concluded with a magnificent concert on the evening of May 20. Read about the week and watch many of the events.

Watch a great highlight video, see who won the team awards this spring, and learn who was named 2018 Male and Female Athlete of the Year.

Each spring the TASIS High School Faculty selects three service-minded students from grade 11 to receive the distinguished Junior Awards. Read about this year's deserving recipients.

The second class of the TASIS Cum Laude Society chapter—the first to be established in Switzerland—comprises six outstanding scholars from the Class of 2018 and two from the Class of 2019.

TASIS vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with renowned conductor Andrea Cupia, the Lyric Choir of Lugano, and the Opera ViVa Orchestra in celebration of the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth. Watch the full "Music Without Borders: From Bach to Bernstein" concert.

Standout alumnus Tennessee Hildebrand '17 was so inspired by his service learning trip to India his senior year that he chose to return to Odisha for two months this winter. He produced a remarkable documentary to document the experience.

Members of the Class of 1988 reconnected in New Orleans for their 30th anniversary and were thrilled to rekindle their friendships as if no time had passed at all.

TASIS welcomes the community to campus to celebrate the arts from May 15–20. See the full schedule of events.

A record 55 runners departed from TASIS at 6:15 on the morning of May 1, and 36 made it down to Lake Lugano and back before the Sant'Abbondio bells chimed at 7:00. Learn about the history of this annual community-building event.

A record 137 TASIS students, faculty, staff, and community members completed the 6th annual Walk for Water on the afternoon of April 25.

178 guests enjoyed an elegant aperitivo, a gourmet dinner, and a highly entertaining live auction at the "Building the Future" Spring Gala on the TASIS campus on the evening of April 21. Read about the evening and learn which big-ticket auction items topped the charts.

All High School students had an opportunity to participate in a creative writing contest that allowed them to submit up to three mini-sagas, stories that must be told in exactly 50 words. See the results.

High School Theater Director Valerie Bijur Carlson, a brilliant student cast, and a dedicated production crew deserve a great deal of commendation for delighting audiences with three outstanding performances of Annie Get Your Gun over the weekend of April 13–15. Learn about the musical and see highlights from Opening Night.

The Elementary School celebrated its third annual Book Week in early April. Acclaimed author Bruce Hale was on campus to help build enthusiasm for reading and writing and to inspire students to follow their dreams.

Three faculty leaders and 13 TASIS students spent their entire Spring Holiday in Nepal, where they trekked through the Himalayas for 80 kilometers to reach the Tserok Tibetan refugee camp. Alex Secilmis '19, Virginia Italia '19, and Lilian Angelone '19 created a stunning video to chronicle the journey.

A total of 90 alumni and friends of TASIS gathered in LA on March 24 for the All-Class Reunion, which was held in the Garden Court at the Huntington Library, Art Galleries, and Botanical Gardens.

Two faculty leaders and 13 TASIS students spent a week at EcoVisio in Riscova, Moldova, where they learned about sustainable development and organic agriculture, designed and constructed equipment for a new community park, and forged lasting connections with members of the local community. Mark Chevalier and Diana Khassanova '19 worked together to create a video recap of the initial trip.

On the heels of his third journey to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the Nuove Fiore Global Service Program group, Ethan Fredericksen '18 has crafted a powerful essay in which he examines why this service learning trip has meant so much to him.

We take a look back at a popular article from the 2017 TASIS Today. Learn about three happily married couples whose relationships started at TASIS.

The High School is rolling out a number of initiatives designed to accommodate ambitious students who demonstrate they are ready and willing to take on more academic challenge.

TASIS was honored to host Susan Middleton—an esteemed artist, photographer, author, and educator specializing in the portraiture of rare and endangered animals, plants, sites, and cultures—as the fourth and final visitor for this year's Senior Humanities Program. Watch her address to the senior class and learn about what else she did while on campus.

Learn who won the awards for each team and watch a great highlight video from the 2017–2018 winter season.

Varsity Swimming captain Anastasia Kolesnikova '18 looks back at the season and highlights 10 reasons why she loves being part of the team.

IB Visual Arts student Shu Ye '18 discusses the incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes as talented student artists and dedicated teachers come together to create a stunning arts exhibition.

Lilian Angelone '19 reflects upon the importance of International Women's Day and discusses how TASIS chose to commemorate this annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Giorgio Gambazzi '18 reflects upon the powerful lessons he learned during this year's Global Service Program trip to Odisha, India.

Amelia Panella '18 shares her impressions of the IB Seminar Academic Travel trip, in which all seniors in the second year of the IB Diploma Program spend a week preparing for their impending exams at a 14th-century Carthusian monastery in Siena, Italy.

Esma Karuv '19 writes about the restorative powers of High School Ski Adventure, which was once again held in breathtaking Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Lauren Riba '19 examines the differences between preparing for a Global Service Program trip from afar and experiencing the actual destination.

Jessica Landa '18 provides an entertaining recap of the Cultural Academic Travel trip to Budapest, Hungary.

Shu Ye '18 interviewed Mr. Nikoloff to learn about how his first year at TASIS is going, what progress he's seen so far, and what his hopes are for the future.

Anastasia Kolesnikova '18 examines how students in Ms. Amy Bloodworth's Computer Science course successfully took part in the European Astro Pi Challenge, a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Raspberry Pi Foundation. TASIS students contributed to the daily routine of the International Space Station by writing a short piece of code that ran on the station.

In the fall of 2018, the TASIS Elementary School will roll out a restructured academic program designed to ensure that all students have a native English speaker as a homeroom teacher and also receive additional instruction time in both English and Italian in a number of subjects.

Jessica Landa '18 sat down with faculty leaders Zuleika Tipismana and Helen Roowalla to learn about two of the local Service Learning groups at TASIS: Intergenerations and OTAF. Each group connects TASIS students with members of the local community who need comfort and support.

Amelia Panella '18 discusses why the treasured annual tradition of International Week is a favorite among many in the TASIS community.

Student writer Esma Karuv '19 posed as a food critic for this year's International Food Fair, a signature event during International Week in which students from dozens of countries set up tables in the Villa de Nobili Dining Hall and share their nation's food with the whole TASIS community.

Ekaterina Plotnikova '18 explores the ways in which TASIS has lived up to Founder M. Crist Fleming's desire to "create not international schools but international human beings."

Sixteen ambitious students represented TASIS at The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference in the Netherlands from January 28–February 2. Diana Khassanova '19 explains why the trip was transformative.

TASIS commenced International Week 2018 on the morning of February 12 with an Opening Ceremony that included the Parade of Flags and the presentation of Torch Awards. Watch the ceremony and read about some of the highlights.

Eight members of the TASIS Faculty attended the Milan International Teachers Association Conference, which aims to provide a space to share expertise among the many schools in the region of Northern Italy. Four TASIS teachers were Workshop Leaders.

We check in with Director of Residential Life Tom Lill, Pastoral Care Coordinator Patrick Alava, and several Middle School boarding students to learn about the strengths of the TASIS Middle School Boarding Program.

Music enthusiast Giorgio Gambazzi '18 writes about the incredible progress made by the High School Music Program in recent years.

Lilian Angelone '19 sat down with Pre-K to 8 Learning Technologies Coordinator and Elementary School Math Coordinator Mr. Tim Venchus, who has done much to advance the use of technology in the classroom since he started at TASIS in 2010.

Several photography exhibitions will be on display in the Palmer Center, the Şahenk Fine Arts Center, and Villa de Nobili beginning the weekend of January 26–28.

TASIS alumni continue to do amazing things all over the globe. This month we hear from entrepreneurs, animal rights activists, distinguished epicures, and a journalist on the front line. We also welcome two former students back to Lugano.

Inspired by her Global Service Program trip with the Serving Southern Africa group in April 2017, Camilla Redmond Costa '18 chose to return to Zambia on her own for 10 days this December. Student writer Anastasia Kolesnikova '18 shares her story.

Emma Dressler '18 interviewed Elementary and Middle School Theater Director Mr. Matthew Frazier-Smith, who also teaches dance and music during the Academic Year and served as the Director of the Dedicated Performing Arts Team in the TASIS Summer Programs from 2014–2017.

Ekaterina Plotnikova '18 offers a bit of humorous advice to the many seniors who are struggling to balance their normal academic responsibilities with the daunting task of completing all their college applications.

Shu Ye '18 interviewed Elementary School Italian Section Teacher Ms. Cecilia Origoni, who currently teaches students in grade three and helped found the School's Italian Section when she started at TASIS in 2006.

Amelia Panella '18 spoke to several TASIS students to learn about the different holiday traditions their families have.

After being inspired by a speech he gave about gratitude earlier this year, Esma Karuv '19 chose to interview High School Math Teacher Mr. Tommy Manning, who started at TASIS in the fall of 2017. 

On the evening of Monday, January 15, TASIS will host a return visit of six dancers from the Dance Troupe of Milan's La Scala Opera House. 

Our YouTube page just topped one million views—with more than 350,000 coming in the past year alone! We've compiled a list of the ten videos that received the most views out of all those released in 2017.

The thousands of photographs on our SmugMug page have received more than 10 million total views in the past year alone! Have a look at the 10 galleries that have been viewed the most times since January 1.

Based simply on the number of likes from our followers, we have compiled a list of our 10 most-popular Instagram posts from the past year.

Read a quick recap of the holiday season at TASIS and see photos and video footage from the TPA Holiday Market, the All-School Christmas Service, the Elementary School Christmas Concert, and more.

An elegant reception with the Swiss Ambassador to Japan in attendance marked this special event.

AP Art History student Gregory Alexander '18 examines the role 18th century Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes played in "trashing art."

After visiting TASIS seven years ago to establish a partnership with the WISER Girls Secondary School—a pioneering boarding school in Muhuru Bay, Kenya—Mr. Andrew Cunningham returned to campus on November 30 to discuss WISER's astonishing success and the important role TASIS has played.

Watch the incredible performance and enjoy student writer Ekaterina Plotnikova's interview with the dance company's founder, Ms. Julie Frazier-Smith.

Guided by Ms. Anna Kavalauskas, the class of 12 dove headlong into National Novel Writing Month. Shu Ye '18 has the story.

This gathering marked the final round of celebrations for the PG'67 class's 50th anniversary.

Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff reflects upon the history of Thanksgiving and notes that we have plenty to be grateful for here at TASIS.

Giorgio Gambazzi '18 discusses the spirit of gratitude that permeated the TASIS campus during Thanksgiving week and shares some of the many things students and staff are grateful for.

Amelia Panella '18 profiles a new Middle School Service Learning group that aims to show appreciation for, and raise awareness of, everything the TASIS staff does to make the School a wonderful place to learn and live.

The third Senior Humanities Program speaker this year, Ms. Mathers spoke about body image, mental health, media literacy, and mindfulness during an inspiring four-day visit to campus in late November. She also sat down for an engaging interview with Jessica Landa '18.

Watch a great video, learn who won the team awards, and read about some of the highlights from the fall season.

More than 120 alumni and former faculty members attended an All-Class Reunion at the magnificent Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC, on November 17.

Congratulations to Director Valerie Bijur Carlson and the TASIS Theater Company for three outstanding performances of the classic Shakespeare comedy over the weekend of November 17–19. Watch the play and learn about the cast and crew.

Lilian Angelone '19 captures the sights, sounds, and flavors of historic Lisbon in this excellent recap of her group's Academic Travel trip to Portugal.

Esma Karuv '19 discusses how the Academic Travel trip to Prague helped her and her classmates develop a heightened appreciation for music.

AP Art History students explored cathedrals, palaces, museums, opera houses, and more during five delightful days in Vienna. Emma Dressler '18 recaps the experience.

A reunion weekend like no other—the PG class of 1967 comes together after 50 years.

We take a look at the remarkable young career of video journalist Will Vassilopoulos TH'93, who has already won a distinguished Rory Peck Award for News.

After adding an Early Childhood Coordinator this year, TASIS now plans to expand its Pre-Kindergarten program to help both three- and four-year-old students prepare to successfully read and write in English at the Kindergarten level.

Conceptual director, interactive designer, idea generator, and performer Natasha Tsakos visited TASIS on October 26 to deliver her first presentation in her home country of Switzerland.

Anastasia Kolesnikova '18 interviewed High School Science Teacher Ms. Pegeen Crockett, who taught for nearly 40 years in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and China before coming to TASIS in 2016.

Amelia Panella '18 interviewed High School Fine Arts Department Chair and professional artist Mr. Martyn Dukes, who has taught both AP and IB classes over the course of his 10 years at TASIS.

The Varsity Girls Soccer team traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, over the weekend of October 19–21 to compete in the European School Conference (ESC) Championship Tournament. Emma Dressler '18 recaps the action.

Aurelia Dochnal '19 interviewed High School Italian Teacher Mr. Mario D'Azzo, who began teaching at TASIS in 2000 and was the Khan-Page Master Teacher Award recipient in 2015.

We checked in with a number of former TASIS students and teachers to learn more about their impressive recent accomplishments.

Lilian Angelone '19 examines the commendable work being done by TASIS's Red Cross Refugees Service Learning group, which helps young refugees from Africa and Asia as they start a new life in Switzerland. 

Diana Kuznetsova '18 interviewed High School Photography Teacher Mr. Frank Long, who had some very interesting professional experiences before landing at TASIS in 2013.
 

Esma Karuv '19 discusses why Family Weekend is an important annual TASIS tradition and asks boarding students how they feel about it. Hear their thoughts and watch the Family Weekend Assembly.

TASIS Foundation Board member Dr. Michael Aeschliman reflects upon the distinguished careers of Bill Eichner and David Jepson, long-serving "TASIS people" who have been promoted to important new positions this year.

Shu Ye '18 interviewed High School English Teacher and Associate Dean Mr. Peter Locke, who began teaching at TASIS in 2010 and now also coordinates the School's Senior Humanities and Advanced Placement programs.

Jessica Landa '18 interviewed High School Dean of Students Mr. KC McKee, who also teaches AP United States Government and Politics and coaches Middle School lacrosse.

In honor of international hero Terry Fox, more than 300 TASIS students and faculty members combined to run or walk 1514 kilometers on the afternoon of October 11.

We interviewed more than 40 students and parents to find out what they appreciate about the TASIS Elementary School. Their answers were inspiring.
 

We review the data and glean the highlights from last spring's International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement exams, the results of which were released over the summer.

Enjoy our annual look at the many impressive and fulfilling things TASIS faculty and staff members do over the summer.

A farmer, sustainable designer, science illustrator, and educator, Mr. Trumpey addressed the senior class on September 25 and visited classes September 25–27. Watch his speech and read about upcoming SHP guests.

Professor Eric Wen '70, distinguished teacher of music theory and music analysis, is one of a select few musicologists leading the charge to keep music theory and analysis at the forefront of university-level music education, ensuring the legacy of the great classical tradition of high-cultural Western music.

TASIS held a special Founder's Day Assembly on the afternoon of September 14 to commemorate the incredible life of M. Crist Fleming. Watch the full celebration.

The 718 members of this year's student body hail from 60 different nations and speak 35 different languages as a mother tongue.

In addition to welcoming Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff, TASIS is pleased to introduce 15 new faculty members for the 2017–2018 Academic Year. Classes begin on September 4.

Learn why we believe there is no better place to spend the summer.

The Class of 1977 and additional alumni from the 70s gathered in Los Angeles over the weekend of August 25–27 to celebrate and marvel at the passing of 40 years since their graduation from TASIS.

Guided by an experienced teacher and the build-measure-learn feedback loop, students will learn the basic principles of the lean startup approach to launching a new business.

Find Elementary, Middle, and High School Opening Weekend information for new and current families—welcome back to TASIS!

Students from the 2017 TASIS Summer Programs capped off session two by showcasing their talents at a visual arts exhibition and a number of live performances. 

Alumni from four different decades gathered in Athens on July 29 to remember TASIS Hellenic, an international school that was opened by M. Crist Fleming in 1979 and remained a part of the TASIS family of schools until 2004.

Angelina Not '18, a member of the Women's Institute for Secondary Education and Research (WISER) Global Service Program group at TASIS,  has chosen to donate her entire award to the WISER organization, which seeks to empower Kenyan girls to transcend poverty.
 

Students who attended the first session of the Middle School Program (MSP) or the TASIS Summer Program (TSP) reflect upon academic clubs, outdoor adventures, cultural trips, the TASIS campus, the diversity of the student body, and more.

Students from all three divisions closed out session one of the 2017 TASIS Summer Programs by demonstrating their considerable talents at a visual arts exhibition and a variety of live performances. See their excellent work.

The third one's a charm—another successful TASIS reunion in Lugano June 2017.

Le Château des Enfants (CDE) students spent several nights camping in Novaggio during each of the summer sessions. Have a look at all the fun they had in session one.

The summer reunions wave in Lugano continues—this was number four!

Middle School Program (MSP) students enjoyed Monte Tamaro's hiking trails, high ropes course, and alpine slide on July 12. Watch an engaging video about their day.

 Round two of the June 2017 alumni class reunions was another TASIS hit! 

The Class of 2007 returned to Lugano for an exciting reunion that was held both on and off campus.  

Le Château des Enfants (CDE) students cruised around Lake Lugano in pedal boats on the afternoon of July 6. Enjoy a creative look at their excursion.

Middle School Program (MSP) students tore it up on Lake Lugano on the afternoon of July 3. Watch them in action.

TASIS is delighted to welcome Mr. Nikoloff, who recently completed his 12th year as Headmaster at California's largest independent school, The Harker School. We sat down with him for an interview during his most recent trip to TASIS.

The entire TASIS faculty and staff bid farewell to Headmaster Lyle Rigg, who is retiring for the fourth (and final!) time, at the end-of-year Faculty Celebration on the evening of June 8 and at the closing Faculty Meeting on the morning of June 9. Mr. Rigg delivered his final remarks and was presented with a book of tributes.

Amalis Cordova Mustafa, a junior at the TASIS School in Dorado, reflects upon her opportunity to travel to Cambodia this year with a TASIS Switzerland Global Service Program group.

Bryan Soh '18 discusses how his service learning group's heartrending trip to Cambodia fueled his inner desire to serve people all over the world who do not have access to privileges many take for granted.

Amelia Panella '18 wrote a thoughtful recap of this year's service learning trip to rural Cambodia, where 10 students and three faculty leaders built six homes for impoverished families and worked with children at local schools.

Ekaterina Plotnikova '18 reflects on this year's emotional service learning trip to Romania, where a group of 11 TASIS students and three faculty leaders worked closely with Hope and Homes for Children, an NGO that seeks to replace state-run orphanages with the concept of family.

The Elementary School and the Middle School held their annual Moving-Up Ceremonies on June 6 and June 8. Enjoy student speeches, musical performances, the presentation of awards, and more.   

TASIS Headmaster Lyle Rigg has announced that High School Math teacher Kerry Venchus is the well-deserving recipient of the 2017 Khan-Page Master Teacher Award.

The Elementary School Theater Program performed the musical "Petey Peach Tree" in front of packed houses in the Palmer Center on the evenings of June 1–2. Watch both outstanding performances in their entirety.

Students in the Class of 2017 were offered admission to 128 universities in 12 nations, including 43 offers from schools ranked in the top 100 of the 2016–2017 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Watch the full Commencement Ceremony, meet the 92 members of the Class of 2017, and see a full list of college and university acceptances.

Outstanding members of The American School in Switzerland's 61st graduating class were recognized for excellence in a number of areas at the Commencement Ceremony on May 27, 2017.

Headmaster Lyle Rigg, 12th Grade Dean Peter Locke, and five members of the Class of 2017 delivered inspiring remarks in the Palestra on the evening of May 26.

Each spring the TASIS High School Faculty selects three philanthropic students from grade 11 to receive the distinguished Junior Awards. Read about this year's deserving recipients.

Director of Studies David Jepson's weekly words of wisdom help frame various aspects of the TASIS experience and often provide context for an event happening on campus. Viewed as a whole, they serve as a lofty compendium of the 2016–2017 Academic Year.  

Anastasia Kolesnikova '18 provides a student perspective in this excellent recap of the 2017 Spring Arts Festival.

The 43rd annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival began with an Opening Celebration in the Palestra on the morning of May 18 and concluded with a magnificent concert in the Palestra on the evening of May 21. Read about the week and watch many of the events.

The inaugural class of the TASIS Cum Laude Society Chapter—the first to be established in Switzerland—comprises six outstanding scholars from the Class of 2017 and three from the Class of 2018. 

Read about the season, see who won the Varsity Athletics Awards this spring, and learn who was named 2017 Male and Female Athlete of the Year.

Anastasia Kolesnikova '18, whose remarkable science achievements were heralded on the TASIS Blog earlier this spring, discusses her experiences at Physics Week in Zurich and the Swiss Young Physicists' Tournament (SYPT) in Lausanne.

TASIS welcomes the community to campus to celebrate the School's 43rd annual Spring Arts Festival from May 18–21.

Shu Ye '18 and Diana Kuznetsova '18 discuss the motivations behind their decision to start a club designed to promote a deeper understanding of the impressive cultural diversity existing within the TASIS student body.

Bryan Soh '18 writes about the joys of showing his native Singapore to a friend from Russia and discusses how TASIS instills international-mindedness in all its students.