News

Student artists closed down each session of the 2022 TASIS Summer Programs with a vibrant celebration of the arts. See an archive of the wonderful performances and exhibitions.

TASIS The American School in Switzerland students took 264 Advanced Placement exams this spring and scored a 4 or higher on 50 percent of them. The 46 AP Scholar Awards smash the previous high of 37 that was set in 2021. Learn more about this year’s outstanding results.

Eight TASIS students scored 40 or more points on the May 2022 IB exams, and Class of 2022 Valedictorian Alexia Dochnal achieved the first perfect mark in school history! The mean score posted by the 39 students who earned an IB Diploma was 35—a full three points above the 2022 worldwide average. Learn more about this year’s results.

From two beautiful moving-up ceremonies and the conclusion of a successful academic year to a 10-year reunion and the start of the renowned TASIS Summer Programs, we offer a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

After returning in a limited capacity in 2021, the TASIS Summer Programs are now all the way back, with 700 students from 55 nations coming to campus for either Session One (June 25–July 21) or Session Two (July 24–August 13). Read about the first few days, see photos and video highlights, and learn how you can keep an eye on the action this summer.

The Elementary School held its annual Moving-Up Ceremony in the Palmer Cultural Center on the morning of June 10. 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 Cultural Center on the afternoon on June 9. See photos and video footage of student speeches, musical performances, the presentation of awards and diplomas, and more.

In this engaging essay, Alex Gabriel ’23 eloquently recaps an Academic Travel canyoning trip to Interlaken and wrestles with the question of how we find meaning in life.

From the Spring Arts Festival, Academic Travel trips, and a Walk for Water to athletics celebrations, awards ceremonies, and Graduation Week events, we offer a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

The TASIS College Counseling Office was honored to host admissions representatives from New York University, London School of Economics, University of St Andrews, and University of Leiden on May 30 for a “University Day” that consisted of a variety of informative programming designed primarily for grade 11 students as they prepare to enter the most important stage of the college admissions process. 

Fifteen members of TASIS The American School in Switzerland's 66th graduating class earned special recognition at the 2022 Commencement Ceremony. Learn about this year's recipients.

With help from an outstanding faculty and first-rate College Counseling Office, all TASIS students who plan to attend university have successfully found a new home for next year. Learn which schools they’ve been accepted to.

The American School in Switzerland held its 66th Commencement Ceremony in the Palestra on the morning of May 28. Watch the full ceremony, learn about the graduates, see a full list of university acceptances, and discover how to download or order photos from Graduation Week.

Highlights from the 2022 Senior Banquet included inspiring remarks from Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff, uplifting speeches from six members of the Class of 2022, and two lovely musical performances.

This month’s edition includes celebrating entrepreneurs, recognizing an honor for a disability rights campaigner, highlighting special events on campus, and more. 

The 48th annual TASIS Spring Arts Festival included two musicals, an all-school concert, several music recitals, a dance and theater showcase, a conducting workshop, and a visual art exhibition. See video recordings, photo galleries, and a 3D scan of all the artwork.

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

The Cum Laude Society aims to promote learning and sound scholarship in secondary schools while recognizing exceptional scholastic achievement. With the addition of six exceptional scholars from the Class of 2023, the TASIS chapter now totals 44 members.

Athletic Director Masa Yo hosted a Spring Athletic Awards assembly for all High School students and faculty members on the afternoon of May 16. Learn about all the award recipients—including the Male and Female Athlete of the Year—and hear from the spring coaches.

Coach Amy Bloodworth and the inspiring all-female team of Mariaurora Rosso ’24, Maddy Costa Felix ’26, Serafina Ballerini ’26, Olivia Canga ’26, and Diana Xiao ’26 were one of just 108 teams in the world to compete at the 2022 FIRST Championship World Festival in Houston, Texas, over the course of April 20–23. Watch them discuss this journey of a lifetime.

From Book Week and Easter celebrations before our two-week spring holiday to sports contests and Academic Travel after, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

As part of their ongoing efforts to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of university admissions, TASIS College Counselors Conor Fritz and Kirk Mitchell recently visited universities in London, Cambridge, and Paris. They are pleased to share their findings with the TASIS community.

From the end of winter sports and the start of spring athletics to the conclusion of ski trips north and the beginning of adventure trips south, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Mariaurora Rosso ’24, a member of the all-female TASIS robotics team that will represent Switzerland at the FIRST LEGO League CARGO CONNECT World Festival in the United States in April, offers her perspective on the team’s accomplishments and discusses why she and her teammates are drawn to the cutting-edge field of robotics.

The 2022 Beat the Bells Run will take place on Sunday, May 1, and will include a virtual component for members of the TASIS community who would like to participate from anywhere in the world.

The 2021–2022 winter athletics season featured dominant play from the Varsity Badminton team and a refreshing return to something resembling normalcy for all student athletes at TASIS. Learn about the season, hear from the coaches, and see who won the Most Valuable Player Award, Most Improved Player Award, and Coaches’ Award for the badminton, basketball, and swimming teams.

Congratulations to Director Julie Frazier-Smith, Music Director Eugene Villanueva, and the incredible cast and crew for their wonderful performances of this adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

Ella Budenbender ’23, who just started at TASIS in January, shares her impressions of the International Week Food Fair and discusses how important it is for students to recognize and value the cultural diversity present at TASIS.

More than 200 TASIS High School students spent the long weekend of February 23–26 in Engelberg, where they enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and other winter activities. The capstone of the week was the Fleming Cup race, a beloved TASIS tradition that was revived last year after a lengthy hiatus. 

Into the Woods JR. Director Julie Frazier-Smith and Music Director Eugene Villanueva took the show’s cast to Brescia, Italy, for a theater retreat over the weekend of February 18–20. Ms. Frazier-Smith recapped the experience.

From Academic Travel and winter sports action to International Week and Carnevale, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

With 60 nations represented in the study body, TASIS had much to celebrate during this year’s International Week, which was held February 14–18. See photos and video content from an inspiring week on campus.
 

Ella Budenbender '23 interviewed Physical Education Department Chair and Director of Residential Life Mr. Tom Lill, who has been associated with TASIS since 2010 and has juggled these two important roles since 2019.

Chongyi Feng '23 interviewed Athletic Director Mr. Masa Yo ’04, whose long association with TASIS included stints as a student, Summer Program administrator, teacher, coach, dorm head, and duty administrator before he took charge of athletics in 2019.

Alex Gabriel ’23 reflects on how her feelings about the TASIS campus have evolved over the course of her first year at the School. 

Mariaurora Rosso ’24, who is seeking to develop her artistic perspective within storytelling, created a graphic feature about her favorite place on the TASIS campus: the M. Crist Fleming Library.

TASIS was honored to welcome CNN congressional reporter Daniella Diaz to campus on February 7–8, marking the second installment of the 2021–2022 TASIS Speaker Series. 

Led by Coach Amy Bloodworth, nine TASIS students performed admirably at the Cantonal Institute of Economics and Commerce in Bellinzona on February 5, marking a big step forward for the School’s Robotics Program.

From the return of students and the continuation of classes to theater rehearsal and Academic Travel, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

After a 19-month pause due to the pandemic, season 33 of the popular American adventure reality game show resumed in St. Gallen, Switzerland, with contestants eventually making their way down to Ticino.

As we enjoy the holiday season and hope for the best in the new year, we take a moment to look back at some of the many highlights from the past 12 months at TASIS.

Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through five performed beautifully at the annual Elementary School Christmas Concert in the Palestra on the afternoon of December 17. Watch the full concert, see photos, and learn who was involved in this year’s performance.

Eight Khan-Page Master Teacher Award recipients answered this question at a dinner hosted by Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff and Chairman of the Board Lynn Fleming Aeschliman in Casa Fleming on the evening of December 3. See their responses. 

TASIS Foundation Board member and distinguished educator, literary critic, and scholar Dr. Michael D. Aeschliman explains why he recently chose to hand-deliver an 1896 edition of Washington Irving’s The Alhambra (1832) to the TASIS Portugal Library.

This year's beautiful Christmas Service was held in the Palestra on the afternoon of December 3 and featured musical performances and readings from students in all three divisions. Watch the full service, see a gallery of photographs, and learn who contributed to the annual community-building event.

From Academic Travel across Europe and experiential learning on campus to first-rate performing arts shows and impressive athletic achievements, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Dancers from the TASIS High School, Middle School, Elementary School, and Faculty performed in front of a packed house in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of November 23. Watch the outstanding concert.

High School Theater students and faculty members delivered two wonderful performances of Shakespeare’s classic comedy of romance, madness, and mistaken identity on the evenings of November 19–20 in the Palmer Cultural Center. Enjoy their excellent work.

Wexler Brodie ’24 interviewed College Counselor Conor Fritz, who was the Associate Dean of Admission at Claremont McKenna College prior to coming to TASIS in the fall of 2021, to learn what lessons he can share with students as they approach the college admissions process.

High School students trekked to a remote Alpine hut, abseiled from a bridge, scaled a climbing wall, and more over the course of five days in Baad, Austria, in early November. Watch a video to see how the annual Outward Bound trip helps TASIS students find their growth zone.

Middle School students challenged themselves on hikes, high-ropes courses, and bridge swings; learned how to build igloos and snowshoes; and dined on traditional Swiss cuisine and chocolate over the course of five days in Gstaad in early November. See video highlights from the amazing trip.

As part of an initiative to expose TASIS students to more leadership training, Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff met with High School Student Council representatives on the evening of November 10 and delivered a module entitled "Leadership as Service." 

Susanna Campbell ’23 traveled to Florence with her fellow IB History 1 students, who have examined the causes, events, and consequences of both World Wars this fall and relished the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the walls of the classroom.

Alex Gabriel ’23 wrote an excellent recap of the AP/IB Art History trip to Munich, where students had the opportunity to see some of history’s most celebrated pieces of art. 

Jane Wilson ’22, who has been traveling with TASIS since grade five, provides a pictorial account of the IB Biology II HL trip to Zurich over the long weekend of November 3–6.

Honors World Literature students spent five days in Florence furthering their studies of the illustrious Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Mariaurora Rosso ’24 chronicled the action.

From Founder’s Day celebrations and fall festivities to Swiss athletic championships and Ticinese field trips, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Alex Gabriel '23 interviewed AP Calculus and AP Computer Science Teacher Mr. Isaac Carey, who has worked hard to grow the School’s Computer Science Program since starting at TASIS in 2019.

Susanna Campbell ’23 interviewed High School Biology Teacher Gillian Sawyer-Price, who completeda Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow and taught pharmacology and anesthesiology at several European and American universities before coming to TASIS in 2011.

Wexler Brodie ’24 interviewed High School Science Department Chair Alec Ogilvie, who teaches IB Chemistry Higher Level and Standard Level and has seen the Science Program grow tremendously since he started at TASIS in 2008.

Elizaveta Semasheva ’22 interviewed Mr. James Shields, who has served as the High School Math Department Chair for more than 20 years and believes that students shouldn’t be overly reliant on technology as they build a solid foundation in mathematics.

Jane Wilson ’22 interviewed Elementary School Science Teacher Laurent Carsana, who cultivates a love for science in his young students by empowering them, encouraging them to slow down and think deeply about what they’re doing, and building a learning environment defined by honesty and trust.

Olivia De Souza Carneiro ’24 interviewed High School Math Teacher Deborah Tompkins, who started at TASIS in 2018 and currently teaches IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level and Honors Precalculus.

Mariaurora Rosso ’24 interviewed Anthony Panontin, who started at TASIS in 2019 and currently teaches IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Higher Level and IB Theory of Knowledge to both juniors and seniors.

Katerina Smyslova ’24 interviewed High School Math Teacher Daniel Dudley, who has taught both AP and IB Math since coming to TASIS in 2019.

The Dartmouth College Appleton Professor of Natural Philosophy and 2019 Templeton Prize Laureate delivered a keynote address to TASIS students and faculty members in the Palmer Center on October 18 and spent two days visiting High School classes.

From the return of students and faculty and a successful start of school to breathtaking hut hikes and inspired athletic competitions, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Eight TASIS students scored 40 or more points on the May 2021 IB exams, and the average score posted by the 44 students who earned an IB Diploma was 35—2 points above the world average. Learn more about this year’s results.

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.

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.

From local excursions and theater rehearsals to exam preparation and Earth Day celebrations, we offer a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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."