News

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch more than 150 members of the TASIS community “shine” at the capstone of the 2023 Spring Arts Festival!

Congratulations to Director Julie Frazier-Smith and the TASIS High School Theater Company for four outstanding performances of this unforgettable show based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt Disney film. See photos and learn about the cast and crew.

At a special assembly hosted by the TASIS Athletics Department on the afternoon of March 24, Athletic Director Masa Yo ’04 and the winter coaches presented awards to deserving members of the badminton, basketball, and swimming teams.

Led by the TASIS College Counseling Department, 26 students in grade 11 had the opportunity to visit a wide range of universities and explore London during the Academic Travel session in late February. Ilana Uribe Zuluaga ’24 chronicled the experience.

The highly decorated combat fighter pilot and bestselling author delivered an engaging keynote address and visited a number of classrooms over the course of a three-day visit in March that represents the third installment of the 2022–2023 TASIS Speaker Series.

Mariaurora Rosso ’24 traces the evolution of TASIS ski trips from the days where Founder M. Crist Fleming would take the entire school to Andermatt for two weeks of studying and skiing all the way to the present-day model that includes major trips to Engelberg and Davos along with additional opportunities for students who wish to spend considerably more time on the Swiss peaks.

Amaya Norton-Scherer ’24 recaps the Varsity Girls Basketball team’s experience of playing in the NISSA Tournament in Rome, where the Tigers took home the second-place trophy and bonded as a team as they explored some of the Eternal City’s most famous attractions.

From International Week and the Middle School’s Winter Adventure to the High School’s Global Service Program and Academic Travel trips and the Elementary School’s Carnevale celebrations, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Two TASIS High School Robotics teams put forth an outstanding performance at an official VEX Robotics Competition in Basel on February 23 to continue an upward trajectory for Coach Amy Bloodworth’s surging program.

This edition of Alumni Notes is an eclectic mix of stories taking us from London to Vietnam. We feature authors, a photographer, an award-winning sculptor and photographer, and even our own TASIS rock star! Alumni, we love hearing your stories, so let us know what you’ve been up to by sending your news to alumni@tasis.ch or filling in this form!

Alex Gabriel ’23, who has acted in all four major TASIS High School theater productions since she arrived at the School in 2021, reflects upon what she has learned from each role and discusses how much the theater community has meant to her.

Tiara Azimova ’24 provides a snapshot of what one school day is like for a student in the first year of the rigorous two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at TASIS.

As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, Haya Hamzah ’25 wonders if we actually know one another less than we ever have. In this thoughtful piece, she examines how powerful it can be when we take the time to put down our devices and explore thought-provoking subjects together.

TASIS kicked off International Week 2023 on the morning of February 13 with a wonderful Opening Ceremony that included a Parade of Flags, the presentation of Torch Awards, two musical performances, and more. Watch the full ceremony.

Varsity Girls Badminton standout Joy Wang ’25 writes about the experience of competing in two major tournaments in just four days.

From the return of classes and competitive athletics to skiing in the Swiss Alps and traveling across Europe, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Sixteen TASIS students represented the nation of Eswatini at the four-day conference in The Hague in late January and delivered a very strong performance, passing two resolutions as main submitter, 15 resolutions as co-submitter, and five amendments. Sakura Tanaka ’24 wrote about the experience.

TASIS Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff discusses the lofty elements that made up Founder M. Crist Fleming’s famous recipe for a school and reflects upon how our community still aspires to them each and every day.

As we enjoy the holiday season and eye the new year with optimism, we offer a look back at some of the many highlights from the past 12 months at TASIS. It’s been quite a year!

We take a photo-driven look at some of the many festive events that happened on or near campus throughout a wonderful holiday season at TASIS. Happy holidays to all!

At a special assembly hosted by the TASIS Athletics Department on the afternoon of November 29, former World Cup winner and Premier League star Cesc Fàbregas spoke to the entire High School and helped present this fall’s athletics awards.

Dancers from the TASIS High School, Middle School, Elementary School, and Faculty performed in front of a full house in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of November 22. Watch the amazing concert.

Haya Hamzah ’25 took on the immense challenge of writing a recap of the 10th-grade Honors World Literature class’s trip to Florence in Dante Alighieri’s canticle style. Enjoy her incredible work!

Congratulations to Director Matthew Frazier-Smith and the TASIS High School Theater Company for four incredible performances of the classic Molière comedy over the weekend of November 17–20. See photos and learn about the cast and crew.

IB Language and Literature students, who read a number of literary works by Czech authors over the course of their two years in the class, visited Prague in early November to explore the city where many of these works are set and where all were written. Alex Gabriel ’23 wrote a thoughtful recap of the deeply meaningful trip.

TASIS students taking French 2, 3, or 4 had the opportunity to visit Paris in early November to apply their classroom learning in real-life situations and explore the culture and history of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Joy Wang ’25 chronicled the action.

Following a banner year that saw the TASIS Middle School Robotics team represent Switzerland at the 2022 FIRST Championship World Festival in Houston, Texas, the TASIS Robotics Program has expanded to the High School level. Mariaurora Rosso ’24 recaps the VEX Robotics qualifying tournament at the International School of Basel, which saw two TASIS High School teams place in the top three.

All TASIS boarding students and their dorm parents go on community-building trips to beautiful mountain destinations around Ticino each fall, a valuable component of the pioneering TASIS Academic Travel Program. In this photo essay, Sarah Wexler Brodie ’24 recaps her dormitory’s trip to the Campra Alpine Lodge in Olivone.

From Family Weekend celebrations and fall athletics competitions to time in the classroom and travel across Switzerland and Italy, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Amaya Norton-Scherer ’24 interviewed High School Academic Travel Director and Weekend Activities Coordinator Ms. Natalie Philpot, who believes that the robust TASIS travel program sets students up for success in all areas of their lives.

Ilana Uribe Zuluaga ’24 interviewed Opsahl Global Service Program Director Ms. Patty Clardy, who has worked as a learning specialist in the TASIS Learning Resource Center since 2020 and started her new role in the fall of 2022.

Alex Gabriel ’23 interviewed High School English and History Teacher Mr. Bill Dalton, who has also made significant contributions to the TASIS Theater Program since coming aboard in the fall of 2020.

Tiara Azimova ’24 interviewed Ms. Federica De Bianchi, who has taught Italian Language and Literature in the TASIS Middle School since 2006 and was the recipient of the 2022 Khan-Page Master Teacher Award.

Joy Wang ’25 interviewed Performing Arts Department Chair Ms. Erika Cramp, who started at TASIS this fall and is aiming to provide more opportunities for students of all ages to be involved in music, theater, and dance.

Marc Feng ’24 interviewed Elementary School Language and Literacy Leader Ms. Melissa Fogal, who has worked closely with students and teachers in grades Pre-Kindergarten through five since she arrived at TASIS in 2021.

Andrea Rossini ’23 interviewed High School IB Economics Teacher Mr. Michael Clardy, who has also taught history, coached a number of sports, and led many Academic Travel trips since arriving at TASIS in 2020.

Haya Hamzah ’25 interviewed Elementary School Art Teacher Ms. Caroline Rossi, who has been helping young TASIS students develop their creativity, passion, and independent thinking skills since 2005.

Wexler Brodie ’24 interviewed High School English Teacher Ms. Emily Clark, who has contributed to the TASIS community in a number of meaningful ways since coming to the school in 2021.

Kaan Kartal ’23 interviewed Middle School Physical Education and Health Teacher Mr. Jack Morton, who also coaches the Varsity Soccer Team, serves as a dorm parent, and runs several clubs that promote student wellness.

Mariaurora Rosso ’24 interviewed her former Middle School Italian Teacher Ms. Camilla Perani, who started at TASIS in 2015 and currently teaches Italian language, literature, and history in the Middle School.

Sakura Tanaka ’24 interviewed Ms. Gigi Diane Guarnieri Rosso, who has been a member of the TASIS Faculty since 1990.

Lily Moore ’23 crafted this engaging profile after speaking with Middle School and High School Dorm Parent and Middle School Advisor Ms. Olymar Brown—the “Mother of Balmelli”—about finding one’s passion.

The TASIS college counselors have created a helpful glossary to aid students and their families as they move through the university application process.

Mr. Piconi delivered an engaging keynote address entitled "The Innovator's Journey" in the Palmer Cultural Center on the evening of October 17 and spent two days visiting High School biology, chemistry, physics, and economics classes. Learn about his visit.

Middle School and High School parents attended classes, enjoyed an elegant evening at Villa Principe Leopoldo, and watched an assembly that commemorated the incredible life of TASIS Founder M. Crist Fleming on October 6.

From the return of students and faculty and a successful start of school to awe-inspiring hut hikes and fun-filled events on campus, we take a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.

Spearheaded by the College Counseling Office, TASIS was delighted to welcome admissions representatives from 54 schools to campus for a robust university fair on the afternoon of September 26. Learn about the very successful event.

Thirty artworks created by current and former TASIS students were featured at the seventh edition of WOPART, a prestigious international art fair devoted to works on paper, over the weekend of September 23–25.

Led by Opsahl Global Service Program Director Patty Clardy, on September 21 the TASIS community participated in a number of activities designed to promote kindness and highlight the importance of living together peacefully as a global community.

TASIS was honored to welcome celebrated poet and former faculty member Kiki Petrosino to campus on September 19–20 as the School’s third Linda Buchanan Poet in Residence. Learn about her return to the place where she began her career in education.

TASIS held an opening celebration for The Lounge, an exciting spot for students to gather and enjoy delicious food, on September 12. Learn about the new space and hear from Food and Beverage Director Fabio Marrone.

In recognition of Mrs. Fleming’s profound effect on generations of students and educators, we commemorate Founder’s Day 2022 by offering a look at some of our favorite quotations from The Wit and Wisdom of Mary Crist Fleming.

The TASIS website is an indispensable tool for staying informed and organized. Whether you are a student, parent, alumnus, or faculty member, these pointers will help you get the most out of the website.

Carly Bachofen ’22 (United States) received a Presidential Scholarship to attend the University of San Francisco’s Honors College, where she will pursue a degree in Hospitality. She also considered offers from the University of Central Florida, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Temple University, and Drexel University.

From waterskiing on Lake Lugano and exploring Switzerland’s beauty to pursuing new interests and making lasting friendships, we take a photo-driven look at this past summer at TASIS.

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.