CDE Italian classes are immersed in the culture and language of Ticino, the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton. This course teaches vocabulary and phrases that children can use when off-campus (learning how to order gelato is a favorite) as well as Italian culture. It is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

Students participate in a variety of intensive filmmaking units, honing their production skills to create an original short film. Students craft their own original short film script in the Screenwriting unit, learn the basics of acting on film in the On-Screen Acting unit, and learn the craft of film production both on and off screen during the Filmmaking Lab. Students need not have any previous experience—only an interest in the process of making a story come to life through film. 

Guided by an experienced teacher and the build-measure-learn feedback loop, students learn the basic principles of the lean startup approach, examine how the digital innovation explosion has rapidly changed the way an entrepreneur must approach starting a new business, identify which skills are most important in this new landscape, and ultimately develop their own ideas into a startup. A laptop is required.

Taught by professional chefs, this course inspires students to create their own Italian meals. Students visit markets to source local ingredients and visit local producers and a historical mill. Classes meet in a professional kitchen in downtown Lugano where students learn knife skills, food safety and hygiene, and basic principles of cooking. They leave with knowledge of the food culture of Italy and with recipes to share with friends and family.

Second session only.

This course introduces students to the fascinating world of fashion design and illustration. Students gain an understanding of the design process by engaging in fashion illustration, natural indigo dyeing, silk painting, and block printing while becoming more confident in design. Students develop an awareness of major sustainability issues in today's industry and learn ways to be more conscious consumers. The class has the opportunity to visit local fashion offices and museums.

Second session only.

This course introduces students to the disciplines of architecture and design. Classwork includes studying and sketching architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries from slides and creating several models that are displayed during the Summer Arts Festival. A required weekend trip takes the class to Weil-am-Rhein, Germany, to explore the renowned Vitra Design Museum. 

There is an additional cost of CHF 800 to cover the cost of the field trip.

This course is an introduction to the technical and aesthetic properties of digital photography with an emphasis on using a digital camera as a tool for self-expression. Students learn how to process images with the tools offered in Adobe Creative Cloud, and trips around the region provide opportunities to practice shooting among some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in Europe. Students must bring their own DSLR camera.

Students lift their musical theater skills in this comprehensive course taught by our excellent performing arts team. This course concentrates on high-quality music, dancing, and acting classes that help prepare the students for an original musical experience, crafted for and by them. Opportunities extend beyond performance to backstage, focusing on costume and set design, stage management, and direction. This one-of-a-kind musical theater program includes a demanding rehearsal schedule and elevates the performers to reach beyond their limits to create a unique summer arts experience.

This intensive drawing and painting course offers young artists the unique opportunity to learn and practice techniques taught in 19th-century French art academies. The classic approach allows students to enhance both their artistic skills and portfolios and is an excellent option for students preparing to enter art school or for those studying AP or IB Art. Applicants are required to submit a recommendation from an art teacher.

This course is designed for students entering their first year of the IB. Students learn about the three core components of the IB program (Theory of Knowledge; the Extended Essay; and Creativity, Activity, Service) and develop their research, presentation, and academic writing skills. The class also discusses how to stay on track in the IB Diploma Program through realistic goal-setting and time management. This course is limited to native speakers or near-fluent students who are taught primarily in English during the academic year. A laptop is required.

The French program is focused on providing an accelerated environment for learning the language and learning about Francophone culture. Students develop speaking, reading, and writing skills and learn about French food, culture, songs, and films. Courses include beginner and intermediate levels.

Students practice the various forms of writing that are expected at quality international schools and universities. Classes focus on structuring and writing narrative, expository, persuasive, and research essays, and students leave with a portfolio of work that will enhance their school applications. This course is limited to native speakers or near-fluent students who are taught primarily in English during the academic year. A laptop is required.

English courses are structured to improve fluency and confidence in an immersive environment, and lessons are reinforced through daily interactions with friends and counselors. Courses are offered for students of all English-speaking levels. 

Tennis Club is for students who wish to enhance and improve their existing skills. Students are issued a kit and are expected to bring their own racquet. Coach-to-student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 students.

Golf Club is designed for young golfers who are looking to improve their game. Students play two times per week and practice their skills on the driving range, pitch-and-putt, and main course at Panorama Golf in nearby Varese, Italy. Equipment can be provided if necessary. Limited to eight students.

Get in shape fast with the renowned strength and conditioning program that consists of aerobic exercise, calisthenics, and weightlifting.

Students have the exceptional opportunity to work under coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio as they improve their ball control and skills. Players are issued an exclusive Milan Academy soccer kit.

An experienced photographer works with students who are looking to make every photograph a better one. The curriculum focuses on camera features, composition, lighting techniques, and image processing, and the class takes various trips to scenic locations around Ticino. Students must bring their own DSLR camera. 

In this one-of-a-kind course, students engage in high-quality acting, singing, and dancing classes, working alongside professional teaching artists. Students who are more interested in the production side of theater may choose to focus on costume design, lighting, sound design, and production design. All students are encouraged to be involved in the final performance at the Summer Arts Festival. 

The STEAM course draws upon elements of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to inspire and challenge students to think creatively. Hands-on activities and design challenges encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This course solidifies the math and science skills needed for high school, extending to projects using technology and engineering skills through robotics and 3D printing. It is taught using the STEAM approach and is designed for near-fluent and native English speakers.

Students learn from native speakers who are dedicated to helping them gain confidence in their skills. Optional trips to the French-speaking part of Switzerland provide a chance to use the language with locals. Courses include beginner and intermediate levels.

Ticino, the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton, is the perfect environment for learning conversational Italian. Students build their vocabulary and learn to write about topics in the areas of fashion, food, art, and culture. They reinforce their classroom learning with excursions to locations throughout Ticino and Italy. Courses include beginner and intermediate levels.

Designed for native speakers and students who attend a school where the primary language is English, this course encourages young writers to express themselves in English. Students improve their writing through learning how to structure and write essays, short stories, and persuasive texts. They discuss what makes good creative writing and strengthen their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

MSP offers students the chance to improve their confidence and skills in English. The program language is English, so TASIS offers an immersive language experience for children. Our teachers make learning fun by providing interactive, challenging activities, and the MSP environment compels students to practice their English during sports, activities, meals, and excursions. Courses cater to all levels.

Golf Club is designed for young golfers who are looking to improve their game. Students play two times per week and practice their skills on the driving range, pitch-and-putt, and main course at Panorama Golf in nearby Varese, Italy. Equipment can be provided if necessary. Limited to eight students.

Students have the exceptional opportunity to work under coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio as they improve their ball control and skills. Players are issued an exclusive Milan Academy soccer kit.

Tennis Club is for students who wish to enhance and improve their existing skills. Students are issued a kit and are expected to bring their own racquet. Coach-to-student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 students.

Talented performing arts professionals challenge students’ creativity in singing, dancing, drama, musical theater, percussion, and ukulele! Children prepare an original musical and songs to perform at the Summer Arts Festival.

All children also attend an hour of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—or STEAM—every afternoon, focusing on creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

This course introduces students to a variety of French-speaking countries and cultures while focusing on vocabulary and phrases that help students build their confidence. This course is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

CDE offers a truly immersive English-language learning experience. English is the language of instruction and communication program-wide, and the courses offer students time to practice and build on their existing skills. Class sizes are small and cater to beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners.

Students have the exceptional opportunity to work under coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio as they improve their ball control and skills. Players are issued an exclusive Milan Academy soccer kit.

Tennis Club is for students who wish to enhance and improve their existing skills. Students are issued a kit and are expected to bring their own racquet. Coach-to-student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 students.

After dinner, counselors lead the children in activities that focus on teamwork and friendship. Favorite events include a luau and dance, a scavenger hunt across campus, the Ultimate Dance Off, a Harry Potter night, a game of Capture the Flag, and a Carnivale put on by the Middle School Program.

Special visual art classes allow children to express creativity through a variety of mediums, from painting to photography to ceramics. Projects are displayed at a Visual Arts Exhibition during the final week of each session.

Once a week, students visit the state-of-the-art Campo Science Center for an exciting exposure to the principles of robotics. Each session is designed to help them develop a passion for programming, problem-solving, engineering, and creativity. Working with their peers and teacher, students explore engineering concepts through teamwork, construction, and imagination.