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. Laptops required. This course is designed for near-fluent and native English speakers.

First session only.

Learn to cook authentic Italian food! Students choose ingredients at Italian markets, tour Italian cheese and meat factories, practice knife skills, and learn how to perfectly balance spices. They leave with an extensive knowledge of the food culture of Italy—and with a few recipes to use for years to come!

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. Prerequisite: intermediate English level. If a student does not meet the minimum language requirement, he or she will be placed in the appropriate EAL class.

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. Prerequisite: intermediate English level. If a student does not meet the minimum language requirement, he or she will be placed in the appropriate EAL class. 

First session only at an additional cost of CHF 650 to cover the field trip

This course is an introduction to the technical and aesthetic properties of digital photography and filmmaking with an emphasis on using a digital camera as a tool for self-expression. Students learn how to process images and film 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. Prerequisite: intermediate English level. If a student does not meet the minimum language requirement, he or she will be placed in the appropriate EAL class.

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. 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. Prerequisite: intermediate English level. If a student does not meet the minimum language requirement, he or she will be placed in the appropriate EAL class.

First session only.

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. Students must have at least an intermediate level of English and need to bring a laptop. This course is limited to native speakers or near-fluent students who are taught primarily in English during the academic year.

Second session only.

The French program is focused on providing an accelerated environment for learning the French 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.

First session only.

English courses are structured to improve fluency and confidence in an immersive environment. Lessons are reinforced through daily interactions with friends and counselors. Courses include all 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.

Young players will be challenged by tactical and sophisticated methods of play. Coaches from the Olimpia Milano Basketball Program focus on physical strength and the elements of fitness necessary to improve player confidence and performance. Players are issued an exclusive basketball kit.

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. DSLR cameras are required. 

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 MSP STEAM course takes 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. This course 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 advanced EAL students with a strong knowledge of the language, 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.

Young players will be challenged by tactical and sophisticated methods of play. Coaches from the Olimpia Milano Basketball Program focus on physical strength and the elements of fitness necessary to improve player confidence and performance. Players are issued an exclusive basketball kit. 

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.

Our STEAM course challenges students through project-based learning meant to boost student inquiry, dialogue, and problem-solving. This course draws upon the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Students learn foundational principles in math and science through design challenges and hands-on activities. This course is taught using a STEAM approach in both morning and afternoon class time. The STEAM course is designed for near-fluent and native English speakers who wish to bolster their critical thinking and communication skills.

Our French course introduces children to the languages and cultures of French-speaking countries. Learning continues outside the classroom, as students sit together at meals to gain additional speaking practice and attend weekly field trips together. During afternoon class time, students participate in STEAM Hour with their French teacher. The French course is designed for beginner or intermediate French language learners.

Our EAL course is a truly immersive English language learning experience, as English is the language of instruction and communication program-wide.

Small class sizes and strategic grouping ensure differentiated lessons for our young learners. During morning class time, children learn new academic language and vocabulary, participate in group projects, and engage in field trips that give them the chance to use their language in the real world. In the afternoon, students participate in STEAM Hour with their EAL teacher. The EAL course is designed for beginner, intermediate, or advanced English language learners who wish to establish or develop their English speaking and listening skills. Also offered is an Advanced Reading and Creative Writing course for high-level English students and native speakers.

On Saturdays, boarding students take part in a number of exciting weekend clubs that are designed to teach children new skills in small groups. Recent activities have included paddleboarding, French cooking, landscape watercolor painting, hiking, and puppet-making.

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.

Our ELA course is an in-depth study of the English language. During morning class time, students strengthen their English language skills through word study, reading fiction and non-fiction texts, participating in discussions, crafting a variety of writing pieces, and reinforcing their oral language skills by delivering presentations in front of their teachers and peers. In the afternoon, students participate in STEAM Hour with their ELA teacher.

The ELA course is designed for near-fluent or native English speakers who wish to strengthen their English reading and writing skills.

The TASIS Summer Institute will be offering the following Middle School Courses in the summer of 2021.

This course focuses on the reading, writing, and language skills that are relevant and aligned to future English and research courses. It prepares students for close and critical reading through the discussion of the use of language and the purpose of complex and informational texts. Students will react to and use them as textual evidence in different types of analytical writing to support their arguments.

Students will learn how to use the many features of the Texas Instruments graphics display calculator (GDC) to enhance their understanding of mathematics and improve their ability to respond to exam-style questions. They will learn how to use the GDC to graph functions and find their important features such as intercepts and turning points. They will also learn how the GDC can be used to perform statistical analysis of data sets.

The TASIS Summer Institute will be offering the following Mid-International Baccalaureate^® courses in the summer of 2021.

The TASIS Summer Institute will be offering the following Pre-Advanced Placement courses in the summer of 2021.

The TASIS Summer Institute will be offering the following Pre-IB courses in the summer of 2021.

Sign up for a range of STEM courses online from the TASIS Summer Institute. Topics include Computer Programming and 3D Design.