Blending Swiss Values With American Curriculum: Inside Leysin American School's Global Approach

Mumbai: In an exclusive conversation with Free Press Journal, Marc F. Ott, Head of School at Leysin American School (LAS), shares insights into the school’s unique philosophy, its blend of Swiss values with an American curriculum, and how it prepares students to thrive academically, socially, and globally. He also discusses new initiatives, the importance of experiential learning, and offers advice for Indian students and parents considering international education.

FPJ: What was the original vision behind founding the school in Switzerland and combining it with an American curriculum?

Dr. Marc: The vision traces back to my grandparents. My grandfather, a Swiss who moved to the U.S. as a child, served as a U.S. officer in postwar Germany and witnessed the aftermath of World War II. He believed in bringing people together, especially those from nations once in conflict. Around the same time, my grandmother started International Ranger Camps in Switzerland, uniting young people from different countries, many recently at war. This spirit of connection and understanding became the foundation of LAS, creating a place where students from diverse backgrounds learn from one another. The American curriculum made sense because the U.S. was emerging as a global force, and the growing expatriate community needed quality boarding schools. These factors naturally led to the founding of the Lausanne American School.

FPJ: How does LAS blend Switzerland’s values with the American education system’s focus on critical thinking?

Dr. Marc: I think we’ve managed to blend the two quite well. Switzerland gives us a lot of freedom in how we run the school, there’s no government interference when it comes to our curriculum, which allows us to innovate and stay true to our vision. Switzerland itself is a small yet incredibly diverse country, multicultural and multilingual. That environment naturally fosters creativity and open-mindness, and it aligns perfectly with our philosophy at LAS. We encourage students to think independently, to innovate, and to be creative in how they approach the world. I believe that combination, the Swiss setting with the American educational spirit, is one of our biggest strengths.

FPJ: What special advantages do students gain when they join the Leysin American School?

Dr. Marc: Our goal is to help each student become the best version of themselves. We don’t want them to fit into a particular mold, we want them to discover who they are, think independently, and grow with confidence. We emphasize individualised learning, encouraging creativity and critical thinking regardless of a student’s background or interests. A big part of our approach is experiential learning, we believe education shouldn’t be limited to the classroom.

Students learn by doing, by experiencing, and by connecting their lessons to the world around them. That might mean developing entrepreneurial skills, taking part in leadership projects, or learning resilience and teamwork through outdoor challenges like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, where students might find themselves camping out in the wild. These experiences teach them far more than textbooks alone can. I believe it’s this blend of experiential learning, personal attention, and global perspective that truly makes our school unique.

FPJ: How do students from such different cultural backgrounds contribute to each other’s learning experience?

Dr. Marc: We’re fortunate to have students from all over the world, and we really try to make that diversity a learning opportunity. For example, just last Sunday, I was walking through the dorms and met several of our Indian students, one had a roommate from Russia, another from the U.S., and another from Brazil. That kind of environment naturally sparks curiosity and understanding among students. They learn from one another every day, both inside and outside the classroom. We also celebrate major cultural events together. Depending on the time of year, you might see Diwali celebrations on campus, just as you would see Thanksgiving or Chinese New Year festivities. These moments allow students to share their traditions, express their pride, and teach their peers about where they come from. It builds a sense of global community on campus.

FPJ: Are there any new initiatives or innovations happening at LAS?

Dr. Marc: Yes, we’ve recently launched a major initiative called Changemakers at LAS. It’s a program focused on innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We’ve introduced several new courses including one called Pre-MBA - where students learn about entrepreneurship through simulations and projects. They also gain skills in financial literacy and business thinking. This program is run in partnership with Babson College in the United States, which has once again been ranked as the number one undergraduate institution for entrepreneurship. Our teachers have been trained through Babson’s EPIC program, and students who complete Changemakers receive a Babson College certificate. It’s an exciting step for us & it is helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset while still in school.

FPJ: What are some of the personal or family values that have shaped the ethos of your school?

Dr. Marc: Our core values really center around respect, and we’ve defined this in three key ways at the school. The first is respect for oneself and for others. We emphasise treating everyone with dignity, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Each of us carries multiple identities, cultural, social, personal, and it’s important that we respect those differences and value one another for who we are. The second is respect for the environment. Being in Switzerland, we’re surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and we’re also very aware of the environmental challenges our world faces. We try to make students conscious of their responsibility towards nature and sustainability.

And finally, the third value is respect through giving back. Many of our students come from privileged backgrounds, and receiving an education like this is an opportunity not everyone gets. So, we encourage them to give back, whether locally or globally, in any capacity they can. It’s about using what they’ve learned to contribute positively to society. When I was earlier walking through the top floor and saw all the student-led foundations, it really struck me how deeply that spirit of giving back is already alive in our community.

FPJ: How does LAS ensure that students not only grow academically but also develop socially and emotionally, especially during such a formative stage?

Dr. Marc: We have multiple layers of support in place. Of course, learning starts in the classroom, but it extends much beyond that. In the dormitories, students are guided by dorm supervisors who ensure their well-being. We also have trained counselors available whenever needed. One of the most unique elements we have is the faculty family system. Many schools have advisory programs, but we’ve taken it a step further. Each teacher mentors a small group of students—I used to be a “faculty father” myself, and my group of students affectionately called me “Elliot’s dad.” We’d meet weekly, talk about academics, life, or just unwind together. It creates a sense of belonging and continuity. As a faculty parent, I also stay in touch with the students’ real parents, ensuring everyone is aligned. This structure has been part of LAS since its founding and remains a cornerstone of our pastoral care today.

FPJ: What advice would you give to Indian students and their parents who are considering international education, especially at schools like LAS?

Dr. Marc: Every school has its own culture, values, and approach, so finding the right fit is really important. I would say to families narrow down your options and, if possible, visit the schools. At the end of the day, it’s about whether the student and their family feel comfortable and at home there. Even among Swiss boarding schools, each one is excellent but slightly different in its traditions, philosophy, and community feel. Another piece of advice I’d give is to consider summer programs. We see a good number of Indian students joining our summer sessions in Switzerland. It’s a great way to experience boarding school life, meet peers from around the world, and get a feel for the campus and community. Plus, it’s three weeks in the beautiful Alps, a wonderful mix of learning and adventure. For many students, it becomes their first step toward joining LAS full-time later on.

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