In This Section
High School Program (HSP)
Ages 14-17
Features
- Choose one academic course for the duration of the session (approx. 4 hours per day)
- Select two sports or activities in the afternoons (approx. 2 hours per day)
- Participate in weekend day-trips (included in tuition) or overnight excursions (additional cost) throughout Switzerland, Italy, and France
Courses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Sports
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.
(Additional cost)
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.
(Additional cost)
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.
(Additional cost)
Get in shape fast with the renowned strength and conditioning program that consists of aerobic exercise, calisthenics, and weightlifting.
(Additional cost)
Watersports
During the session, students may choose a watersport for their afternoon activity twice a week. Watersports take place on beautiful Lake Lugano and are monitored by lifeguards and trained staff. These may include waterskiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, swimming, and sailing. (included in tuition)
Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Activities
Students have a variety of choices for indoor and outdoor activities including volleyball, recreational tennis, basketball, yoga, spinning, weight training, hiking, rock climbing, dance, and recreational soccer. (included in tuition)
Trips
Overnight Optional Trips
Overnight trips let students explore destinations further afield. Cultural trips may include Nice and Monaco, Venice, or Rome. Adventure trips explore the natural terrain around Zermatt, Interlaken, or Andermatt. Students stay for one or two nights. (additional cost)
Session 1 Trips
Weekend 1: June 28–30
The trip to Rome departs by train from Lugano on Friday morning and returns on Sunday evening. Students are taken on professionally-guided tours of the Forum, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), and St. Peter’s Basilica. Students visit the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and other important sites. “A lifetime isn’t enough”, but this weekend will provide students with a magical introduction to the Eternal City.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: July 5–7
This two-night trip, from Thursday to Saturday, takes students to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe. Based in the resort town of Interlaken, students have numerous opportunities to explore this beautiful alpine region. A highlight of the trip includes a ride up to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” for stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. At the top students can visit a series of ice caves, where numerous sculptures are carved out of the ice. In addition, the trip includes a look at the waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen valley as well as a short trip to the capital city of Bern, where students have time for dinner and shopping. Hiking boots and clothing is required.
15 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 3: July 12–14
Students spend one night in the heart of this quaint ski town at the foot of the Matterhorn. The gondola ride to Zermatt is one of the most scenic in Switzerland. Activities include a ropes course and glacier walk, and hiking clothing and good hiking shoes or boots are required. Students will also eat meals typical to this part of Switzerland.
15 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 1: June 28–30
The trip to Nice and Monaco departs by bus on Friday morning and returns on Sunday evening. Students tour Nice, with its Matisse Museum, old town, markets, Roman ruins, Place Massena, and Promenade des Anglais, as well as the hilltop Eze-Village. The trip continues on to the Principality of Monaco, where the students explore the Oceanography Museum or Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Exotic Gardens, the port, and the glamorous district of Monte Carlo. The hotel for this trip is in Nice, and students have time for shopping, swimming at the beach, and relaxing in the local cafés and gardens of this sunny destination.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: July 5–7
After a stop for dinner in beautiful Siena, students spend two nights in the glorious city of Florence. Highlights include exploring the old city including the Ponte Vecchio and visiting the Uffizi and Accademia, the home of Michelangelo’s David. They visit the leather and jewelry markets in the shadow of The Duomo, one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. The group will enjoy traditional Tuscan food and hospitality.
20 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: July 6–7
This alpine trip to Andermatt includes rock climbing, glacier walking, and hiking to a mountain hut at 1400 meters for an overnight stay. A spirit of adventure and a love of the outdoors will make the trip especially enjoyable. This is our most physical of optional trips and a good fitness level is required. Proper hiking clothing and good hiking boots are required. While HSP staff will chaperone the students, professional Swiss mountain guides will lead the trip.
15 students maximum per trip.
CHF 750
Weekend 3: July 12–14
Students travel by coach to glorious Venice, departing Friday morning and returning on Sunday evening. In Venice, a trip by water bus along the Canal Grande to the Piazza San Marco provides a breathtaking view of the palazzi and the famous bridges of the city. Guided visits include the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, as well as visits to the Accademia and Guggenheim art galleries. Students also visit the islands of Burano, renowned for lace, and Murano, known for glass. They take a gondola ride through Venetian canals which provide a unique and memorable experience.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Session 2 Trips
Weekend 1: July 26–28
The trip to Rome departs by train from Lugano on Friday morning and returns on Sunday evening. Students are taken on professionally-guided tours of the Forum, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), and St. Peter’s Basilica. Students visit the Pantheon, Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, and other important sites. “A lifetime isn’t enough”, but this weekend will provide students with a magical introduction to the Eternal City.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 1: July 26–28
This two-night trip, from Thursday to Saturday, takes students to some of the most stunning scenery in all of Europe. Based in the resort town of Interlaken, students have numerous opportunities to explore this beautiful alpine region. A highlight of the trip includes a ride up to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” for stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. At the top students can visit a series of ice caves, where numerous sculptures are carved out of the ice. In addition, the trip includes a look at the waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen valley as well as a short trip to the capital city of Bern, where students have time for dinner and shopping. Hiking boots and clothing is required.
15 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: August 2–4
Students spend one night in the heart of this quaint ski town at the foot of the Matterhorn. The gondola ride to Zermatt is one of the most scenic in Switzerland. Activities include a ropes course and glacier walk, and hiking clothing and good hiking shoes or boots are required. Students will also eat meals typical to this part of Switzerland.
15 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: August 2–4
The trip to Nice and Monaco departs by bus on Friday morning and returns on Sunday evening. Students tour Nice, with its Matisse Museum, old town, markets, Roman ruins, Place Massena, and Promenade des Anglais, as well as the hilltop Eze-Village. The trip continues on to the Principality of Monaco, where the students explore the Oceanography Museum or Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Exotic Gardens, the port, and the glamorous district of Monte Carlo. The hotel for this trip is in Nice, and students have time for shopping, swimming at the beach, and relaxing in the local cafés and gardens of this sunny destination.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Weekend 2: August 2–4
Students travel by coach to glorious Venice, departing Friday morning and returning on Sunday evening. In Venice, a trip by water bus along the Canal Grande to the Piazza San Marco provides a breathtaking view of the palazzi and the famous bridges of the city. Guided visits include the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, as well as visits to the Accademia and Guggenheim art galleries. Students also visit the islands of Burano, renowned for lace, and Murano, known for glass. They take a gondola ride through Venetian canals which provide a unique and memorable experience.
30 students maximum per trip.
CHF 1250
Day Trips
Day trips focus on destinations that are a shorter drive from campus. City breaks to Milan, Zurich, or Lucerne include cultural tours and time to explore with friends. Adventurous students may choose from canyoning, canoeing, rafting, or caving. Or students can relax at a lido in Ascona, Locarno, or Tesserete. All trips are included in tuition, and students return to TASIS each night.
(included in tuition)
Daily Schedule
Mornings
Academic Classes x4 hours
(English, Academic Writing, French, IB Prep, Lean Startup, Fine Art, Musical Theater, Digital Art, Filmmaking, Architecture & Design, La Cucina Italiana)
Discovery Class x1 hour
(natural history, graphic design, songwriting, science)
Afternoons
Play a sport, practice yoga, rehearse for a musical—afternoons are for sports, the arts, and outdoor adventures. Afternoons are a time to stretch our bodies and our minds.
Evenings
After dinner activities range from formal dances to group games, cinema nights to ice cream socials. This is a time for relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.
Weekends
Day trips include city breaks, adventure trips, and visits to nearby lidos. Overnight trips, at an extra cost, explore destinations in Switzerland, France, and Italy.
HSP Daily Schedule (approximate) | |
---|---|
08:15 – 09:00 | Breakfast |
09:15 – 09:30 | Morning meeting |
09:35 – 14:35 | Class and discovery period with a break for lunch |
14:45 – 18:00 | Afternoon sports |
18:25 – 19:00 | Dinner |
19:30 – 19:45 | Evening meeting |
19:45 – 22:00 | Evening activities and/or free time |
22:00 | Return to dorms, check-in |
23:00 | Lights out |