Discover the future of modern education at Leysin American School in Switzerland (LAS)

A pivotal shift in Dr. Ott’s vision is the evolving role of the educator. In a world where the sum of human knowledge is accessible via a smartphone, the teacher is no longer a mere transmitter of information.

“At LAS, the modern teacher is a coach and a mentor,” Dr. Ott explains. “They curate the culture, pose the challenging questions, and provide the scaffolding that allows students to discover answers for themselves.”

He uses a beautiful metaphor: the teacher builds the “scaffolding,” while the student builds their own “house.” This philosophy underpins the individualized learning paths at LAS, where students can tailor their journey through a flexible mix of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

While many institutions approach AI with trepidation, LAS employs a balanced “traffic light system” to teach AI literacy.

This model categorizes AI usage into three easily understood levels: Green for full use, Red for prohibited use, and Yellow for partial use under specific conditions. For example, students are required to write their initial essay drafts independently without the assistance of AI, after which they may utilize tools such as ChatGPT or Claude to refine and elevate the quality of their work. This philosophy ensures that AI serves as a powerful tool for enhancement rather than a shortcut that replaces a student's own critical thinking and learning process.

Another pillar of the LAS experience is the Changemakers program, developed in collaboration with Babson College, a global leader in entrepreneurship education.

For Dr. Ott, teaching students to understand the entrepreneurial world does not mean every child is expected to launch a startup or their own business. Rather, it is about training them to think creatively, to question boldly, to identify real-world opportunities, and to understand how their classroom knowledge connects to their own lives.

For families thinking beyond academics, LAS offers an environment where young people begin to understand their place in a global context whether continuing a family legacy or shaping their own path.

While academic adaptability remains a core priority, what truly distinguishes LAS is its vision of education as a holistic life experience.

As a full boarding school welcoming students from Grade 7 through Grade 12, LAS operates on the belief that a child’s growth isn’t confined to the classroom. Instead, it happens constantly through communal living, personal accountability, and the profound lessons learned from cultural diversity.

“Students here might find themselves with a roommate from the other side of the globe that encourages them to step out of their comfort zones from a young age. They also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles through the residential prefect system, or participate in initiatives like Model United Nations and Habitat for Humanity. Beyond the classroom, students are placed in environments that require them to navigate responsibility, independence, and cultural differences on a daily basis.”

When asked about the allure of studying in Switzerland, Dr. Ott said that its appeal goes far beyond its natural beauty. Switzerland represents stability, discretion, and a deeply international outlook qualities that continue to resonate with globally minded families.

Beyond its alpine setting, LAS is strategically positioned within Europe, allowing the school to design learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Whether through French language immersion in France, cultural and art history exploration in Italy, or service learning in Zimbabwe, students engage directly with the world around them.

In this sense, the privileges of locating in Europe itself becomes an extension of the classroom, shaping not only what students learn, but how they see and navigate the world.

When asked to define LAS in three words, Dr. Ott offers a simple yet profound response: Family, Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Holistic Education. Perhaps these three words best summarize the essence of future-ready education. In a world defined by rapid change, the best school may not be the one that teaches a child to “know the most,” but is the one that truly helps them “grow the most” as the best version of themselves.

Read more:

The art of wealth design "Swiss style": Where "sufficiency" is true financial freedom.

Innovations that prove no one else is "impossible" - by Dr. Wasana Intasang

GenZ: Difficult to Manage? A Deep Dive into the Challenges of Managing GenZ Employees Effectively.