Kumon Leysin Academy of Switzerland (KLAS), founded by the Kumon Institute of Education Ltd. in 1990, is a boarding school for about 100 boys and girls of high school age. In general, students enrol at KLAS with a view to studying here for three years, aiming to graduate with a diploma giving them access to universities in Japan and around the world. The school is recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the educational authorities of the Swiss canton of Vaud, in which KLAS is located. KLAS is also a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).
History
1990 KLAS opened in Leysin in temporary
accommodation of the Hotel du Soleil.
1992 Accredited by the then Japanese Ministry of
Education.
The current KLAS campus opens with three buildings: two dorms and the main school building.
1995 Ownership transferred to Kumon Gakuen
Educational Foundation.
2000 The fourth building, featuring further classrooms,
music rooms, and a hall opens.
10th anniversary celebrated in Leysin.
2005 15th anniversary celebrated in Tokyo.
2007 Creation of the playground across the road.
2008 KLAS purchases Bel Abri (the fifth building) ,
a building across the road, to house college guidance offices, the library, a faculty family events room, and a fitness room.
2010 20th anniversary celebrated in Leysin.
2015 25th anniversary celebrated in Tokyo.
Vision and values
Through small ESL classes taught by teachers with English as their native language and through the use of English in daily life around school, we promote a high level of skills in English communication.
As a multi-cultural school in the heart of Europe, we promote an international outlook through intercultural experiences and exchanges.
Through a discipline policy based upon “freedom and self-responsibility” and through dormitory life, we promote independence of thought and behavior.
EDUCATIONAL TEAM
School Leadership & Educators
John Southworth
Principal
Ken Nishizuka
Vice Principal
Shigeyuki Iwabuchi
Head of College Guidance
Nathan Pugh
College Counsellor
