Leysin American School Focuses on Creativity, Respect & Experiential Learning: Head of School

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.

- Simple Vishwakarma

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. Mare: The vision traces back to my grandparents. My grandfather, a Swiss who moved to the U.S. as a child, served as a US. officer in postwar Germany and witnessed the aftermath of World War IL. 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. Mare: 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.