The Kumon Leysin Academy of Switzerland (KLAS) is located in the heart of Europe and offers students a superior education, a scenic location, intimate classroom size and bilingual instruction. Taking full advantage of our Swiss environment, KLAS has comprehensive international programs offering students a global perspective to their studies.

Switzerland is a country that exemplifies the concept of 'unity in diversity' . Switzerland boasts four distinct, indigenous cultures, each with its own language in geographically diverse areas, two major religious groups, an economy characterized by 'hi-tech' industry, well-developed tourism and hospitality sectors, and a vigorous agricultural base.

Switzerland is well known for its harmonious society, where respect for different attitudes and the rights of others have a long-standing tradition. The Swiss pedagogue Pestalozzi, father of modern public education, understood the importance of individuality within a harmonious community. Henri Dunant, another great Swiss thinker, defended the rights of man through the establishment of the Red Cross. Our host country is a good example of internationalization within the framework of an integrated community.

Switzerland is located in the centre of Europe, and is rich in culture and history. Many international schools take advantage of this central location and appreciate its safety, convenience and scenic beauty.

The twenty-six cantons of Switzerland are the states of the federal state of Switzerland. Each canton has its own constitution, legislature, government and courts. The Canton of Vaud is located in the southwestern part of the country and its capital is Lausanne. The population is French-speaking and mostly Protestant. The areas in the southeast are mountainous, and form part of the Swiss Alps. There are significant glaciers in these mountains, and the area is home to some well-known ski resorts, such as Les Diablerets and Leysin.

Leysin, in French-speaking Switzerland, lies on a sunny plateau at an altitude of about 1200 meters above the Rhone Valley and Lake Geneva. It is in close proximity to Lausanne and Montreux. With a population of less than 3310, Leysin is a safe environment.

Leysin has become a leading centre of education in the Alps. Besides KLAS, there are three other educational institutions: the Leysin American School, the American College of Switzerland (a four-year accredited institution), and Swiss Management University, a hotel and restaurant management school. Over 850 students live in Leysin during the school year. As one of the international institutions in the village, KLAS can offer students a wide array of activities and opportunities for multi-cultural communication.

Geneva Airport is 90 minutes from KLAS by highway, via Lausanne to Aigle, then by mountain road to Leysin. By train (directly from the airport via Lausanne to Aigle with a change to the "A-L" cogwheel train to Leysin-Village), it takes approximately two hours.

Zurich Airport is about three hours away by car (highway from Zurich Airport - Bern - Aigle - mountain road to Leysin), or three and a half hours by train.