TASIS or TASIS Switzerland, formally known as The American School In Switzerland, is a private American international boarding and day school in Switzerland. TASIS is the oldest American college-preparatory boarding school in Europe and consistently ranks as one of Europe's best boarding schools. Located in Montagnola, Lugano, in the Canton of Ticino, the school enrolls approximately 700 pupils from around the world. Accreditation Swiss TASIS's (upper) secondary education (Middle and High School) is not approved as a Mittelschule/Collège/Liceo by the Swiss Federal State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). History TASIS was founded in 1956 by M. Crist Fleming. For the first few years the school was operating, it was located in Locarno, then in Lugano-Loreto until the purchase of the 17th-century Villa de Nobili in Montagnola in 1960. The school and campus continued to grow throughout the years, adding a post-graduate program in 1959 and summer programs in 1972. Since then, TASIS has expanded to include schools and summer programs in England, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, France, Spain, and Puerto Rico. In 1983, the US Secretary of Education honored Fleming for her "significant efforts and tremendous contributions towards the furtherance of education at the international level." He stated that the TASIS schools had "introduced thousands of Americans to European culture and civilization" and many foreign students to "the best that America has to offer in its education, culture, and opportunities." The school is owned by the TASIS Foundation, a non-profit organization. A board of directors is responsible for all aspects of the School's operations. TASIS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and the Council of International Schools. The school's crest reflects the virtues and values of the school: the tower represents culture humanitas, the lamp wisdom sapientia, the book knowledge scientia, and the sun truth veritas. Academics Elementary students follow the Core Knowledge Foundation curriculum as well as an Italian Section curriculum in liaison with cantonal law. Middle and High School students follow a robust, challenging program which includes English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) content courses, Advanced Placement courses, and the International Baccalaureate program. All High School, Middle School and Elementary School students are required to wear school uniforms. Every January, the campus relocates to the Alps for "Ski Week" in the resort towns of Crans Montana (High School) and Verbier (Middle School). Arts TASIS has a tradition of strong arts programs. Performing Arts opportunities include drama,