Academic Support

LAS offers resources for student success, though students are responsible for their progress. Services include:

  • Study Hall: Five nights a week.
  • Teacher Office Hours: Scheduled support.

Excessive absences and tardiness - first period
Absences count as 1 point, and tardies count as 0.5 point.  

  • 2 points - meet with the student and make a plan to notify parents - Academic Deans
  • 4 points - loss of travel - Saturday or Sunday study hall BEC library  14.00 to 16.00 - letter to parents, warning about on-campus
  • 6 points - Friday night in the dorm - letter to parents - warning of further absences will result in off-campus suspension
  • 8 points - Saturday clipboard - letter to parents - warning of further absences will result in off-campus suspension
  • 10  points - on-campus suspension - letter to parents - warning of further absences will result in off-campus suspension

Further points accumulated can result in the loss of credit in the class.

 

ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS

Students with an average grade of 1 or 2 in two or more classes, or those in the IB Diploma Programme failing to meet the 24-point total and 12 points in HL classes, or AP students with a score of less than 3 will be placed on an Academic Improvement Contract.

The contract focuses on academic progress and support. Students are reviewed each marking period; if no improvement is made, the contract continues. If performance worsens, the Dean of Academics will consult with the Head of School and a Learning Support Specialist to assess fit. The contract may require mandatory tutoring at additional cost.

 

TUTORING, MENTORING, AND EXTRA LESSONS

Tutoring
Tutoring is available if teacher office hours do not meet needs and may be required for academic support. Sessions cost 95 CHF per hour and are charged to the student’s account, based on available funds.

Mentoring
Mentoring sessions, available for academic and personal guidance, may be mandatory. Topics include academic support, time management, and health and well-being. Sessions cost 95 CHF per hour and are charged to the student’s account, based on available funds.

Extra Lessons
Extra lessons in art, music, fitness, and languages are available for enrichment at 95 CHF per hour, subject to instructor availability.

LAS Tutoring, Mentoring, or Extra Lessons Guidelines
LAS students utilizing tutoring, mentoring, or extra lessons must observe the following guidelines:

Email tutoring@las.ch to request tutoring or extra lessons. Cancel 24 hours in advance to avoid charges. Services depend on LAS resources. Parental consent is required; send it to tutoring@las.ch. Ensure the student’s account has sufficient funds to cover costs.

 

LEARNING SUPPORT

Overview
LAS supports each student’s strengths and learning styles with differentiated teaching. The Learning Support Program aids students with specific needs, addressing barriers and enhancing skills. Specialists collaborate with teachers and students to ensure needs are met in academics and student life.

Entry into the Learning Support Program

New Admission
Students with documented learning needs will have their application reviewed to assess if LAS can meet their needs. If necessary, additional support will be provided. Students without documentation may be referred for evaluation, with support details included in the enrollment agreement.

Current Students
If interventions are insufficient, a student may be referred for evaluation by a teacher, parent, or self-referral (with parental permission). The Learning Support Specialist reviews the report to create an appropriate support plan.

Students receiving Learning Support will have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for needs affecting academics, based on a professional report from the past three years.

Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
LAS provides support based on each student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP), including:

  • Accommodations: Supports to access learning and assessments without changing expectations.
  • Collaboration: Learning Support Specialist and teachers work together to support academic growth.
  • Check-ins: Periodic meetings with the Learning Support Specialist.
  • Study Skills: One-on-one or small group sessions to develop academic skills.

Learning Support Pathways
Each student in Learning Support follows a pathway based on their needs:

  • Fundamental Support (fees apply): Accommodations, LSS collaboration, check-ins.
  • Moderate Support (fees apply): Accommodations, LSS collaboration, Study Skills Class.
  • Comprehensive Support (fees apply): Additional assistance if needed.

Changes to the Individual Learning Plan
Changes to an Individual Learning Plan are made by the Learning Support Team with input from the Academic Dean.

Additional Support Outside of the Learning Support Program

Office Hours
Scheduled time for students to access teachers for extra help; appointments can be initiated by either party.

Tutoring
Extra support beyond the school day, may be recommended or required as part of an Individual Learning Plan. Refer to the student handbook for more details.

Accommodations for Outside Assessments
The Student Support Coordinator submits documentation for IBO, College Board (SAT, AP), IELTS, and ACT. Accommodations are granted or denied by the organization, not LAS.

Learning Support and the College Board/IB Diploma (IB) Programme at LAS
The IB program at LAS supports students with learning needs, following IBO guidelines, though some needs may affect full participation.

IBO Testing Accommodations
Students must provide a formal testing report from a licensed professional, in English or with a translation. The report must meet IBO standards, be within three years of the final exam, and use nationally standardized tests. LAS coordinates with an Educational Psychologist at the family’s expense.

College Board Testing Accommodations
For AP, PSAT, or SAT exams, students must submit documentation of medical, emotional, or neurological needs from licensed professionals within three years. Previous accommodations can be transferred. 

 

UNIVERSITY ADVISING DEPARTMENT

From grade 10, the Academic Office and University Advising assist with course planning for university requirements. In grade 11 and early grade 12, students meet weekly with advisors for personalized support in research, applications, and essays. MaiaLearning aids with career exploration and decision-making. Meetings cover assessments, career interests, and application steps. Advisors ensure all applications are completed by winter break. The office arranges visits from 100+ universities and events like the Geneva CIS University Fair. SAT and PSAT are administered on campus, with optional SAT prep at an extra cost.