Katja Maike Braun
Director
The Ecole d’Humanité is one of the most renowned boarding schools in Switzerland, and the only boarding school in Europe offering a truly progressive education in both English and German.
The Ecole offers two educational programs in two languages. In our American Program, students are taught in English and follow a rigorous US high school curriculum. Students in the American Program have the option of enhancing their credentials through our Advanced Placement® courses.
The Swiss Program is taught in German and offers a Swiss secondary education and the option to prepare for the Swiss Matura.
At the Ecole d’Humanité, your classrooms overlook stunning mountain peaks, and open wide to the world around you. Discover the principles of aerodynamics on the ski slope, or learn about environmental biology in the nearby stream. See yourself grow in confidence on the stage in one of many theater productions. You’ll wander the Alps, making memories and friendships that last a lifetime. You’ll live together with some of your best friends in one of our chalet dorms, where teachers are always on hand for homework help or a celebratory high-five.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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120
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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25
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Most common nationality
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Swiss
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Ratio of local students to international students
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3:2
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Native English and German speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English and German
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Yes
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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German, French
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Max. number of students per class
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12
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Average number of students per class
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6
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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No
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Each student receives a ChromeBook and classes use the Google Workspace for Education to enhance the learning environment.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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The Ecole d'Humanité prioritizes in-person learning. We also have a well-established infrastructure of virtual classroom technologies that allow us to use a hybrid or a virtual classroom experience.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No.
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External examinations or assessments available
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US High School Diploma, AP International Diploma
Swiss Matura
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes.
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Most students can expect one or two hours of homework.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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95%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes. We are able to accommodate students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other mild learning differences.
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Learning support offered
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The Ecole d'Humanité can support mild learning differences. We offer the assistance of coaches, social pedagogues, and art therapists. We have a learning center for homework support. Accommodations in the classroom can be made to support students with additional learning needs.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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The Ecole d'Humanité follows a flexible curriculum. Classes are multi-age and strong students can take more advanced classes. Small classes of 4-10 students allow for a personalized learning experience where content can be tailored to each student's needs. The Ecole d'Humanité offers many opportunities for independent study courses where students work under the supervision of an advising teacher, and in this way strong students can be challenged with more advanced work.
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Student access to education psychologist
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The Ecole d'Humanité has a team of support staff that includes social pedagogues and coaches.
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Entry evaluation for students
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Yes.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Applicant students are required to complete an interview process and write a short reflective essay as part of the application process.
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Waiting list
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No.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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We have rolling admissions and can accept students throughout the year.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes.
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School start time
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8:15
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School finish time
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Variable
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Supervised care before/after school
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Supervision round the clock is provided by the boarding team.
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School bus service available
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No.
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School provided lunches
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Yes. All meals are provided for boarding students.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes. The Ecole d'Humanité can offer alternative food options for vegetarians, for students with allergies, and some religious diets.
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Uniform required
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No! Students are free to dress how they wish. Most opt for casual dress.
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Facilities at the school
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The Ecole d'Humanité offers a wide range of facilities including a theater, a library and a learning center, a filmmaking lab, a tech and design lab, a 3D printing lab, art studios, a ceramics studio, a darkroom, a woodworking workshop, a blacksmith shop, a silversmith studio, a textile studio, a music rooms, an outdoor center, and much more!
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Sports facilities at the school
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The Ecole d'Humanité is located minutes from a ski resort. In addition, the Ecole d'Humanité has access to a pump track, a gym, a gymnasium, and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The Ecole d’Humanité is a progressive, college-prep boarding school in the heart of Switzerland. The Ecole d’Humanité offers an academically challenging, holistic curriculum on an idyllic village-like campus in the Swiss Alps. An innovative program develops confidence, curiosity, and 21st-century skills vital for success in a dynamic future. Supported by a dedicated team of educational professionals, students at the Ecole d'Humanité chart their individual pathways to success - as graduates of top universities, visionary artists, or innovative entrepreneurs.
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Teaching approach of the school
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A progressive approach to education challenges and inspires. Academic courses are structured around engaging themes such as 'The Physics of Sports' or 'Perspectives on WWII Through Documentary and Historical Films'. Teachers create immersive and experiential learning environments where learners are encouraged to explore their interests and dive deeply into academic subjects. Students develop cross-curricular skills, with a focus on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Small classes of 4-10 learners allow for a personalized learning experience. A rich co-curricular program balances the rigorous academic curriculum with over 80 classes in the arts, handicrafts, sports, and outdoor education.
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American Program
The US high school program is a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum for students in grades 8 through 12. Learners can opt to challenge themselves in Advanced Placement (AP)™ courses or pursue the Advanced Placement International Diploma in preparation for university study worldwide.
The Ecole d’Humanité is home to one of the only progressive international high school programs in Europe. In our boarding school classes we support students in finding their passions, following their curiosity, and discovering their unique talents.
Complementing our challenging academic program is a rich and diverse set of co-curricular courses, with a strong emphasis on arts and outdoor education. The Ecole d’Humanité’s co-curricular program nourishes the creative, athletic and personal development of our students, while teaching them valuable life skills.
Swiss Program
The Ecole prepares motivated and ambitious students for the Swiss Matura examinations. This classic Swiss diploma opens doors to universities in Switzerland and around the world.
The Matura program at the Ecole d’Humanité is taught in German, and students entering the Matura program must have full fluency in German.
The Ecole d’Humanité Matura preparatory program spans three and a half years and is taught in small groups of approximately four to eight students. Students are tutored in the core academic subjects in preparation for the credentialing exams. Guided by attentive and passionate teachers, Ecolianers also prepare their Matura thesis, a formal research paper in a subject of the student’s choice.
Boarding Life
The Ecole is a small and welcoming international high school where everyone finds a place, and there is a place for everyone. We live in rustic, Swiss-style chalets in small co-ed groups of six to ten students. Our boarding school dorm rooms are simple, yet cozy, featuring incredible views of the mountain landscape. Most students live in double rooms together with a roommate.
Living at a boarding school is a dynamic experience, and our campus is energetic and full of life! Ecolianers spend their mornings deeply engaged in academic study, while afternoons are packed with enrichment activities as part of our co-curricular program. We offer a wide array of co-curricular courses, including outdoor activities, studies in music and the arts, and opportunities to learn practical skills like woodworking or weaving in one of our handcraft workshops.
Campus and Facilities
The Ecole is located in the canton of Bern, in the Swiss Alps. We are situated between Luzern and Interlaken, accessible by public transport.
Our classrooms are located throughout our school village, integrated into campus chalets that dot our grounds. Classrooms with majestic views are a cozy setting for lively discussions. Small schoolrooms provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere for academic discussions. With easy access to nature, the world becomes our classroom. Students and teachers often venture out into the landscape around our school for field experiments in biology, chemistry, and physics.
If you’d like to get a closer look at our campus, we invite you to check out our virtual tour here.
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