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Empowering students through customised academic journeys
The Ecole d'Humanité is unlike any other. Picture students testing aerodynamics on the ski slopes and probing the principles of physics in the Grimsel Dam — that’s just the kind of experiences that define an education here. Although it has been around for over 90 years, this boarding school in the heart of the Swiss Alps is anything but archaic. In fact, it has been at the forefront of progressive education since its founding and is currently the only boarding school in Europe to offer a progressive curriculum in both English and German.
The Swiss Programme, taught in German, prepares students for the Swiss Matura — Switzerland’s standard upper secondary diploma and one of the world’s most versatile and challenging. The American Programme is English-taught and includes Advanced Placement® (AP®) classes which tackle college-level work that earn college credit and placement. Courses offered include English literature, physics, and calculus.
What a progressive education really looks like
Small class sizes, big impact
Here, the average class size is six students, with a range from three to 14. This intimate setting, plus a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:3, allows for individualised instruction, deeper attention, and the freedom to explore one’s own particular areas of interest within a given subject.
These were the ingredients that ultimately led to Petro Skipalskyi scoring grades described as “extremely well qualified” and equivalent to an A+ or A at college level. When Petro first joined the Ecole, he was tested for his English language proficiency and offered intensive English language and literature classes. The school knew these would help the Ukrainian student get up to speed in class and make new friends — which he did, quickly. Soon, he was exploring German, Spanish, and advanced mathematics.
“Smaller classes and concentration on fewer subjects provided good education outcomes and enough time for extracurricular activities,” says Andrii Skipalskyi, Petro’s father. “It paid back with excellent results on two AP tests that Petro passed with the highest grade.”
Moving beyond traditional letter grades
The Ecole favours deep, precise, and actionable feedback instead of traditional letter grades. Teachers, co-curricular class leaders, dorm parents, and even hike leaders fill long-form narrative feedback reports. It’s a more holistic way to measure progress — the same reason why it eschews typical “grade levels.” Ecole students are placed in classes that support the asynchronous development of academic skills. For example, a 10th grader can take an advanced level maths class and an introductory English class.
“Exceptionally, we can issue a GPA and converted grades for our graduates if they are applying to colleges or universities that require them, but more often those schools accept, and even prefer our narrative reports, because they are so informative about where a student stands,” says Brian Stark, a teacher in the US programme.
Compelling student-centred classes
The best learning happens when students can follow their passions — which is why you’re likely to find university-like seminars like "Lens on History: Propaganda Filmmaking and WWII" or "The Physics of Sports” instead of a class on World War II European History here.
There’s even a class on anarchy, where students studied literature related to this theme. “It was especially inspirational for me as the approach to teaching and freedom of thought led to an expressive and stimulating environment for me,” says student Estelle Zoulek.
High-impact, hands-on learning
The more immersed students are, the more curious and invested they become. From there, they develop essential skills like critical thinking, critical analysis, and the application of the scientific method. Stark has seen many students benefit from an outdoor activity that can be linked to course content, followed by a writing activity that reflects on their experience outside and how it relates to the lesson.
The self-described “big fan of learning by doing” plans to do just that for an upcoming English thematic course on the concept of “Home” — with a little help from pancakes.
Stark aims to get them to cook pancakes over a fire (with nothing but batter, a stick, three matches, and an empty tin can) and transport their bed mattresses up a mountain. “This will undoubtedly lead to mistakes being made and learning happening, which will provide much material for them to write about as they connect with a character in the book,” says Stark.
Activities that fuel intellectual, social, emotional, and creative growth
The Ecole’s co-curricular programme is divided into three main areas: sports and outdoors, arts and handicrafts, and music and performing arts.
Sports and outdoors include skiing and snowboarding, trail running, marathon training, kayaking, climbing, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. Artistic pursuits range from drawing, painting, and digital art to ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, and photography, both digital and analogue. The performing arts have offerings in music composition and production, theatre, improv, and dance.
The school’s ski programme, facilitated by an expansive resort just behind campus, runs weekly ski lessons and opportunities for students to ski up to four days per week. Multi-day hiking adventures in the Swiss and Italian Alps, led by certified hike leaders, allow students to build teamwork, perseverance and a deeper connection with nature.
Encouraging students to use their voices
Students at the Ecole don't just attend school — they shape it. They can take charge of two student groups: Polygon (Student Council) and Vertrauensrat (Peer Counseling Group). Polygon regularly convenes to discuss new initiatives, plan activities, and address student concerns. The Schulgemeinde (School Assembly) provides a forum for whole-school discussions.
Students are also welcome to lead groups, organise weekend activities and lead co-curricular courses when they aren’t participating in community service — each student spends at least 30 hours a year giving back. They can further leave a lasting impact by running support groups, advocacy collectives or peer counselling sessions.
Success guaranteed
From day one, the Ecole provides its full support and guidance. As early as Grade 9, students are encouraged to map out their next steps after school — whether it’s planning for post-secondary education, a gap year or apprenticeships.
The school’s university advisors help them explore their passions, dreams, and career aspirations, compile a list of target universities and colleges that align with their goals, navigate the often perplexing application process, provide feedback on admissions essays to ensure each student’s unique voice shines through, gather all required documents, and find opportunities for financial aid.
The results speak for themselves. Ecole graduates have gotten into universities the likes of The New School, Berklee College of Music, the University of Arizona, King’s College London, the University of Glasgow, Concordia University, the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and EU Business School.
Activities that fuel intellectual, social, emotional, and creative growth
The Ecole runs a rich and varied co-curricular programme. There are sports and outdoors courses such as multi-day hiking in the Swiss and Italian Alps, trail running, marathon training, kayaking, climbing, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. At an expansive resort just behind campus, there are lessons and opportunities for a student to ski up to four days per week.
More artistic pursuits range from drawing, painting, and digital art to ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, and photography, both digital and analogue. The stage is host to multiple offerings in music composition and production, theatre, improv, and dance.
Petro's favourites are silversmithing and pottery. “I would like to emphasise that the availability of sports and outdoor activities provided Petro with additional motivation and excitement,” says Andrii.
“Mountain skiing requires additional appraisals, and for Petro, it has become another obsession during the winter term. The Ecole truly is a perfect place for teenagers to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, if engaged in various activities and sports.”
Encouraging students to find their voice
Students at the Ecole don't just attend school — they shape it. They can lead two student groups: Polygon (Student Council) and Vertrauensrat (Peer Counseling Group). Polygon often meets to discuss new initiatives, plan activities, and address student concerns. Meanwhile, at the Schulgemeinde (School Assembly), Ecolianers learn to stand bravely before a group of their peers to discuss issues important to their community.
Such forums teach students to raise issues respectfully, confront conflicts, and work together to find creative solutions. Case in point: Petro. After mastering English, he became more confident in discussions and public speaking. “Importantly, he deep dived into the international community of students from many countries and he indeed improved his communications and interpersonal skills,” says Andrii.
Success guaranteed
There is no set map for success but the Ecole comes close with its university and college counselling. From as early as Grade 9, an advisory team helps students answer big questions like “What does it mean to be successful?” and “What do I need to do to get there?” before supporting them throughout the entire university application process, down to the smallest details. Their end destination could be Berklee College of Music, King’s College London, a gap year, or apprenticeships. The goal is to dream big and go wherever that takes them.
“My best friend, a former Ecolianer from 30 years ago, told me ‘The Ecole is a place where all teenagers should go.’ We cannot agree more,” says Sophie. “Our daughter became even more of a beautiful soul and person. She went to a university in the UK, has now graduated, and is working in London.”
Valentine
In the mornings, I have physics, chemistry and biology — we’re always working on experiments. After the academic part, I’m doing some climbing and a lot of skiing in the winter.
The Ecole has given me the opportunity to be myself and to trust myself. My teachers are not just teachers, they are adults whom I trust and who are always there to support me.
Gabriella
To be at the Ecole means to experience life the way you would have never thought of doing in a million years. The ability to immerse myself in a vibrant community where diversity, creativity, and personal growth thrive — it’s a transformative experience that fosters empathy, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning new things and meeting new people.
Shiloh
The hands-on learning is really great because I think it exposes me to things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise, like blacksmithing and silversmithing. The student-teacher ratio is just amazing — you get more one-on-one time and we’re able to get a lot of independent feedback. Based on what I want to do, we’ve been able to build my academic path around what my end goal is.
Finn
The classes I have are incredible, our teachers are so passionate about their subjects and bring real-life experience in their fields. They are always happy to go off tangent on interesting topics like the genetic problems of the alpine ibex or even to have tea after class to discuss theology, for example.
Hear from the students
Valentine
In the mornings, I have physics, chemistry and biology — we’re always working on experiments. After the academic part, I’m doing some climbing and a lot of skiing in the winter.
The Ecole has given me the opportunity to be myself and to trust myself. My teachers are not just teachers, they are adults whom I trust and who are always there to support me.
Finn
The classes I have are incredible, our teachers are so passionate about their subjects and bring real-life experience in their fields. They are always happy to go off tangent on interesting topics like the genetic problems of the alpine ibex or even to have tea after class to discuss theology, for example.
Gabriella
To be at the Ecole means to experience life the way you would have never thought of doing in a million years. The ability to immerse myself in a vibrant community where diversity, creativity, and personal growth thrive — it’s a transformative experience that fosters empathy, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning new things and meeting new people.
Shiloh
The hands-on learning is really great because I think it exposes me to things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise, like blacksmithing and silversmithing. The student-teacher ratio is just amazing — you get more one-on-one time and we’re able to get a lot of independent feedback. Based on what I want to do, we’ve been able to build my academic path around what my end goal is.