ecole families
Our family-style living sets us apart from other boarding schools. 10-12 students live together in small, caring family groups, under the supervision of two to three teachers in one of our quaint and cozy chalets. A second home away from home.
OUR SUPPORTIVE BOARDING ENVIRONMENT
Our campus is made up of several “Ecole Families,” each living in one of our charmingly rustic Swiss chalets. Each Family is led by two or three “Family Heads” who often have children of their own. Together, these small co-ed, multi-age, multilingual groups of young people live in a supportive and caring environment.
Guided by their Family Heads, students cook hearty meals, plan activities, and work through the inevitable successes, conflicts, joys, and disappointments of life as a teenager. Families come together to be silly at festivals or serious in the event of a community problem. Our small living groups and high staff-to-student ratio allow us to regularly check in with our students, supporting and celebrating them as they continue along their path to becoming who they are
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Communication skills are an important part of the Ecole d’Humanité. Our Family structure supports the social and emotional development of our students, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and communication skills. Caring and sympathetic Family Heads are on hand to support young people in navigating the difficulties and in enjoying the delights of teenage life - celebrating birthdays, resolving conflicts with friends, or bouncing around ideas for an upcoming project. Teachers are all trained in Theme-Centered Interaction and can guide students in learning how to express themselves authentically and with respect. Our students develop the ability to advocate for themselves, to support one another, and to communicate clearly. They carry these skills with them throughout their lives.
FAMILY-STYLE LIVING
Spending time together is a priority at the Ecole d’Humanité. Wednesday evenings are Family Evenings, when each Family gathers together to prepare a special meal and a fun activity. Regular family activities are an opportunity for students to feel a sense of belonging and to have fun! Students join together for board games, sledding trips, or an epic multi-family game of dodgeball.
Weekly Family meetings invite students to voice concerns and find solutions as a group, and to offer appreciative high-fives to their Family members. These meetings serve as a training ground for valuable life skills such as resolving conflict, advocating for one’s needs, and expressing appreciation to those around us.
Time spent together with their Family Heads and teachers adds benefits beyond social connection. Students get to know their teachers outside the classroom, seeing them as whole individuals.
FAMILY HOUSES WITH ADULTS ON SITE
Students live together in small groups of six to ten in one of our Family Houses. Each house also contains one or two teacher apartments for the Family Heads who lead each group of students. Family Heads are often parents themselves and are available to offer a listening ear and a helping hand to students. The family structure of our boarding school dorms creates a cozy, home-away-from-home atmosphere.
Family Heads bring structure to our boarding school dorm life. They perform many of the duties of a supportive caregiver, like ensuring students are ready to take on the school day, and checking in with them as they close their books for the night. Family Heads share meals with students, bringing wisdom, guidance, and maybe a few jokes to the dinner table.
