International Accreditation Seal for Humanistic Education
An independent quality label for schools that shape education from a holistic, human-centred perspective.
IHEA – International Humanistic Education Accreditation
Not an independent organisation. The IHEA seal is a label of the Humanistic School Switzerland Association. 100% of profits flow back to accredited schools as donations.
Vision
An educational landscape where the dignity and development of every child is at the centre.
The accreditation programme promotes quality, transparency and international cooperation in humanistic education. We develop a Humanistic Education Standard and enable schools to have their pedagogical quality assessed in a structured process.
Mission
We develop and maintain the Humanistic Education Standard – an international quality standard for humanistic education.
We enable schools to have their pedagogical quality assessed in a structured, transparent process.
We promote international exchange between schools, educators and education researchers.
Certification decisions are made by an independent expert panel.
Governance & Independence
Clear Structures, Independent Decisions
Ownership
The Humanistic Education Standard, all guidelines, trademarks and concepts are the property of the Humanistic School Switzerland Association. The standard is developed and managed by the association.
Operational Execution
The administrative execution of the certification programme – application processing, audit organisation and fee collection – is carried out by an operational partner organisation (Klee Collection GmbH).
Independent Decisions
The decision to award a certificate is made exclusively by the independent Accreditation Board. Members must not have any economic interests in the institutions being assessed.
Target Group
For which educational institutions?
The seal is aimed at all educational institutions – from daycare centers and kindergartens to private and public schools – that live humanistic values.
Quality Model
5 Dimensions of Humanistic Education
Accreditation Levels
Three Certification Levels
Candidate School
The school has expressed interest and is actively working towards implementing the Humanistic Education Standard. It is in the evaluation process.
Accredited School
The school meets the criteria of the Humanistic Education Standard and has been certified by the independent Accreditation Board. Validity: 5 years.
Humanistic Excellence School
Schools with exceptionally high quality in implementing humanistic education. A role model for other educational institutions worldwide.
Accreditation Process
5 Steps to Accreditation
Application & Expression of Interest
The school submits a formal application and expresses interest in certification. Initial eligibility check by the operational body.
Self-Evaluation & Document Review
The school completes a comprehensive self-evaluation. The pedagogical concept, school organisation and all relevant documents are analysed.
Audit & Peer Review
An international audit team visits the school, observes teaching, school climate and conducts interviews with teachers, children and parents.
Accreditation Board Decision
The independent Accreditation Board reviews the audit report and makes the certification decision. Conditions or recommendations may be formulated.
Certificate Issuance
Upon positive decision, the certificate is issued. The school may use the quality seal. Recertification every 5 years.
Fees & Membership
Transparent Fee Structure
The annual membership is based on school size. 100% of profits flow back to accredited schools as donations.
Small School
up to 100 students
Annual membership fee
One-time accreditation fee
CHF 1’200
Medium School
101–300 students
Annual membership fee
One-time accreditation fee
CHF 2’400
Large School
301–600 students
Annual membership fee
One-time accreditation fee
CHF 3’600
Very Large School
over 600 students
Annual membership fee
One-time accreditation fee
CHF 4’800
What is included in the membership fee?
Criteria Catalogue
25 Criteria across 5 Dimensions
Each educational institution is assessed against a clearly documented criteria catalogue. The criteria are based on the 5 quality dimensions and ensure that humanistic values are not just on paper but are lived in everyday school life.
Quality Assurance
Ensuring Humanistic Values
The Accreditation Board has a central supervisory function: it ensures that accredited schools live humanistic values not only during the initial assessment but permanently and demonstrably. The process is based on clearly documented criteria and independent decisions.
Regular Audits
Accredited schools are reviewed every 2 years through unannounced interim audits. An international audit team observes school life, conducts interviews with teachers, children and parents, and checks compliance with quality standards.
5-Year Recertification
Every 5 years, schools undergo a complete recertification. The entire criteria catalogue is reviewed again and the school's development is assessed. Only schools that continuously improve retain their accreditation.
Escalation Levels & Sanctions
In case of violations, a three-stage procedure applies: 1) Written recommendation with deadline, 2) Improvement plan with close monitoring, 3) Revocation of accreditation for persistent non-compliance. Transparency and fairness are paramount.
Annual Quality Report
Each accredited school submits an annual quality report documenting progress, challenges and development goals. The Accreditation Board evaluates these reports and provides individual feedback.
Parent & Student Feedback
Anonymous surveys of parents and students (from age 10) are included in the quality assessment. This ensures that humanistic values are not just on paper but are experienced in everyday school life.
Child Protection Protocol
Every accredited school must demonstrate a comprehensive child protection concept that is regularly reviewed. This includes clear reporting channels, training for all staff and a culture of mindfulness.
Governance
Institutional Structure
International Council
Standard definition, scientific guidance, international cooperation and strategic development.
Educators · Psychologists · Education researchers · School practitioners
Accreditation Board
Review of accreditations, certification decisions and quality assurance.
Independent experts · School leaders · Scientists
Peer Review Network
International experts conduct audits and support schools on their path to accreditation.
School leaders · Educators · Scientists · Education experts
References & Foundations
Standing on the Shoulders of Visionaries
Pedagogical Pioneers
International Reference Frameworks
Oriented towards
Strategic Advantage for Your School
Frequently Asked Questions
Accreditation FAQ
Get Your School Accredited
Contact us for a non-binding consultation. Together we will assess whether your school qualifies for accreditation.
Every course helps.
For every booked course and every book sold, the Humanistic School Switzerland & Thailand donates CHF 1 to selected humanitarian projects in Thailand.
"Learning and responsibility go hand in hand. Every course contributes to enabling concrete help on the ground."