Charter of the Member Schools of Swiss Boarding Schools

Preamble
This Charter defines the identity, values, and fundamental principles of the Swiss Boarding Schools association. It applies to all member schools, which undertake to uphold and comply with its principles.

A High-Quality Supervisory Team

• Continuous supervision within the boarding environment, provided by highly qualified staff members whose expertise matches the responsibilities entrusted to them.

• A well-structured boarding system led by a management team with substantial professional experience.

• A supervisory team that adheres to the highest ethical standards. Both during recruitment and throughout their professional duties, school leaders and all members of the school community are expected to demonstrate strict moral and professional conduct consistent with the responsibilities of adults working with children.

A Demanding and Comprehensive Education

• A comprehensive, structured, and rigorous education, both academically and personally, aimed at giving each student the best possible opportunity to develop their strengths and address their weaknesses.

• Opportunities for students to cultivate a sense of responsibility, develop decision-making skills, and make informed choices guided by reason.

• Opportunities to learn how to live within a community, communicate effectively, build friendships, respect the beliefs and traditions of other cultures, and embrace tolerance and a spirit of universal brotherhood, which are core values of member boarding schools.

• A caring and supportive environment in which students feel listened to and encouraged.

• Academic and pastoral support that promotes discipline and good conduct, with the ultimate goal of fostering maturity, self-discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Humanistic Values

• Respect for the rights of the child in all circumstances. No form of moral or physical violence by adults, however minor it may appear, shall be tolerated.

• Education that promotes the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, together with awareness of environmental issues.

• Education that encourages critical thinking and independent judgment. Independence from any form of indoctrination, and especially from religious or political fanaticism, is essential.

• A broad range of interests and enthusiasm for the host region, the canton, Switzerland, and Europe, helping students integrate into Swiss and European culture.

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body

• A diverse range of extracurricular, cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.

• Healthy and balanced nutrition.

• Responsible management of access to screens and digital devices, aimed at fostering self-regulation and accountability.

• Ongoing monitoring and support of students’ physical and psychological well-being.

In complying with all these conditions, the members of the Swiss Group of Private schools guarantee a quality that has proven its worth and its International reputation.