Top 50 Finalist for the Global Schools Prize

We are overjoyed to share that DWS has been selected as one of the Varkey Foundation’s 50 finalists for its inaugural Global Schools Prize, chosen from nearly 3,000 applications across 113 countries. Please see the video announcement here.

The school is one of just five finalists in the Character- and Values-driven Education category, which recognizes schools that instill values such as empathy, integrity, service, and respect, preparing students to be ethical, compassionate global citizens—including schools that foster student leadership and governance. A short video on the finalists in our category can be seen here.

In our finalist description, it says, 'The school's name captures its mission perfectly—Dhammajarinee means "a woman who follows the path of righteousness," and Witthaya means "knowledge." This philosophy lives in every aspect of daily life. Twice-daily meditation and yoga sessions help students heal from trauma and cultivate inner peace. A comprehensive ethics curriculum weaves character development through cognitive reasoning, moral judgment, civic values, and personal ethics. Students take ownership of their campus, clean together daily, and participate in an active student council where every voice matters—from grade-one class presidents to high school leaders addressing full assemblies.

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, the Global Schools Prize, and GEMS Education—one of the world’s largest K–12 school networks—said: 

“Congratulations, Dhammajarinee Witthaya School. Your approach to teaching and learning powerfully demonstrates how schools play a defining role in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape our rapidly evolving world. By highlighting your achievement, we hope to inspire a global movement to reimagine learning and turn bold ideas into real-world impact. This is more than an award – it’s a platform to spark a global conversation about scaling the best ideas in education and advancing action far beyond the classroom.”

Along with Sunny Varkey, this process was overseen by the Global Schools Prize Council, co-chaired by Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, and Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board; along with some of the most respected and influential figures in global education, technology, and philanthropy.

We are deeply honored by the recognition and humbled to stand alongside outstanding schools worldwide that are expanding opportunity through education.