What if high school didn’t feel like a box to survive — but a launchpad for curiosity, purpose, and real-world impact? That’s the question Raya Bidshahri set out to answer when she founded School of Humanity, an online high school built for the future, not the factory.
Born in Iran and raised in Dubai, Raya’s journey into education wasn’t conventional — but then again, neither is her vision. She’s not just a founder; she’s a force of change in how we think about learning, growth, and global citizenship.
Forget rote learning and rigid syllabi. The School of Humanity focuses on interdisciplinary, purpose-driven learning where students build skills, solve real-world challenges, and design their own learning pathways.
Fully online and globally accredited, the school offers a fresh alternative for students who crave autonomy, relevance, and impact. Subjects aren’t siloed — they’re merged around themes like climate action, ethics in AI, or future of health.
And it’s not just theory. Students collaborate with mentors, entrepreneurs, and real-world experts, turning learning into doing.
Before launching School of Humanity, Raya co-founded Café Scientifique Dubai and SciFest UAE, sparking scientific curiosity through public talks and youth events.
These early initiatives reflected her belief that education shouldn’t be limited to classrooms. Knowledge should be accessible, engaging, and empowering — a belief that would shape everything she built later.
Raya’s work earned her a place on the BBC 100 Women list — a global recognition of women driving innovation and change. But what sets her apart isn’t just accolades — it’s execution.
Under her leadership, School of Humanity has expanded internationally, enrolling students from across continents and redefining what a “global classroom” truly means.
Traditional schooling is struggling to keep up with the demands of the modern world. Raya’s model tackles this disconnect head-on — by putting curiosity, relevance, and purpose at the center.
Whether a student dreams of becoming a climate scientist or an AI ethicist, the School of Humanity equips them not just with knowledge — but with the mindset and skills to make it real.
Raya isn’t preaching from the sidelines. Her own educational journey — crossing continents, disciplines, and industries — is proof that learning should evolve with the learner.
Who is Raya Bidshahri?
Raya Bidshahri is an Iranian-born, Dubai-raised entrepreneur and founder of the School of Humanity, an accredited online high school focusing on innovative education.
What is the School of Humanity?
It’s a fully online, global high school where students learn through interdisciplinary challenges and real-world projects, rather than traditional subjects and exams.
How is it different from traditional schools?
Instead of fixed subjects and rote learning, students explore themes like climate, technology, and ethics through projects, mentorship, and self-directed learning.
What did Raya do before launching the school?
She co-founded Café Scientifique Dubai and SciFest UAE, promoting science literacy and engagement among youth in the region.
Why is she on the BBC 100 Women list?
Because of her pioneering work in reimagining education and empowering the next generation of learners through global, purpose-driven schooling.
