CHI (Canadian Hallmarks Institute) is a non-profit charitable service organization designed to help independent schools monitor and improve academic performance. The published research will give parents access to accurate, in-depth information about independent schools performance standards.

The word "Hallmarks” comes from an old British tradition of attempting to control quality and honesty in the market place. In the late Middle Ages, officials in London began to verify the many weights and measures used in the city. Those that were in reasonable agreement to the king’s or the city’s definition were given a stamp of authority. Then the ‘Hallmark’ indicated that the measurement was indeed what it said it was. In short, a Hallmark is a verified, authentic standard.