Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which students acquire, practice and integrate the skills of emotional intelligence.

As a result, students become more aware of themselves and others, intentional in their decision-making, and purposeful in their interactions with others and the world.

SEL is integrated into the Lower School’s daily routine through friendship and community building, celebrating differences and fostering communication skills such as listening, speaking, and resolving personal and relational challenges. In middle school, we leverage cognitive growth to continue developing emotional regulation skills, social problem-solving, prosocial decision making and executive-functioning skills. During this period of rapid change and growth, students have more opportunities to direct their learning process, advocate for themselves and be responsible for their words and actions.

Our advisory program kicks off in middle school with a camping trip and serves as the backbone of the middle school community structure. It provides students the safe space to practice kindness and to care for others, to surface and work through personal challenges or curiosities, to build self-awareness and a strong support network, and it affords students the joy and freedom to follow their passions and try new things.