Well-being at SLS isn’t a single program; it’s a mindset woven through every part of the student experience. Our Well-Being & Academic Support team works closely with students, families, and faculty to support emotional wellness, learning strategies, and personal growth. Whether it’s managing anxiety, navigating friendships, or developing stronger executive functioning, we help students develop practical tools for handling academic, emotional, and social challenges.
What Sets Us Apart
SLS has long been a leader in community well-being, intentionally supporting not just students, but the adults who guide them.
We’ve reimagined the school day to promote balance: adjusting start times for better sleep, setting thoughtful boundaries around homework, and maintaining a cell phone–free environment that encourages presence, focus, and social connection. Mindfulness has also been part of our culture for years, long before it became a common practice in schools.
Our approach continues to evolve, with a sharp focus on practices rooted in research, empathy, and equity. Because when the whole community is supported, students are empowered to thrive.
Where Well-Being Comes to Life
Explore the ways SLS fosters student and community wellness—on campus and beyond.
Yale’s RULER: Emotional Intelligence in Action
In partnership with Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, SLS uses the RULER framework to build emotional awareness and leadership. You’ll find RULER in our Leadership Skills curriculum (grades 5–8), Upper School health courses, and even classroom charters. These tools help students better understand themselves and others, setting the stage for thoughtful leadership.
CSSTs—Your Safety Net
Our Community Support Services Teams (CSSTs) are built to notice. With members from Well-Being, Academic Support, Equity and Inclusion, and school leadership, these teams collaborate behind the scenes to ensure every student is seen, supported, and known. They’re a go-to resource for teachers and staff when questions or concerns arise, offering a holistic safety net that grows with each student.
Tech That Supports, Not Distracts
Securly Classroom is a digital tool that helps teachers monitor and guide student activity on school-issued devices, ensuring they stay focused during class. With real-time insights into what students are working on, teachers can proactively intervene if a student is distracted or veering off task. The platform also allows educators to ensure a safe online environment, all of which contributes to promoting a focused, healthy learning experience for students.
Parent & Guardian Programming
Families play a vital role in student well-being. That’s why we host expert speakers and workshops on timely topics, from managing achievement pressure to building independence. Recent events have featured psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, author Jennifer Wallace, and tech wellness advocate Max Stossel.
Faculty & Staff Wellness
Great teaching starts with well-supported teachers. Our faculty and staff have access to free wellness resources like the Calm App, Headspace for Educators, and the How We Feel App. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and crisis support because the well-being of our adults directly impacts the lives of our students.
