Social-Emotional Program

Happiness and achievement go hand-in-hand. An essential part of school life at Stamford is building a caring community where students are eager to come to school each day. Social-emotional skills enable student well-being and build a culture of care at Stamford; we are committed to developing age-appropriate life skills and building solid relationships with their teachers, peers, and families. Studies show that students with higher levels of emotional well-being show more engagement and academic achievement both at school now and in their future studies.

With specialized guidance from Stamford’s team of three full-time in-house counselors and support experts, Stamford’s program for social-emotional learning (SEL) adopts the award-winning Second Step methodology (Pre-Primary to Grade 8), followed by the School Connect Program for High School students (Grades 9-12). These programs enable each child to develop strong social-emotional skills such as problem-solving, self-regulation, and empathy. When students feel safe, supported, and connected to their community, they are best ready to learn

The award-winning Second Step Social Program social curriculum teaches critical life skills through weekly classes to all students from Pre-Primary to Grade 8. The Second Step program works to improve student behavior, mindset, and academic resilience by promoting skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, conflict management, and education around bullying. Through interactive lessons, class discussions, and role-play, students are enabled with the skills they need to become caring, confident, and capable learners and problem-solvers.

Second Step is a program developed by the Committee for Children, a non-profit organization helping students in over 70 countries, including 30 percent of all U.S. elementary schools. Founded in 1978, the Committee for Children is a global non-profit dedicated to fostering children’s safety and well-being through social-emotional learning and development. Each year, more than 10.6 million children benefit from these programs.

In grades 6 through 12, students also participate in dedicated advisory lessons each week. This class builds community, strengthens relationships among students and teachers, and explores special topics such as digital and global citizenship, physical/mental well-being strategies, and college and career readiness. This program supports our social-emotional curriculum and helps students develop healthy habits and healthy relationships. Regular mindfulness and gratitude practices, team-building games, and individual check-ins with their advisory teacher are ways that Stamford’s advisory program helps develop students’ academic and personal growth.