Academics
Social Emotional Learning
At Boulder Country Day School, we realize that social-emotional skills are as important as academic achievements. In order to support our students as they progress through their education journey at BCD, we include age appropriate social-emotional support both through intentional curriculum as well as guiding them in their everyday experiences.
Preschool
Our preschool teachers thoughtfully guide young students through their early (and often first) school experience through carefully planned learning experiences designed to foster social-emotional growth, perseverance, thoughtfulness, cooperation, and adaptability. Additionally, teachers are trained in the principles of Love and Logic that are based in language and consequences that are rooted in dignity and respect to help children work through situations and learn from their actions.
Elementary
Elementary teachers are trained in the principles of Responsive Classroom, an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that creates safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms. Additionally, school counselors lead customized lessons based on the Kid Power program which uses role play and thought provoking activities to promote skill acquisition. Topics covered include: effective communication, navigating friendship challenges, conflict resolution, self advocacy, boundaries, peer pressure, feeling included, empathy, stress management and self regulation.
Middle School
In Middle School, students engage in SEL learning during their Advisory period. Exercise and discussion based off of the Teen Power and Developmental Designs Middle School curriculum cover topics such as: empathy, non-verbal communication and cues, how to respond to frustration, perceptual differences and what factors influence our perceptions, and formulating problem-solving strategies.
In the spring of 8th grade, students turn their focus toward the transition to high school as we help them prepare for both the logistical and social changes that they will encounter in the next stage of their education.
Relevant Articles
Connecting SEL to Academic Outcomes - Maurice J. Elias on edutopia.org, December 2020
Raising girls who are includers instead of mean girls - lisamccrohan.com, September 2014
Raising girls who are includers instead of mean girls - lisamccrohan.com, September 2014
Thoughts from the Head of School
Boulder Country Day School 4820 Nautilus Court North • Boulder, Colorado 80301 • Phone - 303.527.4931 • info@bouldercountryday.org
Boulder Country Day School is a leading private school serving students 2 ½ years old - 8th grade. In partnership with our outstanding faculty and committed families, we uphold the highest standard for our balanced educational experience. Through small class sizes and innovative engagement in a supportive environment, students at BCD learn to explore their strengths and apply them to the world. Guided by our values, we believe the empowered minds that graduate from BCD will be the ones to ignite global change.
