Westtown School’s commitment to the whole child

Westtown School’s commitment to the whole child

2022-10-12T11:23:34-04:00October 6th, 2022|Education, Healthcare, Philadelphia|

Writer: Westtown School 

2 min read  October 2022—Westtown School’s commitment to whole child education means supporting their academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. 

As adults we can all remember times when we were sick or distracted or had a personal problem which hindered our ability to be engaged, to perform our best at work, or interact well with others. The same is true for children, of course, and many variables can impact learning. If a child has an unidentified learning challenge, if they are emotionally or socially distracted or distraught, if they feel that they don’t belong, or if their physical health is compromised, then learning will be compromised as well. There is a body of research that shows learning happens most successfully when the whole person is healthy and engaged. These studies highlight the importance of whole-child education—an approach that Westtown School uses in grades PreK through 12which provides for long-term student success. 

In support of the whole child, Westtown School’s multidisciplinary, Student Support Teams offer care and support in an intentional and integrated manner using evidenced-based practices from the fields of education, psychology, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and medicine. This is accomplished through a developmentally appropriate and collaborative approach across the three divisions using a continuity-of-care model that promotes and inspires more confident, self-aware learners across time. Westtown’s Student Support Teams track and support all students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical growth needs. These experts work together to evaluate students’ unique learning styles and personal strengths in order to help them engage in learning with a positive perspective, a healthy self-image, and the coping strategies they need to reach their fullest potential. 

Westtown School holds the following to be true: 

  • Children must be physically and psychologically healthy to learn. 
  • Young minds learn differently and that learning requires varied and creative approaches. 
  • Children are capable of developing the coping skills necessary to thrive as healthy and resilient people in the world. 

These beliefs are foundational to Westtown School’s values-based education and rigorous curriculum and as such, students are well prepared to navigate beyond Westtown with defined interests, a sense of direction, and the capacity to explore with confidence and passion.

Dr. Maria Alonso, one of Westtown’s school psychologists and the Dean of Integrated Wellness and Learning shares “Teachers determine what brings joy to a student. From joy comes a passion to learn. By collaborating and developing tools, we are preparing our students for the world. We are helping them know themselves, exhibit empathy, and work well in teams.” 

This commitment to Whole Child Education is reflected in the school’s mission: Guided by the essential Quaker calling to seek out and honor that of God in each of us, Westtown School challenges its students to realize their individual gifts while living and learning together in a diverse community. Westtown inspires and prepares its graduates to be stewards and leaders of a better world. 

For more information: www.westtown.edu 

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