If you’re a part of the Davidson Green School community, or if you’ve looked into what we do, then you’ve probably heard us talk about how we focus on teaching and guiding the “whole child." At DGS, this means focusing not just on academics but also on the personal and emotional well-being of every student. We believe that no education is truly complete without Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Again, you may have heard us and others mention SEL before. But why is it important, and why have we made it a central part of what we do at DGS?
Equipping Students with the Tools They Need to Thrive
Why is SEL so important to us? Research shows that SEL helps students develop crucial skills such as resilience, empathy, and confidence. It empowers them to understand and manage their emotions, build meaningful relationships, and make thoughtful decisions.
With the growing rates of anxiety and depression in teenagers around the globe, it is more important than ever that we provide students with the social and emotional tools before they go on to High School. As students progress through our program, and through middle school, they leave with a toolset to guard them and protect them from the added stressors and pressures of life.
Combined with opportunities for unstructured free play, immersive time in nature, and mindfulness education, SEL lays the foundation for holistic growth—both inside and out. Our students learn how to recognize and manage their emotions—or seek help when they need it. They leave here with a strong emotional intelligence.
What is SEL and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, SEL is a framework designed to help children develop critical life skills, including recognizing and managing emotions, fostering empathy for others, building strong relationships, and making reasoned decisions.
SEL focuses on five key elements that we weave into our daily curriculum here at DGS:
Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, values, strengths, and personal growth areas.
Self-Management: Cultivating the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors in different situations.
Social Awareness: Building empathy and understanding social dynamics and cues.
Relationship Skills: Strengthening communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
Responsible Decision-Making: Encouraging ethical, thoughtful choices in personal and community contexts.
When these skills are developed over time, students gain a strong foundation they carry with them into all aspects of life—both personal and professional.
Why We Use SEL at DGS
SEL is a cornerstone of our teaching philosophy because we believe that helping students build these skills is just as important as academic achievement. By nurturing the whole child, we prepare our students to become resilient, confident leaders who are equipped to succeed in any future path they choose.
Research consistently shows that students engaged in SEL:
Perform better academically
Are better equipped to manage emotions, reducing behavioral problems
Grow stronger social connections, increasing empathy and compassion
Build healthy coping mechanisms to better deal with stress, anxiety, and challenges
Develop advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills essential for navigating challenges in life
When combined with DGS’s emphasis on hands-on learning, sustainability, and outdoor education, SEL doesn’t just build stronger thinkers—it develops well-rounded, socially aware problem-solvers.
The Long-Term Impact of SEL
Take a moment to think about the qualities that define successful leaders—things like the ability to communicate clearly, lead with empathy, and make thoughtful decisions. These are exactly the skills kids build through SEL.
By focusing on SEL every day, we're helping our students develop emotional intelligence (EQ). Studies repeatedly show that high EQ is strongly linked to better collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, and greater life satisfaction. By equipping our students with these skills early, we’re setting them up to thrive not just in school, but in all areas of their lives.
Curious to see how EQ shapes leaders and long-term success? Check out this great read from Harvard Business School on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership.
How SEL Comes to Life at DGS
Our approach to SEL isn’t limited to conversations or structured lessons. We use real-life experiences, outdoor adventures, and collaborative group work to reinforce key social-emotional skills.
On any given day, you might find students practicing conflict resolution during team projects, learning mindfulness techniques in nature, or exploring empathy through community challenges. These activities, paired with unstructured play and open reflection, give them the space to apply, refine, and deepen their emotional intelligence.
Through SEL, our students not only build knowledge but also grow their courage, curiosity, and compassion.
The Future Starts Today—Enroll at DGS for the 2025-2026 School Year
Each year at DGS is filled with opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and building the skills that matter most. With Social Emotional Learning at the heart of what we do, we empower students to rise to their full potential—academically, socially, and beyond. By blending SEL into every aspect of learning, we’re preparing students to meet challenges with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Whether you’re new to DGS or a returning member of our community, we’re excited to welcome you into the 2025-2026 school year. If you’d like to learn more about our approach, we’d love to connect—schedule a visit, apply today, or reach out to us and see firsthand how DGS can inspire your child’s growth.
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