Wellness of mind, body, and spirit is a Core Value of Fay School. The Wellness Program represents our comprehensive approach to each facet of a student’s emotional, physical, and spiritual experience of childhood and adolescence. All students participate in specific classes, and some students may benefit from the support of a counselor, nurse, or mentor as they grow and develop. From structured class discussions to a quiet, informal talk with a teacher to a visit with a trained counselor to help a child through a particular rough spot, Fay understands that children need many kinds of interactions with peers and caring adults as they establish a solid foundation for productive and fulfilling lives.

Recognizing that wellness begins at the youngest ages, formal and informal topics are integral parts of everyday life in the Primary and Lower Schools. Teachers in these divisions take every opportunity to incorporate subjects such as sharing, advocating for one’s needs, conflict resolution, and accepting differences into daily lessons. As students mature, a more structured curriculum builds on themes of social competency and communication. Children in grades four and five address the issues of cliques, bullying, decision making, nutrition, sexual development, and cooperation. All topics are approached in developmentally appropriate ways.

In the Upper School, the complexities of early adolescence bring challenges as well as opportunities for growth. The Wellness curriculum is designed to help students navigate their way through the teenage years in a healthy manner that prepares them for a “productive and fulfilling life.” The Upper School curricula represent a sequential introduction to a myriad of topics relevant to adolescent health and development: conflict resolution, stereotyping, bullying prevention and response, nutrition, sexual development, cyber safety and the responsible use of technology, keeping one’s self safe, drug and alcohol awareness, and development of leadership skills.

Young students may take part in a discussion in class when a conflict arises. Older students may participate in a lunch group to talk about their lives together or listen to an outside speaker or conduct their own workshop to teach their peers about topics of mutual concern. All along the way, Fay School faculty members are there to guide them and help them grow.