Character Development

At Peabody, we believe in supporting the development of the whole child. Character development is a priority both inside and outside the classroom, as we encourage students to build positive relationships through essential communication and social skills. Our goal is for every Peabody student to graduate with a deep understanding and appreciation of the following traits: Curious, Collaborative, Empathetic, Kind, Creative, Tenacious, Enthusiastic, Confident & Bold, Responsible & Principled. Throughout the school year, students hone skills such as using polite gestures, exploring communication styles, respecting different perspectives, learning to debate constructively, and contributing to their community, preparing them for success in school and beyond.

All learning involves social and emotional aspects that are integral to a young person’s development. At Peabody, each of our faculty members teach various SEL skills within their curricula, including how to communicate effectively and work well with others. In the Lower School, students are exposed to an SEL curriculum based on the Five Core Competencies of Social Emotional Learning: Self-Management, Self-Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making, and Social Awareness. Our younger students learn how to self-regulate and use different strategies from the SEL Toolbox to help manage feelings and work through interpersonal conflict in positive and healthy ways. Examples of these tools include the Breathing Tool, the Quiet, Safe Space Tool, and the Garbage Can Tool, and the Taking Time Tool.

Peabody teachers model the Responsive Classroom program, which is a research-based approach to K-8 teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social-emotional learning. The Responsive Classroom teaching approach emphasizes academic, social, and emotional growth in a strong school community, focuses on the belief that how children learn is as important as what they learn, and promotes the concept that academic success is inextricably tied to building social-emotional competencies.