Students on swings

Our Approach to Social-Emotional Learning

As a progressive, Quaker school, we believe that social and emotional growth is not separate from academic success—it’s essential to it. Our approach to social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven throughout the school day and grounded in strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and shared community values–ingredients that create learning environments where children learn best.

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Our daily practices—like Morning Meeting/Advisory, interactive modeling, weekly SEL classes, and collaborative problem-solving—help meet those needs every day. 

Many of our daily practices and ways of being are based on Responsive Classroom, a widely respected, research-backed approach to teaching that helps create safe, respectful, and engaging classrooms where all students can thrive. Originally developed by the Northeast Foundation for Children in 1981, this model offers practical strategies that integrate social and academic learning, reflecting our belief in the whole child and connecting to our Quaker values. 

Key principles of the Responsive Classroom approach include:
  • The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.
  • Knowing each child—developmentally, individually, and culturally—is essential.
  • How children learn is just as important as what they learn.
  • The greatest cognitive growth happens through social interaction.
  • Building strong partnerships with families supports student success.
  • A healthy adult community at school is critical to meaningful and lasting change.

By prioritizing social emotional learning, our faculty foster an environment where students feel safe to take risks, engage deeply, and be their full selves—academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

“I’m really grateful for PFS. When people ask me about myself, it’s always part of the story I include because it was such a big part of making me who I am.”

Ezra Love, Class of 2019

 

Wellness

Student well-being is a cornerstone of our community. We support the whole child—socially, emotionally, and mentally—so every student can thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Our full-time counselor is an integral part of this commitment. She visits Preschool through 2nd grade classrooms twice a month to lead lessons that build social-emotional skills and resilience. For students in grades 3–8, she co-teaches Taking Care, our dedicated social-emotional learning (SEL) class.

Beyond the classroom, our counselor offers one-on-one and group sessions, friendship groups, and family support to nurture connection and well-being. She also partners closely with teachers and serves on our Learning Support Team, ensuring every child receives thoughtful, coordinated care.

Wellness at Princeton Friends means creating a safe, compassionate environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.

A Peek Into Taking Care Class

Taking Care is a weekly class for students in Grades 3–5 and Grades 6-8 that integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) and Quaker values to help students grow as compassionate, reflective, and responsible members of their communities. Grounded in the CASEL framework, the class supports students in developing healthy identities, building strong relationships, managing emotions, and making caring, responsible decisions.

Taking Care encourages students to explore the question: "How do I take care of myself, my community, and the world around me?"

Through cooperative games, discussions, reflective activities, and leadership opportunities, students develop skills in four core areas: self-awareness, relationship-building, cultural understanding, and well-being.