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Social Emotional Learning

At Cascades Academy, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is not taught in single class. Instead, this framework is integrated into all areas of our students' experiences. SEL is not just part of our curriculum, it's part of our culture. 
 

In short, SEL is the process through which we acquire and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal goals. It's how we feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

SEL advances educational equity through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. We know that SEL makes a difference. Research shows that an education that promotes SEL has a positive impact on a wide range of outcomes, including academic performance, healthy relationships, and mental wellness.
 

Leveraging Experiential Education for Personal Growth

Through our extensive experiential programs, students are given countless opportunities for authentic social and emotional learning. We believe that these personal and interpersonal skills are vital to our students' wellbeing today and in the future. Our social and emotional program is founded in these five domains: 

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management
  • Relationship skills
  • Social awareness
  • Responsible decision-making

From Pre-K through 12th grade, SEL is incorporated into our academic and experiential programs in developmentally appropriate ways. Our teaching methodologies vary based on how students at each grade level will best develop these important life skills. 

Buddy Program

The Buddy Program at Cascades Academy matches 5th-12th grade students with students in pre-kindergarten through 4th grade. Together, the students participate in assemblies, fun outings, silent readings, and shared meals. This bond nurtures the kind and caring characteristics of our older students and provides them with much-needed mentoring opportunities. Younger students look up to their older buddies with admiration and respect and have the opportunity to get the inside scoop on what it's like to be in an upper grade.