Social-Emotional Learning in ALL We Do

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is key to successfully navigating life and here at Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School, a tuition-free TK-12th grade public school in Castaic, California, it’s at the heart of all we do. Our small and engaged school prepares students for their next steps in life — both academically and socially. We nurture the whole child by blending academic rigor with meaningful engagement, creative inquiry, and social-emotional learning principles.

What is Social-Emotional Learning? 

Research has shown that positive social behavior is one of the greatest predictors of academic success. The better our connections are with each other, the more we will thrive in other areas of our life. Social and Emotional Learning is essentially building positive social character through: 

• acquiring skills to manage emotions (self-management)
• nurturing positive relationships (relationship skills)
• making informed choices (responsible decision-making, self-direction)
• feeling and exhibiting empathy (self & social awareness)

Rather than just hope that students pick up positive social behavior as they grow, SCVi integrates SEL directly into the curriculum. We have developed SEL and academic rigor rubrics that add a well-balanced approach to academics and reflective practice for facilitators, learners, parents, and administrators. 

Our project-based learning focus easily complements social-emotional learning. We are collaborative and learn how to work well with others, using a problem-solving approach. We make sure our learners are exposed to a variety of ways to learn and ways to thrive, including an arts program that is also integrated into our daily curriculum. Our engaged public school helps develop learners’ emotional IQ in a way that inspires creativity and engagement in their coursework. We practice core SEL skills like: 

-Curiosity

-Social intelligence

-Grit

-Optimism

-Gratitude

-Purpose

-Growth Mindset

-Self-Control

-Zest

What does SEL look like at SCVi?

We support and care for ALL our learners at SCVi. We know each of our TK-12th graders by name and make sure to greet them every morning as they arrive. We also take the time to meet learners where they are academically and socially and help them learn and grow into their full potential. We offer a safe space for our learners to grow, take appropriate risks, and gain confidence in themselves. Our engaged school has a very intentional approach to 21st-century education.

For our TK-12th grade students — who are in a period of rapid social growth and change — SCVi uses the Leader in Me’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People education series to support student development. The 7 Habits promote engagement, belonging, and well-being. 

Additionally, we host Advisory (Morning Meeting for grades TK-5) where learners and facilitators have an intentional time to focus on making connections, learning conflict resolution and exploring problem-solving ideas.

Because our small school is committed to making social and emotional connections every day, it’s easy for us to tell if a student seems to be having a hard time. Our community school is designed with open classrooms for any and all to drop by and our entire staff is one big cheerleading team for our students. We are here to help in good times and challenging moments. 

If a conflict arises, our devoted staff support students with coaching and guidance aimed at a win-win solution using the Love and Logic discipline approach. Learning conflict resolution skills and ways to manage peer pressure can significantly reduce social stress. We care about you!

All of our TK-12th graders receive personalized learning at SCVi. Our Learner-Led Conferences (LLCs) include a Report of Progress that contains a narrative about your child’s development, both academically and socially. Learners can chart their growth because it is included in their learning dialogue. 

Give your child a supportive academic environment where emotional well-being counts: connect with our SCVi family and enroll today!

About SCVi:

Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. We use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Join our innovative school today!