Whether students at Sidwell want to change a class, have concerns about academics, or are going through emotionally challenging times, the Sidwell administration offers sufficient support for the student body. Students can request assistance with academic issues and mental health troubles by contacting the administration or visiting the counseling office. Many teachers also interact with students and have strong relationships with them, allowing for better communication and acknowledgement of the student body’s concerns. In general, teachers and administrators do their best to help students with their troubles and provide many opportunities for students to voice their troubles anonymously.
If students find themselves unsure about school-related matters such as schedule changes, graduation requirements or extracurricular activities, they can always contact an administrator to address their concerns. The administration at Sidwell Friends has built a healthy environment in which students can seek help from faculty members, mental health professionals and academic counselors. Whether students are struggling with their coursework, searching for advice about extracurricular opportunities or trying to navigate ups and downs of high school life, Sidwell definitely offers the resources that they need.
This student support is most evident in the administration’s flexibility regarding academic planning. The transition between grade levels, especially in high school, often feels overwhelming. The administration understands that the academic interests and strengths of students change, and therefore works to support such changes, as students can meet directly with academic advisors for personalized advice. Additionally, Sidwell’s college counseling office enables students to receive advice from highly qualified counselors and relieve stress about the college process.
Also, Sidwell makes an effort to ensure that school teaches much more than just academics. This is done through mental health, Quaker, and EJC days. These community days allow for a mental break for students, and for them to learn about topics they may not normally learn about. They provide an opportunity to hear from speakers, and to stimulate the mind, while strengthening the Sidwell community as a whole.
Beyond academic advising, Sidwell is committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its students. Especially in the Upper School, the academically rigorous classes, extracurriculars, social dynamics and college preparation can sometimes be overwhelming. To meet such pressures, the Counseling Office provides assistance with stress and anxiety management. These resources are provided to all students, striving to prevent any student ever feeling alienated or unsupported when times are tough.
Overall, Sidwell’s administration does an excellent job supporting its students on all fronts, including academic advising, mental health services, teacher-student relationships and providing opportunities for student engagement. The administration’s efforts to create a safe, nurturing environment where students can thrive is evident in every aspect of school life.
