Health, Wellness & Community
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.World Health Organization
The Health, Wellness, and Community (HWC) program offers students opportunities to develop meaningful insights into community, leadership, wellness, and self-awareness. HWC classes are held in small groups twice during each seven-day cycle for freshmen and sophomores, transitioning to once per cycle during junior and senior years. Discussions and activities evolve in depth and complexity to align with the stages of adolescent development. Through this program, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their roles within the school, and their place in the wider world. The competency-based curriculum provides a supportive environment for students to practice 25 specific skills organized into four key areas: self-discovery and personal growth, fostering connections within and beyond the school, active community engagement, and cultivating a sense of social responsibility.
Yearlong Courses
Health, Wellness & Community 9
- Required
[Pass/Fail]
The freshman-year program focuses on helping students transition to and adjust to life at the Academy by encouraging them to explore what it means to be part of the school community. Students examine strategies for both academic and social success while reviewing school rules, expectations, and the four pillars of the school mission. Key topics include study skills, time management, and exam preparation.
The program also emphasizes the value of multiculturalism and pluralism within the Academy’s diverse student body. Through discussions on identity, students reflect on what shapes who they are and create multimedia presentations showcasing the aspects of identity they find most significant.
In the realm of physical health, students learn about nutrition, exercise, disease prevention, safety and disaster preparedness, first aid, suicide prevention, stress management, substance use prevention, and healthy relationships. This comprehensive survey enables students to identify their personal strengths and areas for growth, equipping them for success in the school community.
Health, Wellness & Community 10
- Required
[Pass/Fail]
Sophomores focus on developing self-awareness and self-management skills, fostering a deeper understanding of their values, beliefs, perceptions, and interpretations. This reflective process enhances their self-efficacy and ability to communicate their perspectives effectively while advocating for their beliefs, values, and authenticity. These relationship skills empower students to engage in civic responsibility, leadership, and community-building.
Sophomore year also builds on the school’s Service Learning Program. By examining current social issues alongside their personal service experiences, students are encouraged to reflect on how their values and beliefs can drive meaningful change in the world. During Sophomore HWC, students will examine the root cause of social issues and learn from community experts to better understand how these issues are being addressed on local, national, and international levels. The service-learning curriculum concludes by applying what they have learned to a hands-on service experience, followed by a reflection and demonstration of their learning.
Health, Wellness & Community 11
- Required
[Pass/Fail]
Juniors build on their health education with age-appropriate topics in sexual education and personal well-being. They practice self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills while exploring subjects such as communication and consent, recognizing and addressing abusive relationships and peer pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives, body image, eating disorders, navigating rejection, stress management, sleep hygiene, and dental health.
In addition, juniors periodically collaborate with the Office of College Counseling to prepare for key milestones, including College Night in September, the LFA College Workshop in the second semester, exploring testing options, and beginning the college search and application process.
Health, Wellness & Community 12
- Required
[Pass/Fail]
The senior program focuses on the college application process during the first semester and life beyond high school in the second semester, emphasizing the continued development of mind, body, and spirit. Students delve deeper into integrating their personal values and beliefs with decision-making, goal-setting, and goal achievement, honing the skills needed to navigate increased independence responsibly.
The program also addresses critical aspects of the college transition, including time management, academic policies, social pressures, and the physical and mental health challenges faced by older adolescents. The goal is to equip students with the moral and ethical awareness, refined social consciousness, and leadership abilities essential for a successful transition to college and beyond.