Lower School Mental Wellness

Welcome to the Pace Academy Lower School Counseling Corner! We strive to nurture and support the holistic development of every child. In the Lower School, we emphasize social and emotional wellness as essential components of every student’s journey toward becoming prepared, confident citizens of the world. Our comprehensive mental wellness programs are designed to foster a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our approach integrates universal character education, individualized student support and collaborative partnerships to promote a thriving school community.

Our Philosophy

Pace Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment for all students. Our mental wellness programs are comprehensive, preventative in design and developmentally appropriate, aligning with the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) model. Through proactive prevention and education, we aim to enhance the overall well-being of students, families, faculty and staff.

FOR PACE STUDENTS, WE PROVIDE:

Character Education: In the Lower School, character education is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our curriculum, as well as directly taught in classroom lessons. Our Noble Knights' Pillars of Character Program emphasizes six key pillars of character: Respect, Collaboration, Empathy, Perseverance, Curiosity, and Leadership.
Individual and Group Support: Our counselors offer confidential support through one-on-one and small-group counseling sessions. Group counseling sessions are play-based, in a comfortable and warm environment for our students. If necessary, our counselors provide referrals to external counseling and social-skills groups.
Classroom Lessons: Counselors regularly visit classrooms to deliver lessons designed to build social and emotional skills. These lessons follow a structured scope-and-sequence that is carefully crafted to build upon skills from Pre-First through fifth grade, ensuring progressive development and reinforcement of key concepts throughout the student’s Lower School years.
Mentoring Program: Fifth graders benefit from mentorship by Upper School students through the PASS Program (Pace Academy Student Support). PASS mentors meet with fifth graders on a monthly basis to discuss topics such as leadership, responsibility, stress, peer pressure and preparing for the transition to Middle School.
A Safe and Structured Environment: All of our teachers are trained in the principles of Responsive Classroom, which is designed to create joyful, safe and engaging classroom environments. This approach fosters a positive atmosphere conducive to learning and emotional growth.

FOR PACE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, WE PROVIDE…

Parent Consultation: Personalized consultation with our counselors or our consulting psychologist to address concerns about a child’s well-being.
Parent & Family Workshops: Regular workshops facilitated by our counseling team addressing relevant mental wellness topics. Our counseling team hosts a series called “Coffee and Conversation,” informal discussions with the counseling team on various parenting and mental health topics.
Resource Library: Videos from past events are available to current Pace families via Parenting Connection.

FOR PACE FACULTY AND STAFF, WE PROVIDE…

Curricular and Classroom Support: Our counselors collaborate with teachers to design and deliver character education lessons and provide additional support as needed.
Professional Development: We offer resources, techniques and training opportunities to help address students' well-being and ensure emotional health in the classroom.