Lower School Wellness

Every other day, Durham Academy Lower Schoolers participate in physical education class, where the focus is on developing habits that lead to a lifetime of good health. PE teachers lead students through units on nutrition, detailing the components that are present in healthy meals and explaining why those components are important for fueling healthy bodies.

PE teachers expose students to a wide variety of sports and games as a means of developing a lifelong love of movement and physical fitness. In addition to PE class, time is set aside for free play during recess each day.

The Responsive Classroom approach is at the core of social-emotional wellness efforts for students in grades 1 through 4. This evidence-based approach to teaching focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management and developmental awareness.

The Lower School guidance counselor addresses topics such as building strong friendships, problem-solving strategies and empathy.

Each year, fourth-graders are asked to complete a survey on their experience in the Lower School; these results are used to maintain and/or improve the school culture by establishing a community of belonging and support.

Each year in physical education class, teachers devote a unit to yoga, during which students learn about the physical benefits and mental benefits of the practice.

The Lower School guidance counselor works with students to develop stress-reduction strategies.