Supporting the Social and Emotional Growth of Our Primary Students

At the International Scholars Academy, we believe that a strong academic foundation must be paired with emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness. Our Elementary Division is intentionally designed to nurture students’ social and emotional well-being each and every day.

• Homeroom Connections and Daily SEL Integration

Every morning begins with homeroom—a warm, predictable environment where students build trusting relationships with their teachers and peers. Homeroom teachers intentionally embed social-emotional learning into daily routines through read-aloud, reflective stories, and open discussions. Students learn to recognize their emotions, manage conflict, communicate respectfully, and practice empathy. This daily connection helps teachers understand and support each child’s unique needs.

• Health & Wellness Classes

Our Health and Wellness program reinforces these skills through the Everyday Speech curriculum, a research-based SEL platform designed to strengthen communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. Through engaging videos and real-life scenarios, students practice making responsible decisions, navigating friendships, and managing emotions. This proactive approach ensures that SEL is not limited to moments of challenge but seamlessly woven into the learning experience.

• Reflective Behavior Practices

When behavior concerns arise, we view them as opportunities for learning and growth. Through guided reflection, students consider the choices they made, how those choices affected others, and how they can improve next time. This approach builds accountability, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of personal responsibility—while preserving the dignity and confidence of every child.

• Open-Door Support & Principal Engagement

Our open-door philosophy ensures students always have access to guidance and support. The Elementary Principal closely partners with teachers to identify students who may need additional encouragement or intervention. Through check-ins, problem-solving conversations, and ongoing support, students know they are seen, heard, and valued.

• A Collaborative, Responsive School Culture

All teachers participate in ongoing SEL and responsive classroom training, equipping them to recognize emotional needs early and respond with consistency and compassion. Through shared strategies, regular communication, and a commitment to nurturing the whole child, our educators create safe, caring learning spaces where students can thrive.

At International Scholars Academy, social and emotional learning is not an add-on—it is at the heart of who we are. We are dedicated to developing confident, caring, resilient learners who embody empathy, integrity, and global citizenship.

 

Scholar Space: The ISA Advisory Experience

Scholar Space is the International Scholars Academy’s weekly Advisory Program designed to nurture the whole student, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Grounded in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework, Scholar Space connects academic growth with identity development, Islamic values, and global citizenship.

Each week, students gather in small advisory groups to reflect, discuss, and engage in meaningful activities that build community, strengthen character, and inspire purposeful action.

Through Scholar Space, students:

• Explore who they are as learners and individuals.
• Build respectful relationships and a sense of belonging.
• Practice responsibility, reflection, and resilience in daily life.
• Develop key Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills such as collaboration, communication, and self-management.
• Connect IB Learner Profile traits and Islamic values to real-world choices.

Scholar Space provides students with a safe, reflective environment to grow as principled, confident, and compassionate International Scholars, ready to lead with integrity and serve with purpose.