Our Core Curriculum

As trauma-informed educators, we base our curricula in experiential social-emotional learning (SEL). Benefiting from 30 years working with people of diverse backgrounds in a multitude of settings, we continue to innovate effective learning environments and have honed the following 5 classes:

Art & MUsic

Art and music are foundational components of all of our programs, because they enhance creativity, confidence, and innovative thinking.

Mindfulness

Inspired by wisdom from yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and other ancient practices, we encourage students to develop inner stength. Starting from a calm center provides the framework for active and successful peacemaking.

Connection to Nature

Sustainable inner peace is built on a deep connection to the natural world. It’s found in the simple action of planting a sunflower seed in a pot to take home, or hiking to a dramatic cliffside by the sea. We provide unique experiences that enhance our students’ respect for and connection to nature.

Media Literacy

We all consistently engage with a vast array of media. This class teaches students how to discern and navigate what they encounter. We deconstruct advertisements and examine cyberbullying. Our students learn to choose carefully what to post, and identify violence in all forms of media.

Conflict Resolution

We inspire our students by providing experiences such as communication activities, role plays, empathy building, mediation skills and compassionate action. This social-emotional learning gives them concrete skills in conflict resolution.

Banner Credit: Reem Khatib, peacemaking through art