Student Learning and Wellness
At the Lycée, we believe that a student who feels safe, seen, and supported is a student who can truly learn. Across all three campuses, our approach to wellbeing is intentional, evidence-based, and woven into daily life — from Preschool through Grade 12.
Social-Emotional Learning: The RULER Approach
The Lycée uses RULER — the evidence-based SEL framework developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence — from Preschool through High School. RULER teaches five core skills: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions.
These skills are not reserved for students alone. Faculty across all campuses were trained in RULER in AUGUST 2025, and an active SEL Committee supports school-wide implementation throughout the year.
RULER is built around four practical tools, each adapted to the student's age and stage:
- Mood Meter — a color grid that helps students notice and name feelings with precision, moving beyond "fine" or "bad."
- Charter — a shared agreement about how a group wants to feel and what behaviors support that. During 2025–26, students created classroom charters, then collaborated to build charters for shared spaces and the school as a whole.
- Meta-Moment — a pause-and-reflect strategy for navigating strong emotions, especially useful before exams, performances, or difficult conversations.
- Blueprint — a structured process for repairing relationships and resolving conflict with empathy and accountability.
See RULER in action — charters, classroom activities, and more — on our RULER Padlet.
IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Learning and Wellbeing Specialist
We are currently recruiting for this role.
This position sits at the intersection of academic support and student wellbeing. Our specialist conducts bilingual screenings in English and French, develops personalized learning plans, and coordinates exam accommodations across the IB and French Baccalauréat curricula. They also anchor the school's wellness efforts — managing the Wellness Center, facilitating Care Team meetings, and connecting families with community mental health resources. It is, by design, a role that sees students fully.
Dean of Student Experience
The Dean of Student Experience takes an active role in student life, drawing on restorative practices to support leadership development, conflict resolution, and positive behavior. Working closely with the SEL Committee, the DEIJ Coordinator, and the Learning and Wellbeing Specialist, the Dean helps shape a community where joy, respect, and belonging are part of every day.
The Wellness Center
At Ortega, the Wellness Center is a dedicated space where Middle and High School students can decompress during breaks — through mindfulness activities, quiet time, or simply connecting with peers. The Learning and Wellbeing Specialist is present, available to any student who might need a conversation or a moment of support.
Listening to Students: YouthTruth
Each year, the Lycée administers the YouthTruth Wellbeing Survey to students in Grades 4–12 and faculty. YouthTruth is a national nonprofit that helps schools gather honest, anonymous feedback on engagement, academic challenge, relationships, belonging, and school safety. The data informs real decisions — new programs, resource allocation, and goals for the year ahead. We ask students how they are doing, and we use what they tell us.
Learning Support and Accommodations
For students navigating learning differences, the Lycée provides structured, personalized support across all campuses.
Our team conducts bilingual screenings, develops personalized learning plans (PLPs), and works with families, teachers, and external specialists to build the right support for each student. For students with diagnosed learning disabilities, a Student Accommodation Plan (PAP) is established and reviewed annually.
Students eligible for accommodations for the DNB or French Baccalauréat receive dedicated support in filing requests with the French Embassy. Accommodations are also coordinated for the IB curriculum.
For new families whose child already has an identified learning plan (PAP, PPS, IEP, or equivalent), we encourage an early conversation with our admissions team to ensure a smooth transition and confirm that we can meet your child's needs.
Many students with learning differences thrive in a bilingual school environment with the right accommodations. Schooling in an inclusive setting is always our first approach whenever it is in the child's best interest.
The first point of contact for families is always the child's teacher. The teacher will connect with the Student Support team after discussing concerns with the family, and an action plan will be developed together.