Valor Collegiate and the Power of Circles

Valor Collegiate Academies, based in Nashville, is showing that social emotional learning (SEL) and academic success go hand in hand. The consistently top-ranked school uses Circle, a structured methodology where students and teachers build trust with face-to-face dialogue, to help create an optimal environment for learning. Science backs up this approach. Studies of human learning development have shown that gaining social competence helps students feel safe and focus on academic study. The practice has benefits for teachers too. There is a growing body of evidence that such practices contribute to teacher well-being, job satisfaction, and reduced turnover.

Valor is currently spreading Circle nationwide. In the past two years, 85 school leaders from 11 states have been trained to facilitate Circles through Valor’s Compass Camp program.

Learn more about Valor and Circle, and watch the full film at https://valorcollegiate.org/the-valor-compass/overview/

Learn more about CZI’s Whole Child approach to education.