Physical, Emotional, Spiritual HealthThe health and wellness of each student encompasses more than their physical being. Westridge is a school that expects the best of itself and its students, which requires care and attention to the many layers of the human experience and can only be achieved in an environment that nurtures the intellectual, social, physical, ethical, and emotional growth of its community.
Seminar
Freshman and Sophomore Seminars are one-semester, non-credit courses dealing with life issues for students entering Upper School. Topics include decision making, communication and study skills, time management, self defense, and health and wellness.
Juniors and Senior Seminars are non-credit courses covering issues such as college admissions, applications, essay writing, interviewing skills, evaluating colleges, financial aid, campus visits, early decisions, and College Board examinations.
Advising
Each Upper School student has an advisor to help coach and support her in her academic, emotional, physical, and social growth as it pertains to her experience at Westridge.
Advisory groups meet regularly to set goals for the year, assess progress, and develop strategies for success. Advisors also help students learn to act responsibly, examine choices, make decisions, and accept consequences. In addition, the school has a counselor on staff who is available to all students.
Retreats
Upper School off-campus overnight retreats encourage the development of character and help students clarify values by providing leadership and risk-taking opportunities outside of the classroom.
The Freshman Retreat provides a transitional setting for new and returning students. The retreat is designed to unite new and returning students at the beginning of their high school experience and for students to set individual goals for themselves.
The Senior Retreat provides time for reflection on relationships, and sets up the process of separation from friends and the school as they begin the transition to college.