Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical component of a strong, future-ready education and a defining element of the HBHA experience. Through intentional social-emotional learning, students develop self-awareness, responsibility, resilience, and compassion. These skills directly support academic growth while also preparing students for leadership, collaboration, and meaningful participation in an increasingly complex and diverse world.

At HBHA, social-emotional learning is not separate from academic excellence—it is foundational to it. Through the RULER approach, we are equipping our students with the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills they need to thrive academically and live with purpose, empathy, and integrity.

We are proud to invest in the whole child—mind, heart, and character—every day.

Our Approach: RULER at HBHA

HBHA uses RULER, an evidence-based approach to social-emotional learning developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER is designed to help schools intentionally create emotionally safe, supportive environments where emotions are recognized, understood, and managed effectively for both adults and students.

RULER is not a standalone curriculum or one-size-fits-all program. Instead, it is a framework that integrates emotional intelligence into daily teaching, learning, and interactions across the school community.

The name RULER reflects five core emotional intelligence skills:

Recognize emotions in oneself and others

Understand the causes and consequences of emotions

Label emotions accurately using a broad emotional vocabulary

Express emotions appropriately in different contexts

Regulate emotions effectively to support well-being and goal achievement

These skills help students navigate academic challenges, social relationships, and personal growth with greater confidence and resilience.

Four Anchor Tools of RULER

RULER skill development relies on four core tools, which are introduced to all stakeholders in the school community—school leaders, teachers, staff, students, and families.

The Charter is a shared agreement that defines how members of a classroom or community want to feel and how they will treat one another to support those feelings.

This tool promotes belonging, accountability, and a positive school culture rooted in mutual respect.

Charters can be helpful beyond the classroom. In addition to the Middle School charter pictured to the left, HBHA staff created a Staff Charter that includes feelings like “PROUD,” “INSPIRED,” and “MOTIVATED.”

Click here to learn how to create a charter for your family!

The Mood Meter helps students and adults build emotional awareness by identifying how they feel based on energy and pleasantness.

It supports the development of emotional vocabulary and encourages reflection on how emotions influence learning, behavior, and decision-making.

The Meta-Moment teaches individuals how to pause in emotionally charged situations, consider their best selves, and choose a constructive response.

This tool supports self-regulation, impulse control, and ethical decision-making.

The Blueprint provides a structured way to navigate conflict by encouraging perspective-taking, empathy, and problem-solving.

Serving as a guide for reflecting on conflict, this tool helps individuals understand different viewpoints, take responsibility, and repair relationships.

Why Social Emotional Learning Matters

SEL and Academic Success

Decades of research show that social-emotional learning is strongly linked to improved academic outcomes. Studies from organizations such as CASEL and the American Institutes for Research have found that students who participate in high-quality SEL programs demonstrate:

Improved academic performance
Increased engagement and motivation
Stronger classroom behavior and self-management skills
Better relationships with peers and teachers

Students learn more effectively when they feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported—conditions that SEL helps create.

Additional Benefits of Social Emotional Learning

Beyond academics, SEL supports whole-child development and long-term well-being. Research indicates that SEL helps:

Reduce anxiety, stress, and behavioral challenges
Strengthen empathy, compassion, and inclusive thinking
Build resilience and coping skills
Support positive community connection
Prepare children for leadership, collaboration, and responsible citizenship

Social Emotional Learning