Leading the Way in Student Well-Being

Cooper’s pioneering mental health approach shines at NAIS Conference
Head of The John Cooper School Dr. Popp and Director of Wellness and Upper School Counselor Dr. Estrada recently presented Cooper’s mental and emotional well-being approach at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.  

Their presentation highlighted Cooper’s research-based framework, which integrates the RULER emotional intelligence model from Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence and the school’s collaboration with Active Minds, the leading nonprofit promoting mental health awareness among young people. 

Cooper’s implementation of RULER has earned recognition as both a Mentor School and a Spotlight School for the past three academic years. These accolades reflect the School’s dedication to fostering emotional intelligence and equipping students with essential life skills. 

"The well-being of our students is at the heart of everything we do at The John Cooper School. By integrating research-based practices like RULER and fostering a culture of care through partnerships with organizations like Active Minds, we are equipping our students with the emotional intelligence and resilience they need to thrive in all aspects of life. It is an honor to share our approach with educators nationwide, reinforcing the vital role emotional well-being plays in academic and personal success,” said Dr. Diego Estrada, Director of Wellness.

Additionally, Cooper student leaders have presented at the Active Minds National Conference in Washington, D.C., showcasing their role in fostering a culture of care and connection within the school community. 

This initiative aligns with Cooper’s mission to inspire students to lead lives of purpose and excellence, reinforcing the School’s commitment to holistic education. By prioritizing well-being, The John Cooper School continues to set a standard for independent schools nationwide, demonstrating how a proactive and research-driven approach to emotional wellness benefits both students and the broader community. 
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From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.