Millbrook School: Better by Design Human Development

In the fall of 1995, Millbrook inaugurated a Human Development curriculum for all IVth form students. Today, the Human Development program is mandatory for both IIIrd and IVth formers. The curriculum fosters relationships to integrate the school's core values of respect, integrity, stewardship, service, and curiosity. Peer Counselors and faculty facilitators provide empathetic leadership, diverse perspectives, and personal experience to cultivate a safe and respectful atmosphere. This atmosphere encourages students to develop their own identity by stepping outside of their comfort zones to form a better understanding of self, others, and the world around them. The curriculum is designed to inform healthy choices surrounding relationships, mental health, sexuality, and drugs and alcohol.

The Human Development program is overseen by Director of Affective Education Billy Thom, LMSW, and Director of Counseling Sarah Stanton, LCSW. It is staffed by eight training faculty members and 16 peer counselors - carefully selected students from the Vth and VIth form. Participating faculty members and peer counselors return a week early in September for intensive training on the topics that are discussed with students. Faculty facilitators and peer counselors are trained to facilitate discussion rather than instruct in the traditional sense.

The Human Development program aims to prepare students to be morally and socially responsible adults who will lead lives of meaning and consequence.