Enrichment

School Counseling

At Deerfield-Windsor School, the Lower School counseling program is dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, social and emotional development of every student. Through proactive guidance, individualized support and collaboration with families and faculty, the program helps students build confidence, strengthen relationships, develop resilience and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Classroom Guidance

Students participate in regular classroom guidance lessons designed to foster essential life skills and healthy character development. Age-appropriate lessons focus on topics such as bullying prevention, emotional regulation, self-esteem, problem-solving, study skills, career awareness and positive decision-making. Interactive teaching methods—including stories, music, role-playing and hands-on activities—help students engage with and apply these important concepts.

Small Group Counseling

Small group counseling is available for students who may benefit from additional support alongside peers experiencing similar challenges. Groups are formed as needed and may address topics such as friendship skills, anger management, coping with family changes, grief and loss, self-esteem and social-emotional growth. Students may be referred by parents, teachers, or school administrators.

Individual Counseling

Short-term, solution-focused individual counseling is available to all students. Support is provided for academic, social, emotional, or personal concerns, with referrals accepted from students, parents, teachers, or staff members. Student privacy is respected while maintaining open communication with families when appropriate and in the best interest of the child.

New Student Support

To help every new Knight feel welcomed and connected, the counseling program provides orientation and transition support for students entering Deerfield-Windsor School. This personalized approach helps students build confidence, establish relationships and successfully adjust to their new school community.

Working in partnership with families, faculty, and staff, the school counseling program is committed to helping every student develop the skills, character, and confidence needed for a successful and rewarding educational experience

Click here for more information about our Counseling Program.

Students in every grade participate in art classes that foster creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Through a variety of media and techniques, students develop artistic skills while exploring their unique perspectives and ideas.

Each spring, every Lower School student creates and displays an original work of art in the Blooming Artists Showcase, a special exhibition that celebrates student creativity and is enjoyed by families, friends, and members of the DWS community.

Students in K3 through Second Grade enjoy a dedicated weekly visit to the Media Center, where they listen to engaging stories and participate in activities designed to strengthen literacy skills, encourage critical thinking and foster a lifelong love of reading.

The Media Center remains open throughout the school day, providing students of all ages with opportunities to browse, explore and check out books that match their interests and reading levels. Through regular access to a diverse collection of literature and resources, students are encouraged to develop a passion for learning and independent reading.

Music is an integral part of the Lower School experience at Deerfield-Windsor. Through regular music instruction, students develop musical skills, creativity, self-expression and confidence while gaining an appreciation for the performing arts.

Each year, every grade level presents a musical production featuring costumes, scenery, speaking roles, instruments, solos and choral performances. Students also participate in beloved school traditions, including the Grandparents Day and Christmas programs.

Students with a passion for singing may choose to join the Lower School Chorus, which rehearses weekly and performs at both school and community events throughout the year.

The Lower School Physical Education program promotes lifelong health and fitness through developmentally appropriate activities that build fundamental motor skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and self-confidence. Students are encouraged to stay active while developing habits that support physical well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

One of the highlights of the year is Field Day at Webb Memorial Stadium, where students participate in a variety of games, relays and friendly competitions. This exciting tradition brings together students, families and faculty for a day of fun, teamwork, and school spirit as parents and guests cheer from the stands.

All Lower School students participate in weekly Spanish instruction designed to build confidence in listening, speaking, and pronunciation. Through engaging, age-appropriate lessons, students develop foundational language skills while gaining an appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives.

By introducing a second language at an early age, students strengthen communication skills, expand cultural awareness and develop a curiosity about the world around them.

The Lower School STEAM program inspires students to think creatively, solve problems and collaborate through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, students are encouraged to explore new ideas, ask questions and discover innovative solutions.

In a supportive environment where experimentation and perseverance are celebrated, students learn that challenges are opportunities for growth. Through designing, building, testing and refining their ideas, they develop critical-thinking skills, confidence and a mindset that values creativity, resilience and lifelong learning.

Technology instruction is an integral part of the learning experience. Students receive a Google Education account and use Google Workspace tools to support learning across the curriculum. Instruction emphasizes foundational computer skills, digital citizenship, internet safety, keyboarding, online research and introductory computer coding.

As students progress, they build confidence using technology for collaboration, creativity and problem-solving, with increased opportunities to integrate devices into their daily learning experience.