The Liggett Years Program is a thoughtfully crafted, school-wide initiative guiding students from Early Childhood through 12th grade on a journey of personal, social, emotional, and academic development. Anchored in our core values—empathy, integrity, respect, excellence, and community—this program ensures that every stage of a student’s educational experience fosters growth, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
From foundational milestones in Early Childhood to mastering life skills in Upper School, the Liggett Years Program provides students with the tools to navigate an evolving world. It cultivates a sense of curiosity, purpose, and belonging, empowering them to approach challenges with confidence and emerge as compassionate, responsible leaders equipped to make a difference.
Program Pillars
- Personal Growth: Developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and confidence.
- Social Development: Building empathy, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.
- Academic Excellence: Inspiring critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.
- Leadership and Purpose: Instilling the skills and mindset needed to lead with integrity and contribute purposefully to their communities.
Early Childhood and Lower School
THE LIGGETT YEARS
| Early Childhood and Kindergarten: |
|---|
| In the EC to Kindergarten phase of the Liggett Years Program, the focus is on developing emotional awareness, social skills, and early independence. Students are introduced to emotional regulation, empathy, and cooperative play through hands-on, play-based learning. Activities like emotion identification, storytime discussions on kindness, and collaborative play centers help foster self-expression and positive social interactions. The program emphasizes identifying emotions, sharing, taking turns, and following routines, promoting core values of empathy and respect. |
| 1st and 2nd grades: |
| In 1st and 2nd grades, the Liggett Years Program focuses on developing responsibility, empathy, and strong interpersonal relationships. Students learn the importance of personal responsibility and how their actions affect others. The program emphasizes conflict resolution, active listening, and friendship-building exercises, such as role-playing and kindness circles. Through goal-setting for personal and classroom behavior, students build essential social skills and learn how to solve conflicts respectfully. The core values of respect and integrity are central to these activities, fostering a supportive and responsible classroom environment. |
| 3rd - 5th grades: |
| In 3rd to 5th grades, the Liggett Years Program focuses on strengthening leadership, critical thinking, and emotional resilience. Students take on leadership roles, develop problem-solving abilities, and reflect on their personal growth. The program encourages teamwork, empathy, and decision-making, while activities like group projects, reflection journals, and peer mentoring help students build self-awareness and a sense of community. By the end of 5th grade, students will have a strong foundation in empathy, responsibility, collaboration, and critical thinking, setting them up for success in middle school and beyond. |
Middle School
THE LIGGETT YEARS
| 6th Grade |
|---|
| For sixth-grade students, the emphasis is on discovery and self-awareness, encouraging them to explore their strengths and develop emotional self-regulation. This foundational year focuses on helping students understand themselves and their role within a broader community while building empathy and forming meaningful friendships. Key themes include self-awareness, emotional understanding, empathy, and connection-building, with a special focus on cultivating the values of empathy and respect. |
| 7th Grade |
| The Liggett Years Program for seventh grade emphasizes growth and responsibility, focusing on resilience, decision-making, and integrity. Students are encouraged to reflect on their actions and their impact on others, building accountability and self-awareness. They learn to handle challenges, set meaningful goals, manage stress, and strengthen relationships, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Key themes include emotional resilience, goal setting, and decision-making, with core values centered on integrity and community. |
| 8th Grade |
| The Liggett Years Program for eighth grade focuses on leadership and transition, preparing students for the move to high school while fostering community and excellence. Students refine critical thinking and problem-solving skills, reflect on their growth, and take on leadership roles to build confidence and responsibility. Emphasis is placed on academic readiness and personal development, ensuring students are equipped for the challenges ahead. Themes include leadership, critical thinking, and personal growth, aligned with the core values of excellence and community. The program seamlessly bridges middle and high school, fostering resilience, self-discovery, and academic preparedness. |
Upper School
THE LIGGETT YEARS
| 9th Grade |
|---|
| The Freshmen-Year Program focuses on fostering resilience, time management, and personal growth as students navigate the transition to high school. It emphasizes building executive function skills, effective goal-setting, stress management, and decision-making, all while helping students find their authentic selves. Through in-class programming and activities like email etiquette, self-advocacy, and study skills, students develop practical tools to manage their lives effectively. Major themes include mindset, motivation, conflict management, and respect, providing a comprehensive foundation for personal and academic success. This program equips freshmen to prioritize their well-being and confidently tackle new challenges. |
| 10th Grade |
| The Sophomore Year Program bridges the foundational skills gained in freshman year with the increasing academic and social demands of high school. It emphasizes emotional intelligence, effective communication, and critical thinking to help students navigate peer relationships and manage stress. Advanced study skills, leadership development, and time management are integrated into the curriculum, fostering personal and academic growth. Activities like daily planning, mediation, and emotional resilience training provide practical tools for success. This program builds a supportive environment where sophomores gain confidence and resilience to excel in their academic and personal journeys. |
| 11th Grade |
| The Junior Year Program emphasizes personal and social growth, leadership, and preparation for life beyond high school. Building on the skills developed in earlier years, it focuses on fostering greater self-awareness, independence, and collaboration. Emotional well-being is a key theme, supported by activities like endurance-building exercises, which encourage resilience and practical application of skills in real-world contexts. This year prepares students to navigate the challenges of senior year and life beyond with confidence and purpose. |
| 12th Grade |
| The Senior Year Program focuses on preparing students for life after high school, fostering independence, personal growth, and practical life skills. It emphasizes readiness for future challenges and opportunities through activities such as resume writing and interview skill development. This program ensures students graduate with the confidence and tools to succeed in their next chapter. |
