Tacoma Whole Child

What do we want for every child? As a school district, we’re thinking about that and working on it every day. We are fully committed to each of our kids – to them being safe, engaged, supported, healthy and challenged.

Whole Child is the way we care for kids 24 hours a day, everywhere they are. It’s schools, it’s community partners, it’s families and neighborhoods wrapping our collective arms around children.

Together, we want to help kids see that they belong, that they matter in every way. Taking care of our kids is about academics, but it’s also about helping them learn to build meaningful relationships, resolve conflict and gain the skills to manage emotions. That’s the Whole Child, on their way to becoming thriving adults. In this new video, district, school, student and community leaders explain why this work is crucial to student success.

What Is Whole Child?

Our Whole Child Pillars

These eight social emotional learning pillars help support our students and staff. Select a pillar to learn more about it.

Signature Whole Child Practices

zone check in

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Sheridan Elementary student writing

Physical and Mental Wellness

Young girl with long pigtails playing outside.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

ProStart Class

Trauma-Sensitive Practices

a DeLong student shapes a heart with her hands

Restorative Practices

older woman in pink jacket checks student in as teacher welcomes student into class

Advanced Tiers of Support

Lincoln Counselor directing two students to class on the first day

Equity and Inclusion

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