Kids make mistakes—it’s part of growing up. At Laura Jeffrey Academy, instead of focusing on punishment, we focus on learning, reflection, and repairing harm. Our approach to scholar behavior is based on restorative practices, which emphasize accountability, empathy, and relationship-building rather than punitive consequences.
Traditional discipline methods, like detentions or suspensions, can isolate or push scholars away when they need support the most. Instead, restorative practices create opportunities for scholars to reflect on their actions, understand how they impact others, and make things right. This helps scholars develop stronger emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, which are critical qualities for success in high school and beyond.
One of the key tools we use is restorative circles—structured conversations where scholars, educators, and sometimes peers come together to talk about conflicts, express feelings, and find solutions collaboratively. These circles help scholars feel heard and supported while also encouraging personal responsibility. Conflict resolution strategies are also woven into daily interactions, giving scholars tools to navigate challenges with kindness and respect.
Our advisory teachers play a huge role in this work. Here’s how one of them describes it: “Restorative practices allow us to focus on building community rather than enforcing strict rules. When a scholar makes a mistake, we ask: ‘What happened? Who was impacted? How can we make it right?’ This shifts the conversation from punishment to growth.”
““Restorative practices allow us to focus on building community rather than enforcing strict rules. When a scholar makes a mistake, we ask: ‘What happened? Who was impacted? How can we make it right?’ This shifts the conversation from punishment to growth.””
This year, we launched a dedicated restorative practices group—made up of staff who have completed training and are now guiding our broader team through ongoing professional development and community-building circles. Their leadership ensures a consistent, compassionate approach across our school.
We also actively involve families, helping to bridge restorative approaches between school and home. When scholars receive the same messages of accountability and empathy in both spaces, they’re better equipped to internalize these values and apply them to everyday situations.
Both in school and at home, this might look like using open-ended questions to encourage reflection after conflicts, modeling active listening, or helping scholars think through ways to repair harm when they’ve made a mistake. By working together, we help scholars build the emotional intelligence and resilience they need to navigate relationships and challenges with confidence.
Ultimately, our goal isn’t just to manage behavior—it’s to nurture compassionate humans who understand how to take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and contribute positively to their communities. Through this approach, we create a school where every scholar feels respected, supported, and ready to think, dream, and do.