At Dar Essalam American School, student wellbeing goes beyond academics it embraces academic success, emotional balance, physical health, and social growth. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
The Student Support Team (SST) works closely with the School Community Well-Being Committee and the Health and Safety Team to ensure that every child receives the care and guidance they need. Together, these teams form the foundation of DAS’s comprehensive Student Well-Being Plan, designed to promote success and personal growth at every stage of learning.
Student Support at DAS is built on the school’s five core values, known as the DAS 5 C’s:
Communication – Confidentiality: All support services are managed with complete confidentiality to ensure student trust and safety.
Caring – Compassionate Relationships: Every student and family is treated with respect and dignity, and their voices are valued in the process.
Critical Thinking – Individualized Support: Each plan is tailored to the student’s unique age, abilities, and developmental needs.
Collaboration – Shared Partnerships: Students, parents, teachers, and staff work together to achieve positive outcomes.
Creativity – Adaptive Solutions: We embrace flexibility and innovation to meet the diverse learning and emotional needs of our students.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program
At Dar Essalam American School , every teacher is a language teacher. Our classrooms are designed to nurture multilingual learners (MLs) and help them thrive academically, socially, and personally. It provides targeted support for students with limited English proficiency, helping them develop the language skills they need for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Our EAL Program includes:
- Newcomer Classes: Tailored for students new to English, focusing on building foundational listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- In-Class Support: EAL specialists work collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide co-teaching, small group, and individualized instruction.
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Classes designed to strengthen students’ academic English proficiency and ensure success across all subject areas.
Through this inclusive, student-centered approach, DAS ensures that all learners regardless of their linguistic background feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed in an English-medium environment.
Counseling & Student Well-Being Services
DAS Counseling Department supports students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Our counselors collaborate closely with the Student Well-Being Team (SWT) to provide individual and group counseling, case management, and family guidance.
Counseling services include:
- Academic and social-emotional support
- Case management for identified students
- Individual and group counseling
- Parent guidance and education sessions
- Transition support for new students
- Child protection and restorative practice facilitation
Beyond individualized counseling, DAS promotes whole-school well-being through its Co-Curricular Programs, such as:
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons: Elementary students participate in lessons focused on relationships, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and community building , all aligned with the DAS 5 Cs: Caring, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
- Advisory Program: Secondary students meet in small, consistent groups with trusted teachers to build connections, reflect, and grow through Better Together Cubed, a dynamic SEL curriculum based on the five CASEL goals ,self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
- College C,unseling: Dedicated counselors guide high school students through pre-college planning and the university application process, helping each learner find the best-fit academic and personal pathway for their future.
Dean of Students
At Dar Essalam American School, the Dean of Students plays a central role in nurturing a positive and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued, respected, and inspired to succeed.
The Dean serves as a key link between students, teachers, counselors, and families ,ensuring that each learner receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive.
Through daily interaction and guidance, the Dean of Students helps maintain a safe, respectful environment that promotes responsibility, empathy, and engagement. The Dean oversees student behavior and well-being, supports conflict resolution, and encourages strong communication between the school and families.
Beyond discipline, the Dean of Students leads initiatives that enrich student life , including leadership programs, assemblies, community projects, and extracurricular activities that strengthen the sense of belonging and pride in the DAS community.
By fostering collaboration, motivation, and accountability, the Dean of Students ensures that every learner at Dar Essalam American School grows with confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
