The Class Advisory Program is the main vehicle for direct instruction in positive character development. A weekly Class Advisory Period (CAP) is held to introduce and elaborate on the virtue or theme of the month as laid out in the integrated plan of formation. Meanwhile, daily CAP routines like check-ins and morning prayer provide a scaffolding upon which habits of character and growth in spiritual life are built.

Cultivating character requires skills for understanding and managing emotions, setting and achieving positive goals, establishing and maintaining authentic relationships, and making responsible decisions. These skills, also known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, are taught by a Guidance Counselor and then connected to the virtue or theme of the month through a class discussion facilitated by the Class Advisor.

Young people can’t develop character until they feel valued, their dignity and worth acknowledged. Thus, similar to the Mentoring System, the heart of Class Advisory is positive relationship-building as well as community-building. It is important that every student in a Class Advisory feels that she belongs.

The CAP Classroom is also the venue where students gain deeper awareness, understanding and appreciation of one another’s talents, strengths, likes, etc. Through a variety of individual and group activities (peer bonding, teambuilding, etc.), students gain deeper self-awareness, observe and experience different stages of team development, and come to understand that each one has a unique role to play and a unique contribution to make for their growth as individuals and as a team.