Empowering Minds, Enriching Lives: The John Cooper School’s Holistic Approach to Emotional Well-Being Gains National Attention

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The John Cooper School is delighted to share that Head of The John Cooper School Dr. Stephen Popp and Director of Wellness and Upper School Counselor Dr. Diego Estrada recently presented the School’s mental and emotional well-being approach at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Their presentation highlighted Cooper’s research-based framework, which integrates the RULER emotional intelligence model from Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence and the School’s collaboration with Active Minds, a nonprofit leader in raising awareness for mental health among young people.

Cooper’s implementation of RULER has earned recognition as both a Mentor School and a Spotlight School for the past three academic years. These accolades reflect the School’s dedication to fostering emotional intelligence and equipping students with essential life skills.

"The well-being of our students is at the heart of everything we do at The John Cooper School. By integrating research-based practices like RULER and fostering a culture of care through partnerships with organizations like Active Minds, we are equipping our students with the emotional intelligence and resilience they need to thrive in all aspects of life. It is an honor to share our approach with educators nationwide, reinforcing the vital role emotional well-being plays in academic and personal success,” said Dr. Diego Estrada, Director of Wellness.

Additionally, Cooper student leaders have presented at the Active Minds National Conference in Washington, D.C., showcasing their role in fostering a culture of care and connection within the school community.

This initiative aligns with Cooper’s mission to inspire students to lead lives of purpose and excellence, reinforcing the School’s commitment to holistic education. By prioritizing well being, The John Cooper School continues to set a standard for independent schools nationwide, demonstrating how a proactive and research-driven approach to emotional wellness benefits both students and the broader community.

The mission of The John Cooper School is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.

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