Leading by Example: Why Peer Education Resonates at Dana Hall

Peer Education has been a cornerstone of the Dana Hall Forum curriculum for decades. Many of our current students were first introduced to Peer Education during their Middle School years at Dana Hall—an experience that inspired them to return to the program as Peer Educators in the Upper School.

The Peer Education program is an integral part of both the Health and Wellness and Leadership curricula at Dana Hall. Juniors and seniors are selected by adult program advisors for their interest in mentoring younger students, as well as for their interpersonal skills, trustworthiness, and demonstrated ability to make healthy life choices. Peer Educators must also be credible in the eyes of their peers and consistently model these values in their daily lives.

Each winter, Peer Educators teach a series of Forum classes for students in grades 5 through 9, with the program running for approximately seven weeks. Topics include building healthy relationships, navigating friendships and social media, understanding consent, practicing self-care, strengthening time management skills, and managing academic challenges, among many others.

Beyond the classroom, Peer Educators foster connection through community-building events with younger students throughout the year, including painting activities, hot chocolate and donut gatherings, and poster-making during Family Weekend to cheer on fellow students at games.

Fostering a strong sense of community is a perennial value at Dana Hall, and the Peer Education program plays a vital role in strengthening connections between the Upper and Middle Schools. It helps demystify the Upper School experience for younger students, builds excitement around future leadership opportunities, and reinforces a culture of support and inclusion. Student feedback consistently reflects the program’s impact, with many noting that learning from peers feels more natural and authentic than traditional classroom instruction. As one student shared, “Even though the Peer Educators were older and we didn’t know them well, our conversations felt more natural—less like a formal class and more like just talking.” Others have described the experience as learning from “real people” and feeling better prepared for “the years ahead.”

For Peer Educators themselves, the program offers meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills, confidence, and self-esteem, while serving as role models and mentors within the community. In turn, the program strengthens relationships across grade levels and deepens the sense of belonging throughout the school.

Serving as the advisor to the Peer Education program has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Dana Hall. I have had the privilege of watching many of these educators grow from young students into confident, compassionate young women who embrace the responsibility of mentorship. Witnessing the impact of this leadership role firsthand continually reinforces the values, strengths, and spirit of the Dana Hall community.