Boys Education Series

Time spent outdoors plays an important role in boys’ growth and development. From improving physical health to supporting focus, creativity, and emotional well-being, unstructured time in nature offers benefits that are increasingly important in today’s screen-filled world. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Jr. K – Grade 4 Science Teacher Hans Rydquist explores how outdoor play supports...

From small daily changes to major milestones, transitions shape how boys grow, adapt, and build confidence throughout their school years. With thoughtful guidance, these moments can become meaningful opportunities for development. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Associate Head of School Jen Beros shares some practical strategies parents can use to support their sons as they navigate t...

Understanding how boys learn is essential to helping them thrive in school and in life. From executive functioning to motivation and relationships, boys benefit when adults understand their unique developmental pathways. In our latest Boys Education Series article, Upper School Dean of Students Betsy Coy explores how recognizing boys’ learning styles, offering appropriate support, and fostering st...

Throughout our lives, mentors shape who we become. For boys, male mentors can play a unique role in helping them understand strength, compassion, and connection. In our latest Boys Education Series article, middle school social studies teacher, class dean, and wrestling coach, Matt McCarter, explores how authentic relationships with male role models help boys build confidence, resilience, and a se...

In our latest blog, Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneur Institute at University School Ilene Frankel shared her own journey to entrepreneurship, along with tips for parents to spark their own child’s entrepreneur spirit. In this episode, Associate Head of School Jen Beros discusses with Ilene how an entrepreneurial mindset is the spark behind creativity, resilience, and real-world problem...

In our latest blog, University School Grades 3-4 Learning Specialist Emma Royan and Grades K-2 Learning Specialist Alyx Voytilla shared strategies to help parents recognize and nurture these crucial skills at home every day. In this episode, Associate Head of School Jen Beros continues the conversation with Emma and Alyx as they dive deeper into how these "hidden keys" to success—like time managem...

In our latest blog, University School School Psychologist Erica Evert and School Counselor Leslie Muha shared strategies to help parents manage their worries while intentionally loosening the safety net, empowering children to grow into capable and self-reliant individuals. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, continues the conversation with Erica and Leslie,...

In our latest blog, Upper School English Teacher Kevin O’Brien shared insights on using mindfulness to help students build resilience and manage stress. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, speaks with Kevin further about integrating practical mindfulness into daily routines. 

In our latest blog, University School Director of Technology and Libraries, Lisa Ulery, offered solutions to help balance your child’s technology usage. In this episode, Jen Beros, Associate Head of School at University School, speaks with Lisa further about how families and schools are working to help boys develop healthy relationships with technology.

Studies have shown a significant decrease in language learning in the United States. This trend is counter to the known value of learning a second language and exploring its related culture. University School Director of the Upper School Krystopher Perry discusses the opportunities for adolescent boys who find a love of language.

In this episode, Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Libraries at University School shares advice on navigating the dangers of online gambling for teenage boys.

Lower School Director Mrs. Lisa Cummings provides valuable insights for raising compassionate, responsible, and resilient individuals.

In this episode, Head of School Mr. Patrick Gallagher discusses practical strategies and valuable insights to help young men navigate stress and anxiety.

In the latest episode of the Boys Education Series, Associate Head of School and Interim Director of College Counseling, Mrs. Jen Beros, shares advice on how to decide between encouraging perseverance and recognizing when it's time to embrace change.

From sports and music to art and science, there is no shortage of activities for children to try. But how do we know when to encourage participation, and how do we help them balance it all? In this episode, University School Jr. K - Grade 8 Enrichment Specialist Mr. Jeff Pierce shares how to support your son in embracing new experiences.

Organization skills play an important role in becoming a successful student and, ultimately, adult. Encouraging these habits early with your son can help him to be prepared for anything that might come his way. In this episode, Gail Ross, Third Grade Team Leader at University School, offers advice on how parents can start small for big results.

Competitive sports in middle and high school can be difficult for parents to navigate. You want to push your son to excel, but it is also important to know when and how to take more of a backseat approach. In this episode, Jon Bridge, Middle School and Varsity Squash Coach and Assistant Head of School for Advancement at University School, offers advice on how parents can best set their son up for...

Having the latest and greatest tech gadget is often a big deal for boys. With that comes many questions for parents who are considering these devices for their sons. In this episode, Lisa Ulery, Director of Technology and Library Services at University School provides parents with some guidance on managing this important decision.

Gaining emotional intelligence is a lifelong endeavor, but there are methods that we can practice to help our children understand their feelings. In this edition of the Boys Education Series, University School Jr. K - 8 School Psychologist and Student Services Department Chair, Erica Evert, shares six ways to help nurture emotional intelligence in your child.

Being kind is a skill that we can teach and practice with our children–just like sports, language, or math. University School Jr. K-8 School Counselor, Leslie Muha, shares three ways to practice kindness daily.

A reflection for parents and teachers on the book 'We the Leader' by Dr. Jeffrey Spahn and how its lessons can be related to raising young leaders.  

It can be difficult to find the right balance of ambitious aspirations and attainable goals for our children. 

Laying the groundwork early with the framework for healthy relationships can help guide your son through the challenging relationships yet to come in his life. In this episode, University School One Love Foundation faculty advisor, Lisa Ulery, shares the best methods to help support your son in developing healthy relationships.

Narrow perceptions of masculinity and male identity can prevent adolescent boys from confidence in sharing who they are and how they feel. Director of the Center for the Education of Boys and Head Football Coach University School, Mr. Ben Malbasa, shares his experience fostering an environment where boys can be their authentic selves.

Teaching responsibility is similar to teaching a skill in physical education. Both skills need to be broken down into separate steps and practiced before children are able to master it.