Health - Seattle Academy
Source: http://www.seattleacademy.org/academics/our-curriculum/health
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Health - Seattle Academy
The Hub
Health
The philosophy of teaching and learning in the Health curriculum at Seattle Academy focuses on providing students with the tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Across all grades, the curriculum emphasizes self-reflection, self-awareness, and the development of decision-making skills, empowering students to make informed health choices that positively impact their own lives and their communities. Students utilize both biological and social sciences to inform their research, discussions and to further ensure a comprehensive understanding of the many factors that influence one's overall health.
MEET THE Physical Education/HEALTH FACULTY
Middle School
In Middle School at SAAS, health education plays a key role in fostering the development of students' physical, social, and emotional well-being. In
6th and 8th grades
, health topics such as nutrition, peer pressure, body image, puberty, mindfulness and mental health, risk-taking behaviors, and consent are integrated into the students' Physical Education (PE) classes, ensuring that health education is approached holistically alongside physical wellness. In
7th grade
, health is taught as a trimester-long course in which students explore in-depth topics, including mental health, body systems, reproductive systems, healthy relationships, and consent. In 8th grade, students take a trimester-long cognitive health course, which explores how adolescent brains process information and how environmental, psychological, and social factors influence learning. These health classes not only lay the groundwork for healthy decision-making but also foster academic excellence by encouraging students to develop the intellectual habits, critical thinking, and self-awareness necessary for success in both school and life. Through this well-rounded approach, students are empowered to make informed, positive choices for themselves and their communities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
As students transition into the Upper School, the health curriculum builds on Middle School foundations with greater depth and specialization. In
9th grade
, students take a trimester-long course that covers topics such as mental health, reproductive and sexual health, social wellness, media use, and drug and alcohol education. Drawing on the biological and social sciences, the program emphasizes critical analysis of media, self-reflection, and group work, helping students refine decision-making skills and make informed choices about their personal and community health. At Seattle Academy, health education integrates scientific knowledge with real-life applications, empowering students to engage critically with complex topics and contribute responsibly to society as thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.
In addition to the required trimester-long health course in
9th grade
, Upper School students must take one additional health elective before they graduate. Classes that satisfy the second health credit include: Advanced Psychology, Endocrinology, Global Health, Infectious Diseases, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, PE - Yoga and Psychology
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Healthy Relationships
Relationships are at the core of the school experience. Students learn the features of healthy relationships and conflict management. They take on different perspectives, understanding bystander responsibilities and how to navigate complex social situations. In high school, students further develop their understanding of both platonic and romantic relationships, understanding boundaries, consent, and sexual assault.
Social Media
The use of social media is ubiquitous throughout the middle school and high school. Given the prevalence of these tools, SAAS health will prepare students to understand the relationship between social media and their social and emotional health. Students will discuss bullying, body image, and media messaging around gender, identity, sex, drugs and alcohol.
How many health credits do you need to graduate?
Upper School students need two Health credits to graduate. Students should take Health 9 plus an additional elective to meet this requirement. View our
Graduation Requirements
for more information.
The Hub
Health
The philosophy of teaching and learning in the Health curriculum at Seattle Academy focuses on providing students with the tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Across all grades, the curriculum emphasizes self-reflection, self-awareness, and the development of decision-making skills, empowering students to make informed health choices that positively impact their own lives and their communities. Students utilize both biological and social sciences to inform their research, discussions and to further ensure a comprehensive understanding of the many factors that influence one's overall health.
MEET THE Physical Education/HEALTH FACULTY
Middle School
In Middle School at SAAS, health education plays a key role in fostering the development of students' physical, social, and emotional well-being. In
6th and 8th grades
, health topics such as nutrition, peer pressure, body image, puberty, mindfulness and mental health, risk-taking behaviors, and consent are integrated into the students' Physical Education (PE) classes, ensuring that health education is approached holistically alongside physical wellness. In
7th grade
, health is taught as a trimester-long course in which students explore in-depth topics, including mental health, body systems, reproductive systems, healthy relationships, and consent. In 8th grade, students take a trimester-long cognitive health course, which explores how adolescent brains process information and how environmental, psychological, and social factors influence learning. These health classes not only lay the groundwork for healthy decision-making but also foster academic excellence by encouraging students to develop the intellectual habits, critical thinking, and self-awareness necessary for success in both school and life. Through this well-rounded approach, students are empowered to make informed, positive choices for themselves and their communities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
As students transition into the Upper School, the health curriculum builds on Middle School foundations with greater depth and specialization. In
9th grade
, students take a trimester-long course that covers topics such as mental health, reproductive and sexual health, social wellness, media use, and drug and alcohol education. Drawing on the biological and social sciences, the program emphasizes critical analysis of media, self-reflection, and group work, helping students refine decision-making skills and make informed choices about their personal and community health. At Seattle Academy, health education integrates scientific knowledge with real-life applications, empowering students to engage critically with complex topics and contribute responsibly to society as thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.
In addition to the required trimester-long health course in
9th grade
, Upper School students must take one additional health elective before they graduate. Classes that satisfy the second health credit include: Advanced Psychology, Endocrinology, Global Health, Infectious Diseases, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, PE - Yoga and Psychology
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Healthy Relationships
Relationships are at the core of the school experience. Students learn the features of healthy relationships and conflict management. They take on different perspectives, understanding bystander responsibilities and how to navigate complex social situations. In high school, students further develop their understanding of both platonic and romantic relationships, understanding boundaries, consent, and sexual assault.
Social Media
The use of social media is ubiquitous throughout the middle school and high school. Given the prevalence of these tools, SAAS health will prepare students to understand the relationship between social media and their social and emotional health. Students will discuss bullying, body image, and media messaging around gender, identity, sex, drugs and alcohol.
How many health credits do you need to graduate?
Upper School students need two Health credits to graduate. Students should take Health 9 plus an additional elective to meet this requirement. View our
Graduation Requirements
for more information.