Health and Wellness at BC High: Fostering Growth in Mind, Body, and Spirit
At Boston College High School, health and wellness aren’t just initiatives—they’re foundational to who we are. Rooted in the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” BC High is committed to supporting every student’s journey in mind, body, and spirit. Through intentional, mission-aligned practices, we’re helping students become compassionate, resilient, and purpose-driven leaders.
Why Wellness Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, young people are facing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and social pressure. At BC High, we recognize that academic success is only part of the equation. True formation happens when students are supported across all areas of their development:
By nurturing wellness across these five domains, we’re equipping students not just for high school—but for life.
Listening to Our Students
In 2023, BC High conducted its first-ever Student Wellness Survey for grades 7–12. Topics included stress, sleep, social media use, self-image, and academic integrity. The results were eye-opening and affirmed what we suspected: students need more consistent, proactive wellness support.
In response, the Social and Emotional Wellness Committee was formed, dedicated to addressing student needs with empathy and evidence-based action.
Wellness in Action
The Cadigan Wellness Complex
Thanks to a transformational $49 million gift from the Patrick F. Cadigan ’52 Family Foundation, BC High is building a new state-of-the-art Wellness Complex. This facility is more than a building, it’s a bold symbol of our long-term commitment to students' physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The “Graduate at Graduation”
Wellness efforts at BC High are aligned with our vision of the Graduate at Graduation—a student who is:
This holistic vision guides not just our curriculum, but our daily practices, retreats, service work, and wellness initiatives.
Building a Culture of Care
Advisory & House System
Wellness is woven into the fabric of school life.
Cross-Grade Programming
Our programming grows with students. Younger students learn foundational skills like stress management and digital awareness, while juniors and seniors explore complex topics such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, and mental health advocacy—all through retreats, assemblies, and service learning.
What’s Next: Growing Stronger Together
The Social and Emotional Wellness Committee has outlined clear next steps to strengthen and unify wellness efforts across campus:
These steps reinforce BC High’s commitment to whole-person care, ensuring that all students receive consistent and meaningful wellness support from grades 7–12.
Our Commitment
The wellness journey at BC High is ongoing, and it’s already strong, particularly in the Arrupe Division. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in ensuring that every student, from grades 7- 12, experiences consistent, age-appropriate, and meaningful wellness support.
Because at BC High, we’re not just preparing students for the next exam or college application. We’re preparing them for lives of purpose, service, and well-being.
To learn more about our approach to health and wellness—or explore how we're shaping the next generation of compassionate leaders—contact us today.