Leadership Programs

Heathwood Hall believes that leadership is not just a position — it's a practice. We offer a wide range of opportunities for students to grow as leaders, beginning in the Lower School and expanding through Middle and Upper School.

Through programs like Youth in Government, the Buddies Program, and PEAK Student Leadership, students learn to lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose. Our Safety Walkers take responsibility for supporting a safe campus environment, while our student-hosted Leadership Podcast gives students a platform to explore and share what leadership looks like in action.

These programs, along with many others, allow students to lead by example, serve their community, and develop the skills that will guide them far beyond their time at Heathwood.

Youth in Government

Student government empowers students to take an active role in shaping their school community. Representatives collaborate to plan events, voice student concerns, and promote initiatives that enhance school life.

Through participation in Student Government, students develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a sense of civic responsibility, while contributing to a positive and inclusive campus culture.

Buddies Program

The Buddies Programs connect students across divisions to build mentorship, friendship, and community. Older students serve as buddies to younger peers, guiding them through school routines, sharing stories, and participating in activities together.

These programs foster confidence, social-emotional growth, and meaningful connections, allowing students to learn from one another while creating a supportive and inclusive environment throughout the school.

PEAK Student Leadership

Leadership and personal growth are at the heart of PEAK. Through the program, trained PEAK Student Leaders (PSLs) help design and lead a wide range of adventure experiences, developing character and interpersonal skills alongside outdoor skills such as camping, ropes courses, rock climbing, and paddling. Along the way, they earn community service hours, strengthen their résumés and college applications, and grow in confidence, resilience, and self-reliance.

PSLs progress through training, initiative, and hands-on leadership, gaining greater responsibilities and opportunities over time. Following an immersive initial training experience—the fall PSL Passage Retreat—students are prepared to support PEAK programs from the very first day of school.

PEAK maintains high standards of commitment, character, and participation. PSLs are expected to attend trainings and events regularly and to demonstrate consistent engagement and leadership throughout the year.

Safety Walkers

Safety walkers are trained student volunteers who help ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal experience on campus. They provide support to younger students. Through this program, student volunteers develop responsibility, leadership, and a sense of service while contributing to the daily safety and well-being of their peers.

Leadership Opportunities in the Lower School

Fourth graders assume various roles as leaders in the Lower School. Safety Patrol is an important role that fourth graders can apply to participate in. Students are selected and trained to greet cars in the morning carline, open doors, and assist EC Highlanders with walking safely to their classroom. During weekly chapel service, fourth graders work alongside the Chaplain to recite the prayers and serve in various roles including as acolytes. 

Leadership in the Lower School is not unique to only fourth graders. Students are empowered to see ways that they can be helpful and purposeful to our community. Last year two second grade students noticed that the recess balls and equipment were not being cared for properly. They volunteered to help collect materials daily and then observed that balls were migrating to the Middle School. The two students took the initiative to report this to Middle School student council representatives who agreed to help. At Town Hall students presented their problem and proposed solutions.