In prior posts, you may have read about the Developmental Relationships Framework, which informs the powerful, transformative relationships that foster belonging, growth, and well-being for our students. The next question is how we ensure that every student is benefiting from these developmental relationships. The answer is in Oliverian’s Team Model.
At Oliverian, each student’s core team consists of their academic advisor, counselor, dorm parent, and team lead, each bringing their specific area of focus and support, but each focused on cultivating a developmental relationship with that student to help them thrive. This wraparound model is central to how we help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
The Team Lead is the connector—gathering input from all team members, coordinating support, and communicating once per week with parents. That weekly call is an opportunity for parents to participate as members of the team—receiving information about their child’s progress and sharing their own insights and ideas.
Unlike most boarding schools, Oliverian’s Dorm Parents are full-time, professional educators whose primary role is to teach, model, and support students in developing life skills, healthy relationships, and vibrant lives outside of school. Dorm parents dedicate time twice per week to facilitate intentional activities designed to help students explore their values, deepen self-understanding, and build meaningful connections with others.
Each student has a mental health counselor or coach they meet with once a week individually and several times a week as part of a group in both CREW and Wellness blocks. Counseling and wellness blocks are focused on students’ individual mental health and/or executive functioning needs and building a healthy lifestyle that supports their goals.
Each student has a teacher designated as their academic advisor. The advisor’s focus is supporting the student’s growth as a learner and fostering increasing independence and confidence as students face increasing academic challenges as they move through their high school experience.
One example of the team in action is CREW, a 45-minute advisory block that meets three times per week and includes the students’ counselor, two academic advisors, and a group of peers. During this block, students check in on academic, social-emotional, physical, and life skill goals. This consistent, structured connection ensures every student is known, supported, accountable, and a part of the larger community.
At Oliverian, this teamwork isn’t just a system—it’s a culture. Every adult plays a role in helping students build the confidence, competence, and connection they need to thrive at Oliverian and beyond. It is this unique, holistic approach that ensures no student slips through the cracks but instead thrives.
