The Philadelphia School District recently launched a new therapeutic pilot program at Fox Chase Farm for students and thanks to its success, the pilot program is being expanded to 12 schools this academic year, writes Kristen A. Graham for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The program, called Equine-Assisted Social Emotional Learning Support, helps students learn about social and emotional skills through animals.

Mandy Manna, who manages Fox Chase Farm, said the program helps these students “manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop critical thinking skills.”

Since its pilot launch, the program has shown very impressive results as 100 percent of the students who participated had improved attendance and 90 percent continued attendance gains after the program.

In addition, students who participated had fewer instances of mental health referrals, received fewer suspensions, and were able to spend more time in general education classes.

“As a school leader, the impact that this actually has in the building is tremendous,” said Morrison Elementary School principal Meredith Lowe, whose idea led to the initiative. “We have kids that are talking about physical safety, and emotional safety, and boundaries and respect.”

With the dramatic increase of students’ mental health needs since the pandemic, the District is always looking for innovative ways to help.

This program does that.

Read more about the success of the Equine-Assisted Social Emotional Learning Support program in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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