2026 SAIS Annual Conference

Independent schools across the country are seeing rising levels of student anxiety, academic pressure, and complex peer dynamics. Schools often respond by adding new programs or policies. Yet the most effective student support systems grow from something deeper: intentional relationships.
At Calvary Day School in Savannah, GA, relationships are intentionally woven into the structure of the school through leadership collaboration, faculty rhythms, student advisement systems, small groups, and a comprehensive college counseling program.
In this session, Dr. Hunter Chadwick, head of school, and Erin Chadwick, director of college counseling, will share how their school has developed a relationship ecosystem that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally. The system begins with strong relational alignment among leadership and faculty and extends into structured student mentorship through weekly advisement groups, weekly small groups focused on relationships and personal development, and a college counseling model centered on long-term mentorship. Students are supported through a structured college preparation pathway that includes a Junior Seminar course, a Senior Seminar course, and year-long parent programming designed to help families navigate the college process while supporting student well-being.
Participants will explore how relational alignment among adults creates the conditions for meaningful student support and how schools can build systems that strengthen belonging; reduce student stress; and foster healthy communication among students, families, and faculty.