In the Middle School, we recognize the unique challenges facing students in early adolescence and the importance of developing impactful, trusting relationships and a climate of physical, emotional, and intellectual safety. Our Advisory Program fosters a sense of belonging and personal development for each student while building a community within the advisory group. Each student is matched with a caring adult who will guide and support each student’s social, emotional, academic, and physical growth while serving as the connection between the student, teachers, coaches, and parents. Our advisory structure and activities are rooted in the philosophy of ​Developmental Designs​,​ and all of our advisors undergo training to ensure consistent and effective implementation.

Strong student-advisor relationships create a safe environment where students are willing to be themselves, take meaningful risks, and be challenged as learners while also striking a balance. All of our advisors are excellent educators and in Middle School, our primary focus for advisories is to develop balanced groups of compatible students who have varying styles, personalities, genders, and interests. In each advisory, we also are intentional about creating a blend of Huskies who are brand new to Flint Hill and those who have a longer history at the school. Students returning to Flint Hill are mixed differently from the previous year to ensure a new experience and dynamic. For students new to Flint Hill, the Middle School team considers stated interests and class connections. At the end of this process, our hope is to have balanced advisory groups in place for all 7th and 8th graders for the coming year.

Advisory experiences supplement the day-to-day academic and social-emotional growth of our students. Our placement process is intentional and centered on the student, like everything else at Flint Hill. The process involves many voices and steps in creating a well-composed advisory that becomes a tight-knit community the following year.

Upper School advisors consist of a broad group of educators — faculty across all disciplines and certain staff members who support the student body through an administrative role. Strong student-advisor relationships create a safe environment where students are willing to be themselves, take meaningful risks, and challenge themselves as learners while also striking balance. While all of our advisors are excellent educators, there is a best fit for each student based on style, personality, and interests. Our process starts with placing each student with their best-fit advisor to facilitate that foundation. During the placement process for students new to Flint Hill, the Upper School team analyzes the students’ admission files, including interview notes, recommendations, questionnaires, transcripts, testing reports, and notes from conversations with the family. These components help us consider best-fit advisors and social connections.