Beyond Academics: Why a Science-Backed, Heart-Centered Education Matters

By Raju Parikh, Director of Early Learning Programs at Stanford University

I am delighted to share our family’s experience with Living Wisdom School (LWS). As an educator in the field of early learning at Stanford University, I know that the future of our society depends on its ability to foster healthy development in the next generation.

While many schools focus solely on test scores, my husband and I sought something deeper: an environment that would nurture our daughter’s spirit, mind, and soul.

The Science of Stress and the Power of Environment

Extensive research on the biology of stress, conducted at the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University, shows that healthy development can be derailed by excessive or prolonged activation of the body’s stress-response systems.

"Toxic stress" can have damaging effects on learning, behavior, and health. However, researchers found a vital "buffer": when a child’s stress-response systems are activated within an environment of supportive relationships with adults, the physiological effects are brought back down to baseline.

As parents, we cannot save our children from every one of life’s stressors. The pressing issue for our family was finding a school that could provide the supportive, nurturing environment necessary to help our daughter learn to cope with adversity and thrive.

Discovering Living Wisdom School

In 2011, after reading Autobiography of a Yogi and researching meditation, we discovered LWS. It was a rare find—a holistic approach to academic education that integrated mindfulness, positive thinking, and universal human values.

At LWS, teachers guide children daily in consciously choosing kindness and joy, reinforcing their innate love of learning.

Why We Chose "Education for Life"

Several key features led us to select LWS as the right choice for our daughter:

• Holistic Academics: Providing the essential skills needed for a lifetime of meaningful work.

• Emotional Self-Regulation: Teaching tools like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to help children navigate a complex world.

• The Power of Choice: Helping children develop a mindset of choosing happiness even in adverse circumstances.

• Confidence Through Support: Healthy competition within a community of mutual support, teaching that excellence is a goal worth striving for.

• Mindfulness in Practice: Utilizing techniques proven to decrease anxiety, increase attention, and strengthen compassion.

• Personalized Learning: Teachers have the flexibility to adapt the curriculum to each child’s unique strengths and individual pace.

• The Theater Magic Program: An annual production that engages the entire student body and enhances academic learning in profound ways.

A Foundation of Joy and Academic Success

Our daughter’s time at LWS was a blessing for our entire family. During her years there, she was eager to go to school every day and truly loved her environment—to me, there is no better definition of "school success."

Ultimately, the Education for Life philosophy helped us consciously define our goals for authentic parenting. Our daughter progressed so well in her academic environment as she learned to manage her stress, choose happiness, and be a joy-filled child. What more could we ask?