Success Stories: Schools with High Emotional Intelligence
Across the globe, schools that prioritize emotional intelligence (EI) are seeing measurable success not only in student well-being but also in academic achievement, school climate, and teacher retention. As emotional intelligence becomes a central focus in modern education, these schools serve as powerful examples of what’s possible when emotional learning is given equal importance alongside academics. Through structured programs like RULER, intentional school-wide practices, and dedicated staff development, high-EI schools are leading the way toward more compassionate, inclusive, and effective educational environments.
Why Emotional Intelligence Drives School Success
Emotional intelligence the ability to recognize, understand, express, and regulate emotions is fundamental to human interaction and learning. When schools cultivate these skills, students experience:
Improved academic performance
Stronger social skills and conflict resolution
Lower levels of anxiety and depression
Increased empathy and sense of belonging
Better classroom behavior and focus
Educators benefit too. Teachers in emotionally intelligent environments report greater job satisfaction, stronger relationships with students, and lower rates of burnout.
Case Study 1: Yale RULER Schools (United States)
Many public and private schools in the United States have adopted the RULER method developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. At schools like the Montclair Public Schools in New Jersey, the implementation of RULER transformed the emotional climate. Students began using the Mood Meter daily, teachers applied the Meta-Moment during conflict, and the Charter helped classrooms commit to shared emotional values.
Results included higher student engagement, fewer behavioral referrals, and greater teacher collaboration. Students reported feeling more respected and understood, while parents noted improved emotional communication at home.
Case Study 2: Think Equal Schools (Global)
Think Equal is a global education initiative that introduces social-emotional learning to early childhood classrooms. In schools across Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Serbia, children aged 3–6 are taught to understand emotions, develop empathy, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
In South Africa, a pilot study showed that after six months of Think Equal programming, classrooms saw a 64% improvement in emotional vocabulary, 42% reduction in aggression, and significant increases in collaboration and kindness. These young learners are entering primary school emotionally prepared to learn and lead.
Case Study 3: New City School, St. Louis (United States)
This independent elementary school is known for integrating Multiple Intelligences theory with a strong focus on emotional development. Students engage in activities that build self-awareness, explore feelings through literature and art, and resolve peer conflicts using structured emotional vocabulary. Teachers receive ongoing training in emotional coaching and model emotional literacy daily.
As a result, New City School reports high student morale, excellent teacher retention, and a strong, inclusive community culture that draws families from diverse backgrounds.
The Kintess School Approach Emotional Intelligence in Daily Practice
At Kintess, emotional intelligence is more than a program it is a way of life. Through the RULER method, students and staff engage daily in practices that foster emotional awareness, expression, and regulation. Every morning begins with a Mood Meter check-in, where students identify how they feel and reflect on why. Teachers use this information to tailor instruction and address emotional needs proactively.
The Charter is co-created in each classroom, outlining how students want to feel and how they will support one another emotionally. When conflicts arise, students use the Blueprint to reflect on their actions and repair relationships through empathy and understanding.
What sets Kintess apart is its school-wide integration. From pre-K through middle school, emotional learning is embedded in academic subjects, group projects, and daily routines. Faculty model emotional intelligence openly, creating a culture of trust and safety. Parents are also involved through workshops and home resources, ensuring emotional intelligence is reinforced beyond the classroom.
The success stories of emotionally intelligent schools show that EI is not just a soft skill it’s a powerful driver of educational excellence. Whether through structured frameworks like RULER or global programs like Think Equal, schools that prioritize emotional learning see dramatic improvements in student engagement, school culture, and long-term outcomes. The approach at Kintess offers a clear roadmap: when emotional intelligence becomes part of the school’s DNA, everyone students, teachers, and families benefits. These schools are not just educating minds; they are shaping hearts and preparing children to thrive in every aspect of life.