A strong feedback loop is essential in so many parts of our lives, whether in an employee opinion survey at work, sharing thoughts with the businesses we frequent, or even an honest conversation with loved ones over a family dinner. At the International School of Denver, we take that same philosophy to heart. We are a community, and every voice matters.

We regularly gather input from families, faculty, and staff through formal surveys and informal opportunities like Coffee and Conversation with our Head of School, Roberto d’Erizans. But there’s one group whose voices are just as essential and sometimes overlooked in traditional school settings: students.

In an IB World School like ISDenver, student voice and choice aren’t just nice to have; they’re foundational to how we teach, learn, and grow together. So this winter, we flipped the script and did something that might seem unconventional elsewhere but makes perfect sense here: we asked our students directly how we, the adults, are doing in meeting their needs.

Checking In with Upper Primary

Under the leadership of Ms. Elena, our Student Belonging & Well‑Being Coordinator, we launched a Student Belonging and Well‑Being Survey for our 4th and 5th graders. The goal was simple and deeply important: to understand how our students feel each day, whether they feel seen, heard, supported, and connected as they navigate their upper elementary years.

Their responses were honest, thoughtful, and full of insight.

What Our Students Shared

• A Place to Belong. The majority of students reported that they “Always” or “Most of the time” feel they belong at ISDenver. They feel cared for by their teachers and connected to their peers. This is an affirmation of the warm, inclusive culture our educators work hard to cultivate.

• Safe Spaces. Students shared that they feel comfortable being themselves in their classrooms. They also know exactly which teachers or staff members they can turn to when they need help, which speaks to the strong relationships built across our Upper Primary team.

• The Best Parts of the Day. When asked what brings them joy, their answers were wonderfully consistent: spending time with friends, playing during PE, and expressing themselves in Art and Music. These moments of connection and creativity are central to their school experience.

• Growing Through the IB Learner Profile. We loved seeing how students view themselves through the lens of the IB Learner Profile. Many identified as Caring, Principled, and Communicators which is a powerful reflection of the values they practice daily.

• Ideas for Improvement. True to the spirit of inquiry, our students didn’t hesitate to share suggestions. They asked for more variety in recess activities, more options for quiet independent work, and even a few new additions to the lunch menu. Their ideas were thoughtful, practical, and rooted in a desire to make school even better.

What Happens Next

A survey is only meaningful if it leads to action. To honor our students’ voices, we’re taking several intentional next steps:

1. Peer Mentorship & Leadership Opportunities. Because so many students identified themselves as Caring and Communicators, we’re exploring new leadership roles for Grades 4 and 5. These may include buddy reading with younger students, supporting peers during transitions, or serving as student ambassadors. These opportunities help students practice empathy, responsibility, and communication while strengthening cross‑grade connections.
2. Collaborative Classroom Strategies. All survey data has been shared with classroom teachers and school counselors. Together, they are reviewing both the quantitative results and the open‑ended feedback to inform targeted strategies that support emotional well‑being. This includes exploring ways to create more balanced, calm, and supportive learning environments—directly shaped by what students told us they need.

A Community That Listens

I’m most proud that the survey gave students a genuine opportunity to be heard and provided us with clear, meaningful insight into what helps them feel safe, connected, and supported at school. One thing that surprised me was how thoughtful and specific students were in their reflections, and how much they value belonging and relationships. The survey has helped us move from assumptions to real student voice, and I’m excited to use the results to guide future well-being initiatives in Upper Primary.

-Elena Gamero Larios, Student Belonging & Well‑Being Coordinator

This work reflects something core to who we are at ISDenver: a community that listens deeply and responds with intention. By elevating student voice, we not only strengthen our classrooms. We empower our learners with confidence to speak up and see themselves as active contributors to their own educational journey.

Every child deserves to feel valued, supported, listened to, and known. And thanks to their honesty, their insights, and their willingness to share, we’re continuing to build a school where that is true every single day.