Challenge Success is a non-profit affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. They partner with school communities to elevate student voice and implement research-based, equity-centered strategies that improve well-being, engagement, and belonging for all K-12 students. Learn more.

In June 2014, the Dover-Sherborn Regional Schools launched the Challenge Success Initiative for grades K-12.  The Initiative was undertaken based on recommendations from the DS Regional School Improvement Plan and the School Council Surveys, both sources identifying student stress and anxiety as a priority issue to be addressed.  The Challenge Success program is a nonprofit organization based out of Stanford University’s School of Education that partners with schools, families, and communities to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning. Dover-Sherborn was the first school to launch Challenge Success on the East Coast, although now there are over thirty Massachusetts schools and districts on board. The primary goal of Challenge Success is to help students and the larger DS community create better balance in their lives by 

•  Reducing unhealthy pressures and demands

•  Promoting a broader definition of “success”

•  Building resilience among our students    

The program accomplishes these outcomes by implementing proven strategies for effective change, drawing from research data as well as best practices from other schools across the country. We were very fortunate to receive generous funding support from DSEF as well as a private donation each year from 2014 until 2020.  

Notable Links:

How to be Your Child's Go to Person https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66GrhKD5Zic

Book recommendation "Never Enough" https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough

Helpful article "Can Kids Grow up if They're Constantly Tracked and Monitored?" https://www.edsurge.com/news/2023-12-05-can-kids-grow-up-if-they-re-constantly-tracked-and-monitored

A group of DSHS teachers visited a public school in Maine to learn about project-based curriculum https://cbhs.portlandschools.org/about/el-education

Restorative practices and the importance of relationships for outcomes https://www.leavingthevillage.com/understandingrp/v/jcfktbxl5syanwexw52s3p8bbk4dej

Upcoming Challenge Success Important Dates: 

Event Dates TBD