Where Reflection Meets Education
As the first Grace Trail® located at an elementary school in the U.S., the West Woods School Grace Trail represents a powerful model for integrating emotional wellness, reflection, and connection into the educational experience.
Created during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this trail was designed to help students and staff process emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with each other and nature. It is safely located near the school, allowing students, staff, and families to access it throughout the day and it’s become a meaningful tool for both personal and classroom reflection.
GRACE in the Curriculum and Community
What began as a spark of inspiration after teachers AnnMarie Blake and Kristen Bell walked the East Lyme Grace Trail quickly became a full-school effort. Together with principal Dan Levy, the town, and the broader school community, they brought the trail to life.
Now, the Grace Trail is a regular part of school culture.
- Students start and end the year by answering the five GRACE questions, reflecting their emotional growth over time.
- Teachers use the trail during lessons, staff meetings, and outdoor walks to check in with students.
- Families are invited to walk the trail together after school or on weekends, using it as a simple way to spark meaningful conversations.
Faculty say students are often more open and expressive on the trail and their answers become more thoughtful and profound as the year progresses.
A Trail Built by Young Hearts
Students were directly involved in choosing the location of each GRACE sign, giving them ownership and a sense of pride. The trail’s presence has led to campus-wide events, moments of quiet bonding, and creative expressions like this poem, written by a 2nd grader:
Gratitude
by Sunny
I am grateful for the world
School
my house.
I love the Grace Trail.
It’s the best trail.
Grace
Release
Acceptance
Challenge
Embrace
Growing Resilience in Young Minds
By introducing children to mindfulness and emotional vocabulary through the Grace Trail, West Woods School is nurturing not only academic success, but whole-person well-being. This trail offers a beautiful way for students, staff, and families to reflect, connect, and grow—together.
Interested in bringing Grace Trail to your school?
We’d love to hear how your school or educational program envisions using Grace Trail for wellness, learning, and connection. Reach out to us here to start the conversation.
