Quality instruction provides students with a wide range of opportunities to learn, practice, and demonstrate knowledge and skills related to living a healthy life. Programs offered during the instructional day often lay the foundation for other activities done outside instructional time.

Quality programs also include opportunities for teachers and school administrators to participate in professional learning opportunities.

A safe and healthy physical environment improves the conditions for learning.  The physical environment includes the school building and grounds, routes to and from the school, and materials and equipment used in school programs.

A supportive social environment has a positive impact on students’ learning.  Many practices within a school foster such an environment.  Students, teachers, and parents can benefit from the support provided, which may be formal (eg., school policies, rules, clubs, or support groups) or informal (eg., unstructured peer interaction or free play).

Community partnerships provide access to resources and services available to support staff, students, and families in the development and implementation of healthy schools initiatives.  Various organizations can deliver services within the school setting, including public health.