How a High School Hospice Class Teaches Empathy

At The Harley School in Rochester, New York, seniors can enroll in a unique elective called "Hospice." Many students sign up without fully understanding the profound impact it will have on them—and none leave unchanged.

The Life-Changing Experience of a Hospice Class

This groundbreaking course exposes high school students to end-of-life care, challenging them to confront mortality while developing deep empathy skills. The class was documented in the Emmy Award-winning film Beginning with the End by filmmaker David Marshall, who followed the program for two years.

Key Lessons from the Hospice Program

Facing mortality at a young age helps students appreciate life more deeply
Direct interaction with hospice patients builds emotional intelligence
Empathy can be taught through structured experiences
Life perspective shifts occur when confronting death meaningfully

Why This Program Matters for Youth Development

Research shows that:
1. Early exposure to compassionate care builds emotional resilience
2. End-of-life experiences foster gratitude and purpose
3. Mindfulness practices combined with hospice work enhance self-awareness

This program was featured in Mindful magazine's February 2014 issue ("A Matter of Death and Life") as an innovative approach to social-emotional learning.

The Lasting Impact on Students

Former participants report:
- Improved communication skills
- Greater emotional maturity
- Changed career aspirations toward helping professions
- Enhanced ability to process grief

This transformative class proves that empathy education belongs in schools, preparing students not just for college, but for life.

Articles tagged "high-school-programs"

Articles tagged "high-school-programs"

Teaching Empathy: Harley School's Hospice Class