Healthy bodies and minds are the foundation of academic success. The Division of H&W leverages programming, partnerships, policy, and data to remove health barriers to learning so that people of all ages and backgrounds are prepared to succeed in school and in life.
Health is critical for learning. OSSE provides assistance for schools around curriculum and instruction, hosts health programs and services, supports mental health in schools, and oversees the Health & Physical Education Assessment (HPEA) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). You can also find more information about health and wellness data, Advancing the Recruitment and Retention of Our Workforce (ARROW) or navigate to reports. Schools and community-based organizations can request support and resources by contacting [email protected].
Explore health programming and services.
OSSE supports nutrition and food programs, including the National School Lunch Programs, Free Summer Meals, Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Read more about our nutrition and food services and programs.
Our health and wellness work is supported by key District and federal policy, including the Healthy Schools Act, the Healthy Tots Act, the Access to Emergency Epinephrine in Schools Amendment Act and the School Safety Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 (SSOAA).
Access information and resources related to student health form requirements for school attendance, health form requirements for child care attendance and the District of Columbia Immunization Attendance Policy.