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Developing School-Friendly Health System Principles

Children’s National is leading an initiative to develop school-friendly health system (SFHS) principles to help hospitals and health systems deliver better care and patient experience that enhance children’s prospects for improved health and academic success.

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Children’s National Hospital and RESOLVE (a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., specializing in collaborative process design) have led an effort to help hospitals, health systems and clinics become “school-friendly.” School-Friendly Health System (SFHS) is one actively working to ensure all children reach optimal health and achieve their full academic potential. Access our frequently asked questions about this initiative below. If you have additional questions or would like to connect to learn more, email us

To see how the five core SFHS principles and accompanying practices are being applied, download our Case Examples (PDF).

What is a school-friendly health system framework and its components?

What individuals and departments in hospitals and health systems is this framework intended for?

What individuals and organizations were engaged in the development of the SFHS framework?

How is this framework different from other existing school health frameworks, such as the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model?

What’s next for the SFHS initiative?

What organizations are interested in the piloting the SFHS framework?

How is this effort being funded?

Where can I learn more about this initiative?