San Diego Unified School District expanded its number of student Wellness Centers from three to 12 on Friday, May 2, in Pacific Beach as Interim Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula, students, and Board of Education members celebrated the opening of Mission Bay High’s Wellness Center.

Services offered at Wellness Centers include self-regulation support, tailored care navigation, peer engagement, and programming.

“These wellness centers were developed to support the students inside and outside the classroom,” said Bagula. “If a student is not doing well mentally their ability to learn, retain information, and achieve positive academic outcomes suffers. The usage levels at the 12 wellness centers demonstrate the investment we are making in student wellness is needed. This work is part of a commitment to support the whole student.”

The Mission Bay Wellness Center is filled with natural lights and designed to feel approachable, soothing, and student-centered. Modern recliners and plush bean bags offer students a place to pause and reset. A large TV quietly plays mindfulness videos, breathing exercises, and calming visuals – promoting wellness through sound and sight. From thoughtfully arranged seating areas to quiet, low-traffic zones ideal for reflection, every detail is intentionally curated to support calm, comfort, and connection. Other features include:

• Puzzle and activity tables to support mindfulness and peer connection;
• Private meeting room for student clubs and caregiver gatherings;
• Outdoor seating for fresh-air wellness moments; and
• Soft textures and cozy touches create a welcoming, non-clinical atmosphere.

“The Wellness Center is a reset zone,” said Kate Edra, program development specialist for nursing and wellness for San Diego Unified School District. “Whether a student needs 15 minutes to breathe, a trusted adult to talk to, or a group activity to feel connected, this space meets them with empathy and intention.”

Across all 12 Wellness Centers – including the nine that launched just this winter – students are engaging with services in meaningful, measurable ways:

• More than 3,300 one-on-one sessions: Wellness Center coordinators support students through tailored care navigation, helping them identify individual needs and connect with the right resources – whether that’s academic assistance, mental health support, or community-based services.
• More than 93,000 student interactions: These include drop-ins, youth-led health education, special projects, and participation in signature wellness initiatives like On-the-Go Pantries, which offer healthy snacks to fuel students’ minds and bodies.

List of services offered at all 12 high school wellness centers:

• Self-regulation support: Students can drop in to practice self-regulation techniques, which include mindfulness exercises, stress management strategies, and other coping mechanisms aimed at helping them manage their emotions and behaviors effectively.​
• Tailored care navigation: The Wellness Center coordinators assist students in identifying their individual needs and connecting them with appropriate resources both within the district and through community partners. This personalized approach ensures that each student receives the support they require, whether it’s academic assistance, mental health services, or other forms of aid.​
• Peer engagement and programming: The centers provide a safe space for students to interact with their peers, participate in school-wide wellness campaigns, and engage in youth-driven programs. These activities promote a sense of community, encourage healthy relationships, and empower students to take an active role in their well-being.