A logo for 27J Schools featuring the number 27 with a mountain, a red, yellow, and blue striped line, and a blue arc, along with the word "SCHOOLS" in blue text.

Case Study: Brighton 27J Schools

Transforming Student Resilience in Brighton Colorado (24,000 students)

The Context

When the Intervention Services team at 27J Schools saw an increase in big behaviors and a growing need for additional Tier 2 support—especially among middle school girls—they knew they needed a new approach.

Something relatable, practical, and built for adolescents.

That’s when they found Live Big.

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From Pilots to District-Wide Transformation

Live Big launched two pilot workshops at Vikan and Stuart middle schools in November 2022. The response from students was immediate and powerful, with students immediately using the language in the hallways, classrooms, and 1:1 counselor sessions.

Encouraged by the impact, 27J invited Live Big to train their counseling team so the work could scale affordably and sustainably across the district.

Over the 2023–2025 school years, the Live Big–27J partnership evolved through three key phases of growth:

  • Phase 1: Building the Foundation
    Live Big trained the first cohort of 10 counselors through the four-day Deep-Dive Training during the 2023 school year. This laid the groundwork for a train-the-trainer model that could scale.

  • Phase 2: Expanding the Reach
    After seeing strong results with students and enthusiastic feedback from counselors, a second cohort opted in for training in 2024—growing the impact and broadening access.

  • Phase 3: Sustaining the Work Internally
    In 2025, Live Big certified three internal “Live Big Staff Trainers” within 27J. These champions now lead new counselor trainings in-house, supported by Live Big’s on-demand video platform. This model gives the district a flexible, cost-effective path to scale the work sustainably.

The Impact

A System Students Understand—and Use

Students don’t just show up for Live Big—they live it. From recognizing the “Voice of Small” to building confidence and making empowered decisions, students across 27J are applying Live Big skills in and beyond the classroom.

“Don’t believe in your small voice—trust your powerful big voice.”
— Student, 27J Schools

“The most helpful thing I learned in the Live Big program was ways to control and manage my stress.”
— Student, 27J Schools

Counselors, known as Live Big Guides, consistently noted how students referenced program concepts independently—especially during conflicts or counseling sessions. One counselor shared:

“Probably the most common feedback that I get is that students are using the language—like the idea of the Voice of Small. So when they come to the counselor, they can refer to the concepts they’ve learned in the Live Big group.”

Another described a shift in self-esteem:

“One girl came in timid and didn’t share unless asked. By the end of the semester, she was one of the most talkative!”

And beyond school walls, the ripple effect reached families:

“I’ve heard from counselors who reached out to parents, and the feedback was, ‘This is really helpful for my kid. These are things my kid has been struggling with—and honestly, things I struggled with too.’”
— Assistant Principal, 27J Schools

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Measured Impact in Just Months

A four-month efficacy study in 27J showed powerful results:

  • Behavior Referrals: The percent of female students with 1+ behavior referrals was cut in half

  • Self-Observation Skills: Statistically significant growth in students' ability to notice how they think, feel, and act—without judgment

  • Confidence: Students reported more belief in their ability to overcome challenges and “go out of their comfort zone”

  • School Engagement: Chronic absenteeism rates among girls decreased from 21% to 19%

Even counselors shared personal growth:

“The Voice of Small was the most powerful lesson—just for me as a human. I was excited to share it with them.”

Sustainable, Scalable, and Rooted in Community

The district’s decision to invest in internal Staff Trainers has created a self-sustaining model that keeps momentum strong. As the program expands into Tier 1 with grade-wide Live Big workshops, the impact is growing in both depth and reach.

What started as two pilot workshops has become a districtwide movement—led by people who believe in the work, see its power, and are committed to helping their students live big.

A classroom with students raising their hands, seated at tables, with one person standing near the window, and educational posters and an American flag on the wall.
A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a black top and a heart-shaped earring, smiling against a gray textured background.

“Live Big has been a game-changer for our students! It breaks down complex internal systems of beliefs and self-talk into content and language that they can connect with & understand.”

- Rebecca Meiller, Lead Counselor, Stuart Middle School (CO)