The article presents a theoretical overview of the phenomenon "emotional intelligence" (EQ). The views of different foreign and domestic psychologists on the concept of EQ, its origin and structure are given. The importance of studying emotional intelligence and the possible ways of its development as a priority of the new Ukrainian school (NUS) are emphasized. The basis of the EQ study is determined as the nterrelation the concepts of "emotional-intellectual". Positive and negative signs of advanced emotional intelligence are highlighted. A methodological toolkit for the EQ study is presented. The possible ways and conditions of its development in ontogeny under appropriate conditions are substantiated. An algorithm for system work on the development of EQ has been elaborated.