Learning Support

A range of academic and non-academic support to students beyond classroom teachers includes advisors, upper school grade deans, middle and upper school deans, learning specialists, a school psychologist and a college counselor.

Lower School

When teachers identify a student’s academic difficulty, they work with the child individually or in small groups, alert the learning specialist, and inform the parents. In conjunction with the learning specialist they develop strategies to address the area of concern. The learning specialist works with students in small groups in order to provide remedial or a specific kind of structure. Remediation includes the teaching of specific skill work and/or support and instruction for students experiencing developmental challenges. Ongoing conversations occur between parents and the school guidance team which includes the classroom teacher, the director or assistant director of lower school, the learning specialist, and the school psychologist to address areas of concern and consider supports. If a formal evaluation is recommended by the school, the guidance team will arrange a meeting with the parents to review the testing options and to discuss further action.

Guidance and counseling issues are reviewed by the school psychologist. The psychologist meets with faculty, students, and parents. The psychologist makes recommendations for support strategies for the student in the classroom, at home or through work with other professional tutors and counselors. The psychologist can also provide support to students who want a confidential atmosphere in which to discuss any problems they may have. Appointments may be made through the lower school administrative assistant.

Middle/Upper School

The learning specialist provides support to students and faculty in the area of learning differences. The learning specialist performs classroom observations, consults with teachers, helps students develop compensatory strategies, and assists in implementing necessary accommodations for students with documented learning differences.

Guidance and counseling issues are reviewed by the school’s psychologist, who is available to meet with faculty, students, and parents. The psychologist makes recommendations for support strategies for the student in the classroom, at home or through work with other professional tutors and counselors. The psychologist can also provide support to students who want a confidential atmosphere in which to discuss any problems they may have.