Learning Resources

The goal of the Lower School Learning Resource Department is to support students who learn differently and to guide teachers in making accommodations for these students. The learning specialists may observe, assess, conference and make recommendations utilizing internal or external support. Differentiated instruction is utilized in the classrooms to address individual learning needs, and academic intervention with a learning specialist is available for students who qualify for extra support.

A learning specialist/literacy coach is available to provide internal, interim support for students with learning challenges. Students may receive support by attending a language support class during world language where literacy is taught in a small group setting with a multi-sensory approach. This provides students with extra exposure to the literacy skills that have been and are being taught in class. When necessary, the learning specialist may provide support by partnering with the homeroom teacher’s whole group lessons or by simply monitoring a student’s progress and advising the parents and teacher on next steps.  

Students may qualify to take the Strategies class (third though fifth grade) by way of teacher recommendation and a psycho-educational evaluation that reveals a diagnosis of a language-based learning difference. The class provides the planning, organization, study skills and content support necessary for students to be prepared for success in Middle School.

The Middle School Learning Resource Department monitors student progress through regular check-ins with teachers, grade level deans and the students themselves to ensure their needs are being met. Support is provided during morning office hours, weekly tutorial or study hall periods. 

Some students with documented language-based learning differences may also qualify for additional, structured support through the Strategies class, which meets four times a week and focuses on building executive functioning, study skills and self-advocacy. The Learning Resource Department works closely with students, parents and teachers to provide a team approach to building student success and independence.

In the Upper School, students have access to a range of academic support services, all designed to help them meet the expectations of a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum.

All students may access individualized support from an executive functioning coach, a STEM learning specialist or an academic coach. Appointments can be scheduled during study hall, free periods, flex periods or lunch, ensuring flexible and convenient access to support when it is needed.

Students with documented language-based learning differences qualify to receive additional targeted support in the Upper School. The Strategies class, offered in the ninth and tenth grades, provides structured guidance to help students strengthen their skills and successfully navigate academic challenges.