Junior Kindergarten–Second Grade (JK–2)
In Junior Kindergarten through Second Grade, students experience significant developmental growth. Learning support at this stage focuses on early identification and classroom-based interventions. The Learning Specialist collaborates closely with teachers to assess student needs, differentiate instruction, and implement targeted strategies within the classroom. Regular communication among parents, teachers, counselors, and the Learning Specialist ensures a team approach to supporting students who may face challenges or show signs of a possible learning difference.

Third–Fourth Grade (3–4)
In Third and Fourth Grades, learning support begins to foster students’ self-awareness as learners. Students are encouraged to explore how they learn, study, and interact with others, laying the foundation for self-advocacy. A collaborative team—including teachers, counselors, and the Learning Specialist—works together to implement classroom interventions while encouraging students to actively understand and express their learning needs.

In Lower School, we are committed to supporting every child's unique learning journey. When students need additional reading support beyond the classroom, our Reading Interventionist may provide small-group instruction designed to close specific skill gaps and build confidence in young readers. For students who demonstrate readiness to go above and beyond, our Reading Interventionist may offer targeted academic enrichment to further support their reading development. Additionally, our Learning Specialist works closely with families to provide guidance for families to secure external resources, such as speech therapists or tutors, ensuring a well-rounded support system that complements the school's efforts.

Middle School learning support focuses on fostering self-awareness and helping students understand how they learn, study, and interact with others. Led by the Middle School Learning Specialist, a collaborative team—including teachers, advisors, deans, and counselors—works together to empower students to use their accommodations and develop strong self-advocacy skills.

Students are introduced to their learning plans through one of three approaches: parents may share the plan with their child, the Learning Specialist may present the plan, or the student and parents may meet with the Learning Specialist. The chosen approach depends on parental preference, student readiness, and developmental needs.

One-on-one academic coaching with the Middle School Learning Specialist helps students strengthen executive functioning skills, such as time management, organization, and self-advocacy. These skills are further reinforced in all classes, while subject-specific support is available through help sessions with teachers.

The program emphasizes a relational approach, recognizing meaningful support requires time and individualized attention. Students are encouraged to embrace their learning differences and appreciate that everyone learns in their own unique way.

Upper School learning support builds on the foundation established in Middle School, guiding students to enhance their self-awareness, explore their learning styles, and develop essential skills in time management, organization, communication, and self-advocacy. Students actively participate in creating and implementing personalized learning plans that include specific learning and testing accommodations. They are encouraged to take ownership of their educational journey by advocating for their needs and making effective use of their accommodations.

Led by the Upper School Learning Specialists, the support team includes the student, parents, teachers, the Upper School Assistant Head for Academics, the Student Dean, the Upper School Counselor, and the student’s advisor. Together, they ensure that the student’s voice is heard and their individual learning needs are addressed.

Students have access to one-on-one academic coaching sessions with Upper School Learning Specialists to strengthen key executive functioning skills. Subject-specific support is available through The Academic Resource Center (The ARC) and Academic Labs, providing targeted help in areas like math, writing, science and world languages (Spanish, French, Chinese).

The program prioritizes relationship-building and developmentally appropriate goals, ensuring students with learning differences receive personalized, effective support. For juniors and seniors, additional guidance is offered to help navigate the process of requesting testing accommodations from the College Board and ACT.