Educational Support Services

We recognize that there are many ways to learn, and we welcome neurodiverse learners and actively work to support their needs. 

• All students in our community are eligible to receive ESS support with no additional fee.  

• Our program is designed to support students who are diagnosed with language-based learning differences (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc.) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

• ESS primarily offers strategy-based academic support. If remediation is necessary to fill larger skill gaps, tutors or other service providers may be recommended for additional support to be scheduled outside the school day (lower school/ middle school) and/or during the school day (upper school). 

• Self-advocacy is encouraged at all levels. The student’s age is taken into consideration; as a student matures, he is expected to accept greater responsibility for his own learning and accommodation needs. 

• ESS develops Formal Education Plans based on the recommendations of the current psycho-educational evaluation on file and oversees accommodations for students who meet the requirements of the Accommodation Policy.  

• In the upper school, ESS registers students for accommodations with the College Board (oversees the PSAT, SAT, and AP exams) and ACT.

• ESS collaborates with faculty to effectively implement individual accommodations, multi-sensory instruction and boy-friendly teaching techniques in the classroom. 

• ESS staff regularly consults with faculty on best practices for classroom instruction to support the needs of struggling students and to solve specific problems so that each individual can reach success. 

• To offer a spectrum of services for all students

• To know each of our students and his individual needs

• To meet our students where they are and help them to reach their academic potential

• To model best-practices for boy-friendly teaching and learning

• To present educational research to the faculty

• To educate and assist parents on how to effectively support the learning needs of their son

The primary delivery model in the lower school is through the general education classroom.  Using regular benchmark assessments and constant communication with teachers, the Lower School Learning Specialist works with classroom teachers to supports each boy’s individual needs.

The learning specialist in the lower school will provide the following support for students.

• assists students to develop essential skills necessary for academic success  

• partners with and educates families on their student’s learning style and needs

• consults with teachers and administration on best practices for instruction and individual student needs

• delivers programmatic interventions, such as Read Naturally, small group skill instruction based on student needs, speech and language screenings, and occupational therapy screenings.

• identifies developmental skill delays and weaknesses, attentional and processing struggles, and possible learning differences. 

• provides case management of Formal Accommodation Plans for qualifying students

• refers families to outside resources (evaluators, speech/language resources, occupational therapy resources, tutors, etc.), as needed

The middle school uses our language lab program and open resource time to meet the increasing curricular demands.

Our program provides additional resources and guidance on effective learning strategies and is designed to supplement grade-level instruction.  Students that actively engage in their own learning become self-aware learners who can tackle a variety of challenging academic tasks, hone their skills, and actively self-advocate.

THE ROLE OF THE LEARNING SPECIALIST IN THE UPPER SCHOOL 

In addition to instructing students in the Learning Center, the Upper School Learning Specialists:

• assists skill development and support in the classroom

• partner with and educate families on their student’s learning style and needs

• consults with teachers and administration on best practices for instruction and individual student needs

• provide case management of Formal Accommodation Plans for qualifying students

• refers families to outside resources (evaluators, tutors, etc.), as needed