How do I receive academic support?
Located on the second floor of the du Pont Library, the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) is the hub of academic support. Staffed by dedicated academic support and learning specialists, the CLC offers academic support services to all students and specialized support to those students with diagnosed learning challenges and educational plans.
The Director of Learning Support is available to all Pomfret students and coordinates support services for those students seeking to develop and enhance strategies for academic success. The Director of Learning Support works with students and families to put in place educational plans that provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with documented learning differences.
EDGE Program
The EDGE program provides specialized learning support to students with diagnosed learning challenges. This 1:1 class offers students the opportunity to develop compensatory strategies for remediating specific and general learning challenges in reading, written expression, receptive and expressive language, test-taking skills, and executive functioning. Instruction and skills work are supported by brain-based learning principles, core class assignments, and supplemental materials, as well as multi-sensory resources to assist in learning reinforcement. An individualized learning plan is created for each student and tailored to address their specific needs and goals. ADDITIONAL FEE
Supported Study Hall
This program provides a quiet, monitored environment exclusive to those students enrolled in our 1:1 EDGE program who need assistance and direction when tackling their nightly workload. A faculty member oversees and supports each student with a plan to complete nightly assignments. NO ADDED COST.
Coached Study Hall
This full-period study hall, monitored by a faculty member, provides general executive function strategies to students in the first 10 minutes of each class. Any student seeking a structured work environment during the day may enroll. The School may also require some students to enroll in a Coached Study Hall as part of a plan for academic improvement. NO ADDED COST.
Academic Accommodations
Pomfret strives to work with all students, including those with diagnosed learning differences, so that they may have a fair and reasonable opportunity for academic success. Students who have undergone neuropsychological or educational testing are encouraged to submit testing to Pomfret during the application process. In order to receive accommodations, a student must have a report written by a qualified clinical psychologist (or equivalent) within the last three years.
Extra Help & Office Hours
Pomfret prides itself on providing a rigorous program that allows students to grow by confronting relevant and meaningful academic challenges. There will be times in every student’s career when extra help will be necessary. Extra help is no substitute for student effort and motivation but can provide additional support when students struggle with material or have missed classes.
Seeking help from teachers is an integral aspect of Pomfret School’s culture, and providing reasonable opportunities for extra help is an expectation of the faculty. All teachers are expected to be available during office hours on Mondays and Thursdays. Beyond those periods, faculty will notify students of their availability, how best to arrange for extra help appointments, and the basic expectations for extra help sessions.
Advisors
Keeping your advisor abreast of academic triumphs and struggles will create a positive partnership and supportive relationship. The advisor is a student’s champion, counsel, sounding board, and advocate. Good communication will deepen that relationship and help your advisor support you during the Pomfret journey.
Peer Tutoring
Some academic departments offer peer tutoring centers that provide drop-in, student-to-student support. Peer tutoring centers are staffed by student academic leaders during evening study hours.
Tutoring
Subject-area tutoring may be available through the CLC. Before inquiring, students are expected to meet with their teachers to discuss other support opportunities. Once all other options have been exhausted, students can make an appointment with the Director of Learning Support to discuss next steps. Pomfret School does not guarantee that subject expert tutors will be available in every discipline. Tutors work with students to supplement, reinforce, and review material from a specific class.
Resources
Questions
Marc St. Laurent
Director of Learning Support
(860) 963-5241