Academic Support
Academic Support Program Mission
Academic Support's goal is to produce successful students who are independent learners and who are prepared to meet and overcome challenges, and to produce learners who understand their strengths and weaknesses and have developed strategies to aid in using their strengths to overcome weaker areas. The AS program at Westminster is a network of parents, teachers and students working together to nurture and encourage the academic potential in every student.
We believe that each student is unique and we work to create a plan tailored to fit each student individually. The services provided are driven by the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student. Academic coordinators will view each child as an individual with specific strengths and weaknesses. Academic coaches are chosen to match the student, and the relationship between coach and student is special and important.
Academic Support Services
The services offered through the Academic Support Department are described below and are fee-based.
Core Academic Course
Lower, Middle and Upper School students are taught an academic course (language arts, math, science, social studies) in a one-on-one setting. Core course material follows the curriculum guide and is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The core course prepares students to enter the regular classroom setting at the appropriate time. Core courses meet daily.
Lower School Single Course Coaching
The academic coach works with a student outside of the regular classroom two to four times each week in a one-on-one setting during the school day. The coach will supplement regular classroom instruction with additional practice and review in specific subject and skills areas. The coach works closely with the classroom teacher.
Lower School Homework Help
Students receive individualized help from an academic coach in different academic areas. This help is provided primarily after school and may occur one to four times per week based on each student's needs.
Early Childhood Education Support
Students in TK, kindergarten and first grade may receive support for up to 90 minutes per week. These services provide assistance with phonological awareness, spelling, handwriting, and/or math.
Middle & Upper School Academic Coaching
The coach meets with the student to develop skills in the following areas: time management, organization, studying/reviewing for tests, note taking, goal setting, and/or content area instruction. The primary goal is to increase the student's level of academic independence and to help the student leverage academic strengths and to build up areas of weakness. Coaches may meet two to five days per week based on the student's need.