Student Services

Learning Services Program

Mission/Goal

To serve all of our students to the best of our ability to help them reach their full potential.

The Academic Resource Center

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is committed to creating an environment where all BGA students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, regardless of their learning differences. We believe all BGA students can succeed, and we are dedicated to supporting their academic growth and success. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, personalized support, and a collaborative spirit that unites teachers, parents, and students.

The ARC is an academic resource for students, teachers, and parents designed to enhance the educational achievement of all BGA students. The ARC supports students with diagnosed learning differences to help them reach their academic potential. Additionally, we support students facing general academic challenges or having difficulties with executive functioning skills, such as work organization, time management, and problem-solving strategies.

Under the supervision of the Director of Learning Services, the divisional Learning Services Directors create Student Learning Plans (SLPs) for students with documented learning differences. The SLPs include approved instructional and assessment accommodations and additional recommendations on how teachers can support students in the classroom. Accommodations do not alter academic expectations; they provide support to help students with learning differences meet those expectations. To be eligible, the school must have current psychoeducational testing on file with specific recommendations. Extended time and other accommodations will only be granted with this documentation. 
 

Lower School

At the Lower School, our Learning Services team uses their expertise in learning differences to support students in their early education. Our team comprises the Lower School Director of Learning Services, a Learning Services Specialist, and a Learning Support Associate, who are skilled professionals with degrees, specialized training, and experience assisting students with learning challenges. The Lower School Director of Learning Services collaborates with teachers and the Director of Primary and Intermediate Education to identify student needs and develop a support plan. The Lower School ARC offers:

• Individual and small-group intervention in literacy and math
• Academic support and enrichment
• Instructional coaching for teachers
• Academic counseling for parents and students
• Educational testing referrals
• Onsite speech and language services through Franklin Special School District
• Before and after school tutoring space (dependent on availability)

Middle School

Our Middle School Learning Services Team recognizes each student as a unique individual with unique strengths and challenges. The team consists of the Middle School Director of Learning Services and one Learning Services Associate. They partner with students, parents, and teachers to cultivate personal success through developing executive functioning skills, honing study skills, reteaching content, and implementing accommodations for documented learning differences. The Middle School Director of Learning Services collaborates with teachers and the Head of Middle School to identify students who need additional support and guides teachers as they assist students in the classroom. The Middle School ARC offers:

• Academic/executive functioning support 
• Instructional coaching for teachers
• Academic counseling for parents and students
• Coordination of academic services, including outside intervention and tutoring support
• Educational testing referrals

Upper School

Our Upper School Learning Services Team empowers students to become independent learners and advocates for themselves. The Team, which comprises the Upper School Director of Learning Services and a Learning Services Specialist, works directly with students to help them develop and utilize learning and organizational strategies to keep them on track and realize greater academic success. The ultimate goal is to guide students in a way that improves their BGA experience and prepares them to access teachers and support services in college. The Upper School ARC offers:

• Academic/executive functioning support 
• Instructional coaching for teachers
• Academic counseling for parents and students
• Coordination of academic services, including outside intervention and tutoring support
• Coordination of peer tutoring
• Educational testing referrals