Academic Skills
Education Designed for You: Meeting Learners Where They Are
The Academic Skills Program (ASP) provides students with the tools and structure to succeed in a college-preparatory environment, without limiting their opportunities. With a 2:1 coaching model and time built into the academic day, ASP coaches help students develop executive functioning skills, monitor their classroom performance, establish both long-term and short-term goals, and celebrate personal successes.
Students in the program have dedicated ASP sessions built into their academic schedules to review and discuss their coursework. Students meet one-on-one with coaches, with one faculty member dedicated to every two students. ASP students are not limited in their curriculum choices; many are enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses. With a central location in Gould’s main academic building, Hanscom Hall, the Academic Support Center is also open during study hall hours five nights a week, so students always have a faculty member they can connect with in a distraction-free environment.
Gould offers a supportive academic environment where students are seen, known, and challenged at the right level. We know every student learns differently, and our programs are built to meet them where they are, while helping them grow into confident, independent learners.
How it Works
Upon enrollment in ASP, an individualized learning plan is crafted for each student, outlining the accommodations and modifications that will be implemented in the classroom. Discussed in depth with advisors and classroom teachers, these plans create a network of supportive adults who are deeply invested in each student’s success. The Academic Skills Program promotes independent learning by building executive functioning skills. They develop a shared weekly planner to organize tasks and prioritize work more effectively, thereby growing their self-advocacy skills, which in turn builds stronger self-awareness. By encouraging effective communication and resilience, students develop the confidence needed to take control of their educational journey and become independent learners. Our ASP staff share student planners with parents and provide weekly updates on their child’s progress and action plans.
Every Gould ASP Student has Access to
- Executive function support scaffolding
- Skills development
- Specific learning goals
- An individualized learning plan
- Academic coaching
- Student-to-academic coach ratio of 2:1
- Three to six class meetings a week
- Classroom and testing accommodations
- ASP evening study hall, five nights a week
- Progress updates to parents
- An individualized approach that addresses social-emotional well-being and academic performance
Academic Independence
Gould's approach to academic support encourages students to better understand themselves as learners and leverage their strengths to succeed in challenging courses. The goal is to promote academic independence, self-awareness, self-advocacy, and confidence.
ASP has been instrumental in helping our son to be more productive and efficient at school. He works closely with faculty to plan out his academic work and activities while prioritizing the time it will take to complete it. These are tools that he will utilize in college and beyond.
The Student Success Program
The Student Success Program is built into every student’s experience at Gould to help them meet academic expectations. The program provides early intervention for students facing challenges with school-sponsored travel or who require additional support to get back on track. Groups on longer trips may travel with an academic liaison to provide academic support. Students can meet with our highly qualified Academic Support Coaches, who work closely with faculty and coaches to ensure each student has a successful plan in place.
Every Gould Student has Access to
- A small, supportive community with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- A strong network of adults, including teachers, advisors, and coaches, who collaborate to ensure their success
- Evening study hall five nights a week
- Help centers in math, science, and writing are open during study hall hours.
- Office hours for every teacher, offering extra help sessions to all students for additional support and planning
Academic skills coaches
Doug Alford
Academic Skills Teacher, Ski Patrol Program Co-Director, Outing Club Coach, Ski Patrol Program Co-Director, Outing Club Coach
Abbey Quinn
Academic Skills Teacher, Vogt House Dorm Head, Field Hockey & Lacrosse Coach, Field Hockey & Lacrosse Coach
