Academic Enrichment

Helen Dembinski

Director of Academic
Center for Enrichment
hdembinski@rockyhill.org

Welcome to the Academic Center for Enrichment!

The ACE Program is a customized learning support program that celebrates the neurodiversity of all learners. Students in the ACE Program receive expert-led support sessions to build academic skills in reading, writing, math, and executive functions.

Students in the ACE Program speak with confidence and competence about their learning profile, understand their unique strengths, and advocate for the needs of all learners.

ACE teachers develop lasting relationships with families and partner with teachers to prepare students to become independent, confident learners in the classroom and beyond.

I invite you to see for yourself how this life-changing program can transform your student’s learning.

Warmly,

Helen Dembinski

Director of Acedemic Center for Enrichment

ACE

ACADEMIC CENTER

FOR ENRICHMENT

Celebrating neurodiversity and fostering the skills for life long learning

SESSIONS

ACE sessions are one-on-one or small group classes held during non-academic periods in each Division. Teachers individualize areas of support and ACE sessions can range from 1 to 5 sessions a week. Students in the ACE Program sometimes have a diagnosed learning difference while others simply are eager to learn new skills to enhance their academic journey.

GOAL SETTING

ACE teachers collaborate with families, classroom teachers, advisors, and coaches for a whole-child approach. ACE teachers work with classroom teachers to provide accommodations and collaborate with administrators on the Student Support Team (SST). ACE teachers regularly consult with classroom teachers on differentiation strategies. All students enrolled in ACE are monitored throughout the year by their teachers, advisers, and Division Head.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Any student in grades K-12 is eligible for the program. New families can inquire about the ACE Program during the admission process. Currently enrolled students can join the program through a referral from their Division Head, classroom teacher, advisor, or family. ACE programming is an additional fee that will be assessed in addition to tuition costs. Please contact the Admissions Office for more details on program fees.

AS A PROGRAM, WE BELIEVE…

Learning differences are strengths and neurodiversity enriches our entire campus
Project based learning, small class sizes, and a multidisciplinary approach that includes teachers, advisors, counselors, parents and learning specialists is the most effective way to support students
Every student is unique and there is no “one size fits all”
Innovation in neuroscience and brain development unlock new teaching strategies and methods of learning
Direct teaching of academic and self advocacy skills increase self esteem, boost overall confidence and improve learning outcomes

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Students in the ACE program are assessed each year. Enrollment for the following year is determined in collaboration with the student, family, ACE team, and Division Head. The ACE Program is responsive to student needs, and the level of support can change from year to year.

BENFITS OF THE LOWER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Targeted reading support with specialized programs such as Orton-Gillingham, Read Naturally, Project Read, and Lindamood-Bell.
Early identification of learning needs through diagnostic assessments and frequent progress monitoring.
Multisensory teaching techniques to develop understanding of individual learning styles.
Students and teachers write yearly individualized SMART goals to leverage strengths and work on weaknesses. SMART goals set learning targets and monitor progress to increase self-awareness and self-advocacy.
Targeted interventions with a mixture of in-class, small group, and one-on-one support to obtain grade-level proficiency.
Frequent parent communication with monthly reports, report card comments, individualized goals meetings, and seasonal educational parent coffees.

BENEFITS OF THE MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Focus on executive functioning development with lessons on organization, planning, prioritizing, self advocacy, and time-management.
Integration of cognitive and non-cognitive skills that support resilience, persistence, and independence.
Close collaboration with teachers, advisors, and college counselor to aid in transition planning.
Students and teachers write yearly individualized SMART goals to leverage strengths and work on weaknesses. SMART goals set learning targets and monitor progress to increase self-awareness and self-advocacy.
Targeted interventions with a mixture of in-class, small group, and one-on-one support to obtain grade-level proficiency.
Frequent parent communication, report card comments, individualized goals meetings, and educational parent coffees.