Polaris Learning Labs at NGFS
The commitment to honoring and developing each person’s gifts is at the core of our mission at New Garden Friends School. The concept of Polaris Learning Labs was conceived to ensure that each student in our inclusive community is provided with the intellectual, social, and emotional skills they need to take their next steps with confidence and compassion.
At NGFS, our concern for students’ social and emotional wellness and growth does not take a back seat to academic endeavors. We are committed to healthy, balanced, and developmentally appropriate levels of support and challenge. Polaris Learning Labs are staffed by our Learning Specialist Teams. The Labs encompass executive functioning skills, support, and enrichment.
NGFS is dedicated to providing an effective learning environment for all students; which includes clearly conveying our educational limits to prospective families. We are not equipped to serve students whose needs would require a fundamental alteration to our program, and NGFS does not follow Individualized Education Plans (IEP's). Each applicant and every situation is considered on an individual basis. If you are interested in NGFS we invite you to contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs so that we can assess together whether our school is a suitable fit for your learner.
For All Students
- Explicit instruction in executive functioning skills from our faculty throughout the year, as developmentally appropriate by level
- Intermittent tutorial or enrichment support from faculty and/or Learning Specialists in small group settings, as needed
- Personalized plans for student support and extension based on strengths and/or struggles created by the Learning Specialist Team in collaboration with faculty
- Access to and scheduling more intensive privately paid tutoring with recommended providers who can aid students on campus during the school day or after school
- Accommodations for students with demonstrated need or ability with or without up-to-date psychoeducational testing
All NGFS students have access to Level 1 services.
The cost is included in the tuition of our comprehensive educational program.
Reading and Language Arts Services for Lower School Students
Families of students who qualify for accommodations or extension based on psychoeducational testing or demonstrated ability or need may choose to participate in additional individualized learning options within Level 3 services.
Reading support for grades 1-6 is provided for an additional fee.
Level 3 Support for Lower School - Small group instruction, 1-4X week - $2,300/year
Executive Functioning Skills for Middle & Upper School Students
The intentional cultivation of critical executive functioning skills includes developing the competencies students need to succeed in grades 7-12:
- Planning
- Organization
- Attention
- Time Management
- Task Initiation
- Metacognition
- Self-regulation
- Chunking long-term assignments into manageable steps
- Perseverance
- Flexibility/ Resiliency
- Reading Strategies
- Note-Taking Strategies
- Test Prep
- Synthesizing Information
- Responsive Writing
- Making Connections
- Self-advocacy
Enrollment in these courses is provided for an additional fee.
Middle School: “Skills for Academic Success” - $2,400 per course
Upper School: “Skills for Academic Success” - $2,400 per course
Upper School: “Academic Skills Practicum” - $2,400 per course
Individualized Plans for Grades 1-12
Families of students already receiving accommodations and individual instruction who are experiencing acute challenges in their educational journey may request participation in the one-on-one learning options and modified curriculum available.
One-on-one support for students in grades 1-12 is provided for an additional fee.
Cost to be determined based on individual student needs.
Meet Our Learning Specialists
Learning Specialist
Years at NGFS: 5
Education: B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; M.Ed. in Special Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
For NGFS Learning Specialist Marci Richardson, this school has a special place in her heart. When describing why New Garden means so much to her, she says, “It is where my husband first came to teach and fell in love with the nurturing and accepting environment. Through his love and passion, I, too, have fallen in love with all that NGFS is and represents. I love the school's history of embracing diversity, nurturing lifelong learners and igniting a passion within to help change the world.”
Marci began teaching at the Greensboro Montessori School where she specialized in reading, language arts, math, and social studies instruction. She then moved to Ledford Middle School and spent her time “working with students who had varying learning differences and needs.” After ten years of working at Ledford, she began to teach summer school at the Piedmont School, where she eventually joined the full-time staff. For the past six years, she has also worked as a private tutor for a large variety of ages. As she begins her fifth year at New Garden, Marci continues to enjoy being part of a community that she is passionate about.
Marci has a number of diverse interests. She loves old movies and reading, and she has an eclectic taste in music. She has a passion for nutrition and enjoys cooking, baking, and experimenting in the kitchen. She once even worked at a local farm to learn about where food is produced. Marci also enjoys exercising and spending time with her husband, Chris, and her three children: Gentry, Landry, and Lilly Belle, who all attend NGFS.
Math Specialist
Years at NGFS: 19
Education: UNCG BA in Political Science Elon--Elementary Education
Susan previously taught 4th grade at Sedgefield Elementary before coming to NGFS and has been a classroom teacher in Rainbow, Horizon, and Sunrise over the years.
Susan has enjoyed being a part of New Garden Friends School because, "I love working with friends and colleagues who are dedicated to our mission. I also love getting to know my students and their families, and working together to emphasize each person's strengths while also working to strengthen each person's areas of challenge. I also love watching former students grow up at NGFS. I often feel like I have many many many nieces and nephews!"
Outside of school, Susan loves to travel, watch the Carolina Panthers and soccer, and take on sewing projects. She says, "I enjoy the process of envisioning a garment I want to wear in exactly the right fabric and I love the challenge of making the idea come to life."
Susan is married to Daren, they have two sons, Matthew and Stuart, who are both NGFS alumni, and currently in graduate school.
Reading Specialist
Years at NGFS: 10
Education: B.S. in Education (Certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Minor in Human Development), State University of New York at Geneseo; M.Ed. in Special Education (Certification as an Educational Diagnostician)
Years at NGFS: 10
Education: B.S. in Education (Certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Minor in Human Development), State University of New York at Geneseo; M.Ed. in Special Education (Certification as an Educational Diagnostician)
After her time in Morocco with the Peace Corps, Christine was a Special Education Teacher and an Educational Diagnostician with Lewisville City Schools in Texas. After coming to North Carolina, she became a Sunrise teacher at NGFS.
Now in her role as the Lower School Reading Specialist she has received training in the Fundations Reading Program, the Wilson Reading System and Associate Level Training in the Orton-Gillingham approach.
“There’s so much more to a book than just the reading.” - Maurice Sendak
Leslie holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and Quaker Studies from Guilford College and a Master of Library and Information Science from UNC Greensboro. She is an Orton-Gillingham trained educator with experience in academic, public, and school librarianship. Since joining NGFS in 2021, Leslie has focused on literacy instruction, reading intervention, and helping students develop the skills and confidence to become lifelong readers. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, birding, and native plant gardening.
Clarissa holds a B.A. in International Studies with minors in Environmental Studies and Technical Theater, as well as a Master of Education in Middle Grades Curriculum and Instruction from UNC Greensboro. With 15 years of experience in middle grades education, she is passionate about helping students build self-awareness, advocacy, communication skills, and confidence as learners. Clarissa also has experience supporting neurodivergent students in higher education and is a certified ADHD Coach who is pursuing certification as an Autism Specialist. A longtime admirer of NGFS, she first connected with the school as a substitute teacher and later joined the community as both a parent and educator. Outside of work, Clarissa enjoys spending time in nature, exploring music, and traveling.
Lauren has been part of the New Garden Friends School community for nearly 10 years, following 17 years of teaching experience in North Carolina and Tennessee. A former NGFS student, she holds degrees in English and Secondary Education and Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University and is pursuing an Environmental Educator Certification through the NC Environmental Educator Program. Lauren enjoys giving back to the community that helped shape her and is especially passionate about environmental education and stewardship. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking, reading, baking, gardening, writing, and crafting.
Lindsey holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina and an M.A. from NC State University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Law through Liberty University. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and high school education, Lindsey is passionate about supporting students and educators through curriculum development, professional development, and equitable educational experiences. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, two boys, and golden doodle. She also loves reading, golf, running her fantasy football teams, and riding four-wheelers with her boys.