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How We Support Students

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. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Polaris Learning Labs at NGFS. The concept of 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. 

Learning Labs are staffed by our learning specialists. The Labs encompass executive functioning skills, support, and enrichment. Detailed information about the services listed below can be found in our Lower School Polaris Brochure and Middle and Upper School Polaris Brochure.


Level 1 Services

For All Students
  • Explicit instruction in executive functioning skills from our faculty throughout the year, as developmentally appropriate by level.
  •  As needed, intermittent tutorial or enrichment support from faculty and/or Learning Specialists in small group settings.
  • Personalized plans for student support and extension based on strengths and/or struggles; these will be created by the Learning Specialist in collaboration with faculty.
  • Access to and scheduling for 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.
 

Level 2 Services

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 available with Level 2 services.

 

Reading support for grades 1-6 is provided for an additional fee. Please read more in our Lower School brochure here.
Level 2 Support for Lower School - Small group instruction, 1-4X week - $950/semester.
 

Level 2 Services

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. Please read more in our Middle and Upper School brochure here.
Middle School: Full course enrollment of “Skills for Academic Success” - $1900 per course.
Upper School: Full course enrollment of “Academic Coaching Seminar” - $1900 per course
 

Level 3 Services

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 available with Level 3 support.

 


One-on-one support for students in grades 1-12 is provided for an additional fee. Learn more in our Lower School brochure and Middle and Upper School brochure.
Level 3 Services: Cost to be determined based on individual student needs.

Meet Our Learning Specialists

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    Marci Richardson

    Guilford Campus Learning Specialist
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    Susan Pelletier

    Lower School Math Specialist
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    Christine Lawe

    Lower School Reading Specialist
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    Leslie Redmon

    Lower School Reading and Math Specialist
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    Elizabeth DeFilippis

    7-8 Learning Specialist
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    Lauren Dean

    9-12 Learning Specialist
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