Learning Support Center

Mission of the Program

The mission of the DWS Lower School Learning Support Center is to provide a supportive, individualized learning environment within a college-preparatory setting. The program serves students with documented mild to moderate learning differences or attention-related challenges—and supports the whole learner beyond any single diagnosis or label.

Our program:

Requires a current psychological evaluation for eligibility
Helps students identify and maximize their learning strengths
Teaches strategies to manage challenges and build confidence
Supports academic, social, and emotional growth
Emphasizes problem-solving skills and independence

Grounded in respect for each child’s unique potential, the Learning Support Center guides students toward becoming confident, capable, and self-directed learners.

Goals of the Learning Center

The Learning Center provides a supportive environment built on trust and acceptance. Instruction is delivered in carefully sequenced steps, allowing students to master foundational skills before progressing. Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, students learn through multisensory methods—visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic—to strengthen reading, writing, and spelling skills.

The goals of the Learning Center include:

Closing the gap between academic performance and student potential
Providing individualized, multisensory language instruction
Equipping students with skills and strategies for success in future school settings
Fostering confidence, self-worth, and a love of learning in a safe, supportive environment
Developing independent, responsible learners
Partnering with and supporting families throughout the learning process

Lower School Learning Center Programs

The Lower School Learning Center focuses on early identification of learning differences, timely intervention, and ongoing support for both students and teachers. The program offers tiered services designed to meet individual student needs while supporting classroom accommodations in the mainstream setting.

Levels of Support

Tier 1 – Comprehensive Program

Requires a current psychological evaluation on file
Provides recommended testing accommodations, as appropriate
Includes academic remediation during the school day and optional before- and after-school tutoring
Teaches test-taking and organizational strategies
Offers weekly academic resources for parents
Please note: Not all recommendations from psychological evaluations may be implemented

Tier 2 – Academic Program

Requires a current psychological evaluation on file
Provides recommended testing accommodations, as appropriate
Offers weekly resources for parents
Please note: Not all recommendations from psychological evaluations may be implemented

Speech Therapy
Speech therapy services are available. Please contact Kristin Pierce for additional information.

Criteria and Procedures

Documentation and Paperwork Procedure and Policy

All requests for faculty input on paperwork for pediatricians, psychologists, or other clinicians are coordinated through Learning Support. Any materials delivered directly to a teacher will be forwarded to Learning Support for confidential processing.

Submission Guidelines

All protocols and forms should be submitted to Learning Support, who will distribute and collect them from the appropriate faculty member and return them directly to the provider
Please allow up to two weeks for completion to ensure accurate and thoughtful responses
A signed parent consent form is required before any documents are released

If parents request accommodations based on a psychological evaluation, the current report should be submitted to Learning Support. A student profile and accommodations plan will be developed and must be reviewed and approved by parents before implementation.

All documentation is kept confidential and securely maintained, with access limited to Learning Support faculty.

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