October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and it focuses on the most common learning difference, which primarily affects reading and spelling due to how the brain processes language. At Gunston, we recognize that dyslexia—along with other differences like ADHD and dyscalculia—falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Crucially, our commitment to individualized care extends to all circumstances, including students navigating challenges such as chronic health conditions, anxiety, or other temporary and long-term concerns. 

We build our entire program around empowering every student to excel. We integrate crucial, daily support and personal oversight right into the school day to ensure students thrive both personally and academically:

1. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who meets with them three times weekly. Serving as a confidant, mentor, and primary contact, the advisor supports the student’s personal, social, and academic growth. If a student experiences academic difficulty, the teacher and advisor work closely with the Assistant Head and parents to develop a plan for improvement.
    
2. Our Homework Period acts as a flexible study hall where students can complete work, prepare for tests, and meet one-on-one with teachers for immediate help. 
    
3. In addition, our morning Tutorial Sessions offer a vital layer of early intervention. Teachers use this time to ensure students who need extra support are getting back on track and staying current with their coursework.
    
4. The Gunston Learning Center provides tailored support focused on long-term independence for students needing specialized, ongoing guidance. Our expert coaches offer contracted, one-to-one coaching focused on developing essential learning and study skills to prepare students for college. This is not a standalone service; our coaches work directly with teachers and advisors to ensure a coordinated care approach that supports both skill development and content mastery within the classroom.
    
5. Our personalized approach extends to official support, guaranteeing that documented learning differences are addressed formally and effectively. The Assistant Head of School oversees the thorough review of all educational testing, ensuring accommodations are quickly integrated into a student's official Learning Plan.
    
6. The Director of College Guidance manages the request process for accommodations on standardized tests (ACT/College Board), ensuring students have the appropriate support for future academic endeavors.

While our programs are modern, our dedication to diverse learners is deeply rooted in our history. The Gunston School was founded in 1911 with the explicit purpose of offering a high-quality education that fostered character and responded to individual needs. This commitment to meeting every student where they are is our enduring legacy. We are proud to foster an environment where every student, regardless of how they learn or their circumstance, is empowered to excel.

Here from our Academic Support Coordinator, Tammy Boone talk about the Gunston Learning Center: