Learning Support

Designated segments of Fenn's academic schedule provide students with opportunities to seek additional help from their teachers. Boys practice the motto of Sua Sponte in identifying their needs for support and in connecting with teachers to address them. Teachers also encourage students to take good advantage of the variety of academic support offerings: 

• In the Upper School, formal study halls are held twice each week for one hour and are staffed by advisors representing a range of academic subjects. Upper School students also benefit from one to two additional, less formal study periods during the seven-day rotation of the academic schedule.

• Fenn’s Middle School features a daily "Help and Work" period proctored by students’ teachers and advisors. Students are encouraged to review assignments posted for them on Fenn’s online Learning Management System, to make a plan for homework completion, and to start (and ideally complete) one of their assignments. Students may also connect with proctors to receive homework or skill development support, and teachers will also periodically offer mini-lessons on varied topics to the full group.

• In the Lower School, students benefit from a new daily period named “W.I.N.” (“What I Need”), which provides them with an opportunity to see their teachers for extra help, to complete homework independently or with teacher support, and to read independently. Teachers also periodically lead executive functioning lessons focused on developing organization and independent work skills. Lastly, the W.I.N. block can be a wonderful time to build community and connection. At the beginning of the school year and on many Fridays, students play board games and LEGOs and enjoy spending time with peers.

The Learning Support Services Department offers one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, math, Spanish, and Executive Function (which includes study strategies, as well as note-taking and test-preparation skills). Sessions last 30, 40 or 60 minutes and are available before and after school, during the academic day, and in the evenings and periodically on weekends. In-person and Zoom options are available.