All Oldfields students are encouraged to be self-advocates for receiving academic support. The Learning Specialist meets with all new students at the beginning of the year to explain the varied academic support services available at Oldfields.
Study Skills
The Academic Support staff is available to all students and is able to provide assistance with organizational skills, note-taking strategies, and time management techniques.
Extra Help Time
A one hour block is built into every class day’s schedule for students to receive extra help, if needed. Each faculty member is available to the students during this time. Students may also meet with faculty after school or, by appointment, in the evenings. In addition to the extra help offered by the faculty, Oldfields has a Learning Specialist who collaborates with faculty to ensure the best academic program and support for each girl who needs it.
Study Hall
A two hour study hall takes place Sunday to Thursday evenings. While most students study in their rooms, upperclassmen and Dean’s list students have “freedom of study” and may work wherever they wish on campus. On a weekly basis, faculty, dorm parents, advisors and administration meet to track each individual girl’s academic progress. Based on these recommendations, supervised “Academic Study Hall,” is offered for those students who need more structure on a nightly basis.
Peer Tutoring
Student tutors are available in all disciplines through the Peer Tutoring program. Students should contact the Learning Specialist to be assigned a Peer Tutor. Peer tutors and students work, by appointment, at mutually agreeable times.
Professional Tutors
For students who need additional help, professional tutors may be hired by parents. These tutors work with students during free periods or in the evenings.
The Math Lab
The Math Lab is open Monday through Thursday evenings to offer mathematics assistance to any student.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center offers assistance to any student who would like to improve her writing skills.
Learning Differences
Once a student with documented learning disabilities has been admitted, the Learning Specialist reads the file, interprets the educational testing and creates an Oldfields Accommodation Plan for that student. This plan outlines for the student, her parents, advisor, and teachers, the accommodations necessary for her success at Oldfields.
The School fully complies with the regulations stipulated by Educational Testing Service and ACT throughout the standardized testing process during the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Some of the accommodations provided for in an Oldfields Accommodation Plan include, but are not limited to: extended time on tests and in-class assignments, testing in a separate work area, using a computer for tests, having a "note buddy," having a reader for tests and quizzes, and preferential seating in class.
If a student qualifies for an Oldfields Accommodation Plan, she is involved in the creation and implementation of the plan.
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Academic Support Services,
Karen Miller.
