Since the 1980s, Cushing’s Academic Support program has helped students succeed in a rigorous, college-prep environment. Our unique approach integrates Academic Support into students’ school experience so they can take advantage of every opportunity to build self-confidence and independence for college and career.
A Philosophy of Teaching Excellence
Getting to know each student as a unique learner is a core ethic for Cushing teachers. Our small classes—averaging 10 students per class—already create opportunities for teachers to address each individuals’ needs while pursuing a rigorous curriculum. In addition, the school’s early entry into the field of Academic Support has given us decades of experience in serving neurodiverse learners alongside traditional learners in the same classroom.
We Start by Building Trust
When a student knows that you are on their side, it is easier for them to reflect on the obstacles they face and feel more open to exploring solutions. Most of the time students work with one Academic Support teacher throughout their time at Cushing, so these faculty establish a history of success that encourages students to stretch further and take on new levels of academic challenge. We often hear from students about how helpful it is to have someone in their corner who believes in them so deeply. Parents tell us they are grateful for how well we know their children as learners and as people, celebrating their strengths while we help them navigate challenges.
Expertise and Experience
Our Academic Support teachers have years of specialized training in helping students better understand how they learn. They also engage in ongoing professional development and keep track of the latest research in this field. They put theory into practice when they help students break down assignments into smaller components, try different approaches to tackling an assignment, and build organizational skills. Every student is different, so the blend of approaches used is unique to each learner. We bring a tireless optimism to helping each student identify and practice the methods that work best for them.