A foundation for growth
At Portsmouth Abbey, we believe that our students can succeed in the classroom with a combination of individual effort and appropriately structured support. We have dedicated resources to help all students truly learn and grow.
| Advisors |
|
Our teachers are dedicated to helping each student succeed. Our schedule structure allows for students to seek additional and more individualized support during the class week during conference periods. Each student is assigned an advisor, who guides them throughout their career at Portsmouth Abbey. Boarding students have a nightly study hall in each dorm for two hours of structured work time. For those in need of additional guidance, we have a Study Skills Specialist who works with students individually, and in groups, on time management and organization.
|
| conference Periods |
|
Portsmouth Abbey faculty are regularly available to support students outside of class time, whether that be during the allotted Conference Periods of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays or during nightly study hall hours. Faculty members are dedicated to students receiving the guidance they need and are willing to find time in their schedule if a student exercises self-advocacy in seeking support.
|
| Peer Tutoring |
|
The school also has a robust Peer Tutoring program managed through the Study Skills Specialist. If a student would like a tutor in a specific subject, he or she can request a peer tutor. Our peer tutors are students who excel in specific disciplines and are recommended by faculty members during an application process. Once students have been connected to peer tutors, they determine how often they would like to meet about the given subject. There is a space dedicated to peer tutoring once per week should they have difficulty scheduling on their own.
Some students and their parents decide to seek outside tutors. While this is not organized by the school, this is not discouraged.
|
| Academic Accommodations |
|
Portsmouth Abbey is committed to providing reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations to students with documented learning differences or disabilities. Families interested in requesting additional academic support should share all available documentation related to the learning difference or disability with the Study Skills Specialist.
The Study Skills Specialist reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Our goal is to understand each student’s profile to determine a plan that will help them learn and grow. Like many of our peer schools, Portsmouth Abbey offers limited accommodations such as extended time on end-of-term exams, preferential seating and/or the use of laptops for qualifying students. Individualized accommodations are not designed to give the student an advantage over other students, to adapt the fundamental aspects of a particular course, nor to weaken academic rigor.
Portsmouth Abbey follows the documentation guidelines of College Board (SAT and AP exams) and ACT.
Applying for accommodations on College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP) and ACT tests is a separate process from school-based accommodations. Eligibility for and use of accommodations at Portsmouth Abbey does not guarantee accommodations from standardized testing organizations. The Director of Testing can assist with the required documents and steps once notified by a student or family. Families must sign College Board and ACT consent forms for Portsmouth Abbey to request accommodations on a student’s behalf.
|
| Structured Study Hall |
| Each night except Saturday, Portsmouth Abbey requires boarding students to participate in a supervised study hall. This creates a structured time and environment for students to complete homework, work on projects, or study for tests. Additionally, many teachers are available at least one day per week during study hall time and may offer time for additional support in their given subject. Each night, the adult supervising Study Hall in each dorm maintains a quiet and conducive working environment that many students find helpful for maintaining focus. |
| Study Skills |
|
At boarding school, many students seek out academic support to help find self-sufficiency in their studies, their academic motivation, and their organizational skills. Working with our Study Skills Specialist allows students to develop their academic abilities and gain the independence needed to find a level of success at Portsmouth Abbey. Some of the most common areas of focus are time management, study methods, and organizational support.
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to meet with the Study Skills Specialist when needed to develop a specific plan for their learning. Some students may choose to meet only once, while other students may be required to have more frequent check-ins. The plans developed with the Study Skills Specialist look different for each student, but often rely on self-advocacy and accountability.
Our Study Skills Specialist does not provide neuropsychological evaluations, nor does she diagnose learning disabilities or disorders.
|
