Academic Support | Portsmouth Abbey School, Rhode Island

Every student is paired with an advisor who serves as a consistent source of guidance and support throughout their time at Portsmouth Abbey.

Faculty members are equally committed to knowing their students and helping them succeed.

Our schedule provides regular opportunities for students to seek individualized assistance during Conference Periods, while boarding students benefit from two hours of structured Study Hall each evening in their dorms.

Portsmouth Abbey also offers a robust Peer Tutoring Program, coordinated through the Study Skills Specialist. Students who would benefit from additional support in a particular subject can request a peer tutor. Peer tutors are students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement in specific disciplines and are recommended by faculty through an application process.

Once matched, students and their peer tutors work together to determine a meeting schedule that fits their needs. For students who have difficulty coordinating a regular meeting time, the school provides a dedicated weekly period for peer tutoring. This program encourages students to seek support, build confidence in their academic skills, and learn collaboratively with their peers.

Families may also choose to pursue outside tutoring when they feel additional support would be beneficial. While outside tutoring is not arranged or managed by the school, Portsmouth Abbey is supportive of families exploring resources that complement their student's academic needs.

Portsmouth Abbey is committed to understanding and supporting the individual learning needs of every student. For students with documented learning differences or disabilities, the School provides reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations designed to help them access the curriculum and thrive in the classroom. The Study Skills Specialist reviews accommodation requests on an individualized, case-by-case basis, taking time to understand each student’s learning profile and determine appropriate supports. For qualifying students, accommodations may include extended time on end-of-term examinations.

Academic accommodations are intended to provide students with equitable access to learning—not an academic advantage. Accommodations do not alter the fundamental requirements of a course or diminish the school’s academic expectations or rigor.

Families seeking accommodations should provide the Study Skills Specialist with all available documentation related to a student’s learning difference or disability. Portsmouth Abbey follows the documentation guidelines established by College Board for the PSAT, SAT, and AP exams, as well as those of ACT.

It is important for families to understand that school-based accommodations and accommodations for standardized testing are separate processes. Receiving accommodations at Portsmouth Abbey does not automatically qualify a student for accommodations on College Board or ACT examinations. Once a student or family notifies the Director of Testing, the school can assist with the required documentation and application process. Families must complete the appropriate College Board and ACT consent forms authorizing Portsmouth Abbey to request accommodations on a student’s behalf.

Each evening, except Saturday, Portsmouth Abbey boarding students participate in a supervised Study Hall, providing a dedicated and structured time to complete homework, work on projects, and prepare for upcoming assessments. The consistent routine helps students develop strong study habits while providing an environment designed to support focus and productivity.

Study Hall also provides opportunities for additional academic support. Many faculty members are available at least one evening each week during Study Hall to answer questions and offer assistance in their respective subjects. In each dorm, the faculty or staff member supervising Study Hall helps maintain a quiet, focused, and supportive environment. For many students, this structured setting provides the accountability and atmosphere they need to stay organized, manage their workload, and make meaningful progress on their academic responsibilities.

At Portsmouth Abbey, we recognize that students often need different kinds of support as they navigate the increased independence and responsibility of boarding school. Our Study Skills Specialist works with students to strengthen the skills and habits that contribute to academic success, including time management, effective study strategies, organization, and planning. Together, these resources create a comprehensive network of support that helps students meet challenges, develop effective habits, and become increasingly independent and confident learners.

Throughout the year, students are encouraged to meet with the Study Skills Specialist as needed to identify areas for growth and develop an individualized plan for learning. Some students may benefit from a single meeting or a few targeted conversations, while others may participate in more regular check-ins and ongoing support. Each student’s plan is tailored to their individual needs, goals, and learning style.

The ultimate goal is to help students become increasingly confident, capable, and independent in managing their academic responsibilities. Through a combination of guidance, self-advocacy, and accountability, students develop strategies they can carry with them throughout their time at Portsmouth Abbey and beyond.

*Our Study Skills Specialist does not provide neuropsychological evaluations, nor does she diagnose learning disabilities or disorders.