Academic Support
Guided by the premise that identifying a child’s needs and providing support builds the toolset and relationships necessary to help a child learn new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve academic growth, James River Day School has programs in place to ensure success for each student.
Early Grades Intervention
Support in the early elementary grades (K-3) recognizes that young children develop skills at varying rates. Small-group specialized instruction in phonics, reading, or math provides students with the support they need for growth and success. Any student can participate at any point in the lower grades, as recommended by the classroom teacher. Referrals are based on standardized assessment scores and classroom performance.
Learning Support
Formal learning support begins in the fourth grade. Students with specific, diagnosed learning differences may enter the Learning Support Program after completing a required, comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation. A Student Education Plan (SEP) is written, outlining the accommodations supported to address each student’s individual learning needs. Levels of support depend on each student's specific needs, as outlined in their SEP, and as available from James River faculty and staff. Learning Support teachers collaborate with classroom teachers in implementing accommodations and interventions.
- Fourth Grade: Learning supports in 4th grade continue the services provided in Early Grades Intervention, with students being pulled for small-group reading and/or math instruction as needed.
- Middle School (5th-8th): Learning Support teachers serve as academic coaches, mentors, and advocates, working closely with each student’s advisor and all middle school faculty.
Learning Support provides help with reviewing and practicing key concepts and skills, note-taking, test preparation, and other academic needs. Support at this level helps students develop the skills and techniques for success in middle school and well beyond.
The academic support systems outlined above, combined with our talented faculty, help children achieve academic success and become confident and curious learners.
