Learning Support

As an inclusive school, the Friends School of Atlanta supports some students with identified learning needs, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attentional difficulties, anxiety and Autism (level 1).  We are unable to accommodate students who require extensive one-on-one teacher support, whether for academic, behavioral, or emotional needs.  We seek to create balanced classrooms that allow all students’ needs to be met by placing a limit on the number of admitted students with above average support needs.   

Students are supported by:

• Small student-teacher ratios

• Student support plans with classroom level accommodations for individual student learning needs

• Teachers trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading approach in every elementary school classroom 

• A balanced and structured literacy approach grounded in the science of reading with direct instruction from prek4 through 4th grade.

• Some teachers trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to math instruction

• A dedicated Elementary School Learning Specialist who pushes into classrooms and works with small groups of students in reading, writing and math

• A weekly team meeting of teachers, learning specialist, counselor and elementary school head in which student support is discussed

• Rich, inquiry-based instruction that allows all students to build critical thinking skills

Some students benefit from the support of outside tutors, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals. These tutors and professionals are funded by families, but they may work with students on campus during the school day.