Academic Resource & Learning Differences Center

At The Orme School, we believe in empowering every student to thrive academically and personally, ensuring a strong foundation for future success.

The ethos at The Orme School rejects the notion of attempting to “fix” or disregard our neurodiverse learners, and instead focuses on creating an environment that minimizes obstacles, fostering an atmosphere where every student can actively participate in challenging and meaningful learning experiences. Through intentional design and dedication to reducing barriers, we ensure that all students, regardless of their diagnoses, have an equitable opportunity to thrive and succeed academically. We strive to foster self-esteem and the ability to help students claim agency and become fully conversant around their differences, thereby empowering each child to go forth and advocate for themselves as self-assured adults.

In response to the diverse learning needs of our students in a college-preparatory setting, The Orme School established its Academic Resource Center (ARC) in 2021. To further aid our students, we have a full-time psychological counselor on staff. Through a partnership with Dr. John Brentar, PhD, who is the Executive Director of Morrissey-Compton Educational Center, we offer students comprehensive educational testing, individualized educational plans, and ongoing support executed collaboratively with our dedicated teachers and staff.

This initiative is designed to fortify our commitment to neurodiverse students facing mild to moderate learning differences. As we have expanded our services and embraced the LD community, we have put into place a comprehensive and well-rounded offering.

Key elements of our ARC include:

Assistive and interactive technology for students.
Individualized psychoeducational testing options for the diagnosis of learning disorders, or the on-going bi-yearly refresh testing.
A dedicated quiet space for students with diagnosed learning differences to study, take tests, work on homework, and receive support throughout the day. This space is also available for a rest or break time throughout the day.
An on-site psychologist.
On-going teacher training to further the understanding and growth in the areas of learning differences. These teacher trainings, lectures, and classes are also available to our faculty and staff to gain more knowledge.
A 4:1 ratio in our class sizes.
Direct educational assistance both in class and study areas with a dedicated teacher who is a specialist in Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Dysgraphia. This teacher is aware of each student’s specific needs, and is able to offer one on one support in the specific areas of need and according to their diagnosis plan.
One on one small group study in the areas of executive functioning and study skills to further students’ strengths, and eventual self-advocacy and self-sufficiency in college or elsewhere.

Our current program addresses a spectrum of learning differences, including mild to moderate learning disorders (LD) in reading, writing, and math; ADHD; weak executive functioning (EF); high-functioning autism; and students with mild mental health concerns. All students are empowered to manage college preparatory coursework with the necessary support.

We look forward to working with you and your child.

Academic Advisors

Another unique Orme tradition is its approach to providing faculty advisors for each student. Your adviser will challenge you, support you, listen to you, and stick by your side throughout your years at Orme. These advisors will meet with you regularly during school and office hours, of course. And, in our friendly and accessible community, it is Orme tradition for advisors to have dinner with their students every other week, often times in their own residences for home-cooked meals and warm conversation. Your advisor will be magnetic—staying close and frequently available to support you on your journey, all the way through graduation.