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Coakley CenterInnovation and growth go hand in hand.

At Holy Child, we value the uniqueness of every student. We believe that what makes each girl unique should foster joy in learning and exploration. Holy Child teachers are known for the individual attention they provide, and with the help of our Coakley Center for Innovative Learning, they connect our intellectually challenging and energizing college preparatory curriculum with each girl’s strengths and passions to bring out her best.  We promise that where you excel, we will challenge you—and where you need assistance, we will support you. 

All students take part in Holy Child’s college preparatory program. Through the Coakley Center we provide academic accommodations for students with ADHD and specific learning disabilities, allowing them to access the challenging academic curriculum. 

 

“The bold shift to comprehensively develop faculty who are competent in differentiated instruction, classroom management, and assessment has a more significant impact on positive academic and emotional outcomes for students than any other curricular initiative.” 
Erica Herro and Molly Bozzo,
Authors,“Neurodiversity and Differentiation,” Independent Teacher Magazine, Spring 2017 

Academic Enrichment
Our curriculum offers challenging academics in every subject, while small classes allow teachers to know each student as an individual learner and provide personal attention.

Our faculty continually implement research-based best practices shared through the Coakley Center. Hands-on experiences, independent projects and extracurricular opportunities enrich students’ learning beyond the classroom in countless ways. 

Learning SupportAs our teachers work closely with students, they identify when additional support is needed. 

This could range from a walk-in session at the Writing Center or Math Lab to learning strategies courses for students with diagnosed learning differences. The goal is for all students to become independent learners who know themselves as learners and advocate for support when necessary.  

Our Resources

For Teachers

The Coakley Center offers professional development and education for faculty and administrators. It educates teachers on new research informing teaching and learning in and outside the classroom. It also partners with teachers in developing action plans and implementing accommodation plans. 

Recent seminars offered include: 

  • Reducing Testing Anxiety 

  • Preparing Students for Assessments 

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For Parents

The Coakley Center educates parents on new educational research and works with parents in recognizing their daughters’ strengths to help them reach their full potential. 

Recent parent seminars include: 

  • Strategies for Student Success 

  • Study Skills Workshop 

  • Navigating Accommodations for College Testing 

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Academic Coaching

Coaching is offered for students who need to strengthen executive functioning skills. Students learn to monitor their own progress and make adjustments to strategies and plans when necessary.  

 

Learning Lab

Learning Lab is staffed by a learning specialist to support students with their homework completion as well as help students get organized and create nightly to-do lists. It is open to all students for homework support after school Monday through Thursday from 3:30–4:30 p.m.  

 

Learning Strategies

These courses meet several times per week for students with diagnosed learning differences. They include: 

Foundations for Academic Success 

This is an introductory study skills course focusing on teaching students about time management, note taking, memory strategies, digital tools and self-advocacy. Students meet with a learning specialist who teaches them how to use strategies and resources to make their learning experience positive and effective. 

Holistic Approach to Learning and Memory 

In this course, students revisit the foundational strategies with more emphasis on how they learn, what impacts their learning and which strategies work best for them. They review aspects that can impact learning and memory, such as exercise, sleep habits, diet and stress. Students learn how to employ stress reduction techniques. In addition, they are introduced to advanced reading strategies and memorization techniques. They continue to use research-based digital tools to help organize their life and make learning more efficient and effective. 

Motivation and Goal Setting 

By junior year, students are focusing on the SAT, ACT and maintaining a grade point average to build a resume for their college application. This is the most challenging year for most high school students and can often leave a student feeling overwhelmed. This course is designed to continue the instruction in study skills with emphasis on independence, persistence and self-advocacy. By building their awareness of their strengths, learning needs, interests and goals, the course helps students recognize they can do more on their own. 

Applications of Learning Theory and College Transition 

The final year of high school is filled with anticipation and excitement about the future. This course explores learning theory and how understanding one’s individual learning style will empower her to become her own best advocate. Through collaborative discussion and individual meetings with learning specialists, students learn how to access support and utilize strategies and resources to make their college experience successful. 

All students take part in Holy Child’s college preparatory program. Through the Coakley Center we provide academic accommodations for students with ADHD and specific learning disabilities, allowing them to access the challenging academic curriculum. 

Writing Center/Math Lab

These are available to all students on a walk-in or appointment basis from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Writing and math specialists are available to all students and provide assistance one-on-one and in small group settings. They coordinate with classroom teachers to provide students with additional support on class assignments and targeted skills.  

Math Lab: Mon–Th 7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. 

Writing Center: Mon–Fri 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Virtual Hours: Tues–Wed 7–8 p.m.  

 

Who to Know