Differential Learning

Positioning Nichols Students for Success

Ninth graders meet with peers in the Reading Room to review algebra equations. An eighth grader stays after school to volunteer as a Study Buddy in the Science Lab for Middle School students. The Learning Support Service department works with students, families, and faculty members to ensure students are on track academically.

In recent years, Nichols’ renewed commitment to Differential Learning has resulted in a more robust, hands-on approach to academic services. With expanded support services and programs in the form of individualized, group, and grade-level options, all students have expansive resources at Nichols to best position them for success.

In the last two years, Nichols added two seasoned Learning Support Service Coordinators who are dedicated full-time to this strategic initiative. Middle School Support Service Coordinator Nicoletta Grundtisch came from The Gateway Academy of Texas where she led a team responsible for creating individualized learning and support plans for students. Ira Hancock, who serves this role in the Upper School, has worked on implementing student support service programs within independent schools since 1996.

“Establishing effective habits and a growth mindset increases your ability to access your strengths. At Nichols, we use ‘Student Success Tips’ to do this, and these are tools that help all of our students lay the groundwork for success not just here but at college and beyond,” said Hancock.

Often times, Hancock is invited into class meetings and advisories to share useful habits for learning. He also has started a peer tutoring program, where juniors, seniors and alumni can provide academic support for freshman and sophomores in the Reading Room and a new Learning Center in Albright Hall.

The Middle School also has adopted a peer tutoring program. Known as “Study Buddies,” eighth graders under the guidance of Grundtisch provide academic support to primarily fifth graders. To date, eleven eighth graders have signed up to tutor students in a variety of topics, from science, language, ELA, math, and more. Recently, the program has expanded in the Middle School with Study Buddies working alongside Grundtisch to establish a Science Lab after school and a Math Lab before school.

“Peer learning is important because students can relate to other students who are older than them. We find that having the opportunity to learn from them or spend time with them really is impactful. If you can teach something then you really know it and it challenges our eighth graders,” said Grundtisch.

In addition to tutoring, tools