International Baccalaureate (IB)
Open Access Curriculum
As an authorized IB World School, we deliver instruction through this renowned, research-based curriculum framework offered at more than 5,000 schools in 150 countries. In our Open Access IB Middle Years Programme (grades 6-10) and IB Diploma Programme (grades 1112), all St. Andrew’s students participate in our tailored, inclusive IB education.
Why is the IB Curriculum well-suited for all learning profiles?
The IB curriculum is student-centered and provides a holistic approach to education. Students develop fundamental learning skills that are used not only in a classroom setting, but in all areas of their lives.
With support from their teachers, students develop IB’s Approaches to Learning:
Success is measured by how students apply their knowledge rather than a contentdriven approach to teaching, with the goal of developing core skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
The IB curriculum focuses on thematic connections within the discipline, across the curriculum, and to the world around us. This promotes a deeper understanding of themes and ignites a passion for learning.
Value is placed on effort, curiosity, creativity, and nurturing a growth mindset.
THINKING SKILLS COMMUNICATION SKILLS RESEARCH SKILLS SELFMANAGEMENT SKILLS SOCIAL SKILLS
All learning support students benefit from the following:
Co-Teaching Model
Students enrolled in our Learning Support Program take literature and mathematics courses that are co-taught by a content teacher and a learning support specialist. Within this model, students are able to access the same full International Baccalaureate program as their peers while also receiving the differentiated instruction and strategies they need to achieve content mastery.
Advisory
All students are placed with an advisor who connects with them daily and supports their overall well-being and experience at St. Andrew’s. Learning support students are paired with a learning support specialist and students with similar interests. The goal of the advisory program is to connect the school’s Chapin Tradition values of service, action, and inclusion to our academic and student life programs.
Academic Workshop
Taught by a learning support specialist, Academic Workshop helps students improve their executive functioning and time management skills. Students learn effective strategies to increase their attention, organize their homework, and build confidence as learners in order to reduce stress and increase academic success.
Additional Support Services
For students who need additional support beyond our main Learning Support Program, we offer the following services for an additional fee beyond the base learning support tuition.
> Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Language Program Reading Instruction
> Speech and Language Services including Social Communication
> Academic Tutorial
THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
“At my previous school, I wasn’t the best at math or science. At St. Andrew’s, the way they teach is completely different. We don’t just sit in the classroom and get it right out of the book. In fact, sometimes we don’t use books at all. It’s more on the board with iPads, computers, or partner projects, so I’m never just doing my own thing; it feels like I’m with the whole classroom doing something together. And now I love math and science. They’re my favorite subjects.”
Upper Schooler
Serving Upper School students with complex learning needs, The Wolf Academy at St. Andrew’s is a highly specialized program for 5-10 students per grade, and offers both day and boarding options. The Wolf Academy employs the highly effective Immersion Model© developed by the Wolf School, a premier K-8 special education private school in Rhode Island.
The Immersion Model© utilizes a team of professionals—special education teacher, speech language pathologist, and occupational therapist—to blend students’ individual speech, language, learning, social, and occupational goals into a robust, personalized academic program. In addition, Wolf Academy students also access the dynamic curricular and extracurricular offerings, enrichments, and social opportunities of the St. Andrew’s School community.
Who does The Wolf Academy best serve?
Wolf Academy students have good academic and intellectual potential, but have had difficulty progressing in a traditional classroom due to multiple learning differences, including language processing and production challenges, difficulties with sensory regulation, and ineffective social communication.
Key Components of The Wolf Academy Advisory: Wolf Academy students gather each morning with speech and language and occupational therapists to prepare for the day ahead, with an emphasis on planning, social pragmatics, time management, and self-regulation.
Ongoing collaboration among faculty is at the heart of instructional design.
International Baccalaureate (IB) content classes: Students engage in the inquiry, action, and reflection process integral to every IB class. The Wolf Academy experience offers multiple IB pathways with a balance of challenge and support.
Provision of integrated services including speech and language, occupational, executive functioning, and academic services.
Fluid class offerings dependent on student strengths and needs: Standard St. Andrew’s content classes, co-taught content classes, and Wolf Academy content classes.
Family partnership is integral to individualized program design.
Advising check-ins with a learning specialist three times each day.
Participation in extracurricular activities, and athletic and arts programming.
Residential Life
At St. Andrew’s, learning extends beyond the classroom. Every student, whether they are a boarding or day student, learns how to become more independent in our intentionally small, nurturing residential community.
St. Andrew’s welcomes students from across the region and around the world to live on campus. The unique combination of boarding and day students gifts our community with a fresh global and local perspective that infuses our lessons, conversations, and daily life. Our lively 24/7 culture complements our academic program, offering boarding and day students alike opportunities to explore their interests, develop passions, engage meaningfully with faculty and peers, and visit cultural and entertainment attractions.
A Home Away from Home
Residential students are housed in one of four dorms on campus, which all include faculty residences, spacious common rooms, study spaces, laundry facilities, and kitchens. Most of our dorm rooms are doubles with a few triples and singles also available. Rooms are fully furnished and ready for our students to make them their own.
THE PARENT PERSPECTIVE
“Far too often, the education system takes a deficit approach for students whose learning style does not fit the ‘norm.’ St. Andrew’s Learning Support Program is truly remarkable for celebrating that which makes every student unique, and ensuring that tailored support is available so that all learners are reaching their full potential.”
Parent of a Learning Support Student
Want to learn more about the full St. Andrew ’ s experience? Visit standrews-ri.org to discover all of our opportunities in athletics, arts, activities, and more!
Important Information
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION INFORMATION NEEDED FOR CANDIDATE APPLICATION
As we strive to meet the individual needs of each potential student, candidates for the Learning Support Program are evaluated based on their learning profile and the potential to thrive in our community. Current assessment information is key to understanding a student’s learning profile to determine programming and support needed in our learning environment. This information should include any group standardized testing a school district has completed. In addition, it is most helpful to have a current Psychoeducational Evaluation completed privately or through one’s school district. This includes both cognitive and educational achievement assessment information.
Important Dates
>> FEBRUARY 1
• Applications and support materials due
• Financial aid application due
>> EARLY MARCH
• Admission decisions will be available
We seek to enroll students from a variety of backgrounds, whose unique perspectives enrich life at the school. The admission process at St. Andrew’s is designed to give students ample opportunities to learn about our programs and connect with current faculty and students.
We want to hear from you! inquiry@standrews-ri.org 401.246.1230 | standrews-ri.org 63 Federal Road, Barrington, RI 02806
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