All children can learn…

But not all children are being taught the way they learn best. The essence of finding the right school for a child is matching instruction to the way the child learns. Students with learning disabilities or learning differences often struggle needlessly when the educational setting is rigid, or directed toward the majority of students. But one size does not fit all. This is especially a problem in international schools where quality and effective special education resources are difficult to find. Thankfully, more and more international schools are adding learning support services.  However, when struggling children reach high school and the academic demands increase, their needs change.

Many schools overseas are also reluctant to accept students with learning differences and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and parents end up begging school administrators to accept their child. Then when things become difficult, academically and/ or behaviorally, often parents and students are reluctant to demand more out of fear of being dismissed from the school. In these situations, struggling children are better served in an educational setting that understands them, embraces them, helps to rebuild their fragile adolescent egos, and empowers them to realize they can do more than they’ve ever dreamed.

This is especially true of high school students. When they do not get the academic support they need they often doubt themselves, their intelligence, come to hate school, and then adjust their dreams for the future accordingly. Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that a young person’s hope in their future has been restored. And that can happen when the educational setting is right for them.

There are traditional boarding schools with great learning support.  There are boarding schools just for average to above average students that specialize in only learning disabilities.  There are schools for kids with lower cognitive profiles, for those with Asperger’s and schools that do a great job with ADHD students. Within these schools, some are better than others at meeting the individual needs of the child. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of the student’s individual profile before making any recommendations about school placement.

Rebecca Grappo, Certified Educational Planner and founder of RNG, and Michelle Grappo, Ed.M, have visited almost 300 boarding schools, and has an in-depth knowledge of many others. Let experienced, professional, and compassionate educational consultants help guide you to the school that is exactly right for your child. Contact us to see how we can help.

More info:

Articles on Boarding Schools
Taking a Special Needs Child Overseas
Testimonials
“Survive or Thrive”