Catering to Learning Differences in Middle School Girls

Every student learns differently, whether they prefer a specific style of learning, need additional help with certain topics, enjoy some topics more than others, or have difficulty understanding certain concepts. We reject the phrase “learning disorder” as it stigmatizes intellectual capacity, when in reality, students need to discover their preferred learning style, develop stronger study skills, and reach out to teachers to ask for accommodations to help them succeed in the classroom. Asheville Academy helps middle school girls who have struggled with low motivation or poor academic performance in the past rediscover their academic strengths through catering to individual learning differences in middle school girls.

Some signs of learning differences in middle school girls include:

• Issues spelling words correctly
• Trouble with memory and frequently forgetful
• Problems adjusting to new settings and environments
• Avoids reading and writing assignments
• Difficulty summarizing or grasping abstract concepts
• Often misinterprets or misreads information
• Either hyper-focuses or ignores details
• Works slowly or spends a ton of time studying yet still struggles in class and with grades
• Trouble following directions or staying organized

Helping Every Student Succeed

Most traditional school settings don’t have the time or the resources to pay attention to the needs of every student. Many learning differences go under the radar, especially when the curriculum is based on memorization, where information is consumed rather than processed. With small classrooms and dedicated, compassionate teachers, Asheville Academy works closely with every student to help meet their learning needs. Teachers collaborate with other members of our treatment team and take into consideration how emotional issues like social and performance anxiety, low motivation, sensory integration, hyperactivity, and trauma can affect students’ ability to stay present in the classroom. With individualized treatment and academic plans, middle school girls get the support they need in and out of the classroom. 

Educational Support

We assess every student’s learning style and academic standing when they enroll at Asheville Academy. Our academic program is accredited by Cognia, which helps allow our classes to line up with local curriculum so that credits they earn can transfer to any school they transition to. Additionally, we offer a variety of electives, including music, dance, drama, art, and gym to help students explore their interests and reach their full potential.
Our Learning Support works with our Occupational Therapist to inform teachers on how to carry out targeted, intensive interventions within the classroom. This may include classroom breaks, sensory toys, experiential activities, or alternative learning assessments. 

We have a teacher-guided study hall where Academic Guides help support and lead students toward task completion and organizational skills. During free time, students are encouraged to work on assignments before turning to creative activities and socializing. As a therapeutic boarding school for girls, we combine accredited academics with a variety of therapies to help students succeed in multiple areas of their lives. 

Asheville Academy Can Help 

Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for girls ages 10-14 who struggle with learning, behavioral, and emotional diagnoses. This program is social, emotional, and academically focused in order to empower girls to move forward and transition smoothly back into their home and school life. Students gain a greater sense of confidence, ability to manage emotions, and the skills to communicate effectively. We can help your family today!

Contact us at 800-264-8709 to learn more about the academic support we offer for middle school girls with learning differences.