Study Skills at Boarding School for Girls with Behavior Problems

Are your daughter’s behavior problems getting in the way of her academic performance? Is she having trouble concentrating or staying on task while completing assignments? Does she have trouble sitting still or talking too much which can be disruptive in a classroom environment? Asheville Academy, a therapeutic boarding school for young girls with behavior problems, caters to the needs of a variety of learning styles and academic strengths and weaknesses by emphasizing study skills not just standardized test results.

How do Behavior Problems Affect School Experience?

Our teachers strive to help middle school girls stay engaged in learning. A variety of emotional and behavioral issues can get in the way of staying motivated and feeling accomplished in a school setting. With additional support and individualized attention, students are better able to identify their strengths and explore topics of interest. Poor academic performance reinforces low self-esteem and can lead to school refusal, school anxiety, and defiance.

Students with learning differences may feel inadequate and hopeless if they are unable to advocate for their needs and ask for accommodations. If they struggle academically, they may have trouble fitting in and may lash out or show disrespect towards teachers and other students from a place of frustration and hurt. 

When students feel like they don’t measure up to their parents or teachers’ high expectations, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. They learn that a traditional school setting is not designed to help them succeed and become resistant to learning opportunities.

Building a Foundation of Study Skills

Behavior problems not a reflection of their intelligence or academic ability, but rather a sign that they need additional help addressing underlying issues in order to empower them to succeed academically. Academic programs at therapeutic boarding schools provide girls with behavior problems with experiential learning activities in small classrooms to help students build confidence and apply study skills in a variety of settings.

Some examples of study skills include:

• Effective Notetaking Strategies. Taking notes can help students remember the material they’ve learned.However, many middle schoolers struggle with identifying important material and resisting highlighting an entire textbook. Teachers help students organize their notes and emphasize important information in order to help them stay focused without becoming overwhelmed by information.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills. This is one of the biggest obstacles to school success. Teachers help break down the material into shorter-term goals and helps students understand concepts before moving on. Outside of school hours, students have study halls where they can work on assignments and ask for feedback. This gives them the opportunity to stay on track with assignments. Following a daily schedule helps girls get into the routine of prioritizing their school success.
• Stress Reduction Techniques. We understand how stress and anxiety can get in the way of staying present in the classroom. Our teachers work closely with our clinical team to understand this overlap and integrate mindfulness practices and fidget toys into the classroom environment to help girls stay regulated. Students are encouraged to apply coping skills they’ve learned in individual and group therapy to get their needs met.
• Critical Thinking Skills. Rather than following a powerpoint format, classes encourage discussion and self-reflection to encourage girls to make their own conclusions about the material. Instead of rote memorization, we offer a variety of hands-on learning experiences to help girls apply information to real-life examples and understand the bigger picture.
• Collaboration. In small classrooms, girls work together to help each other succeed. Between peer tutoring, group projects and class discussions, we believe relationships are at the core of learning—both personally and academically.

Asheville Academy Can Help

Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for girls ages 10-14 who struggle with learning, behavioral, and emotional issues. 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. We have removed the negative elements of the traditional school environment, which act as barriers to a student’s self-esteem, self-efficacy, and academic success. We provide a structured and supportive learning community in order to empower students by fostering a positive relationship to learning while maintaining a rigorous standards-based curriculum. We can help your family today!

Contact us at 800-264-8709 to learn more about academic programming at boarding schools for girls with behavior problems.