Dana Hall School is a supportive, caring community that encourages students to ask questions, learn from each other, take the initiative to master the content of their coursework, and acquire life-long learning skills. The School offers a variety of academic resources to assist students in meeting these goals.

Academic support begins with the expert instruction of the classroom faculty who use a variety of pedagogical techniques to teach students in their classes. In addition, the Dana Hall Student Planner & Academic Skills and Strategies Handbook offers a wide range of strategies that help students improve their organization, test-preparation and study skills, reading, writing, and public speaking skills.

Dana Hall School also offers the following resources:

Conference Period

Throughout the week, Dana Hall provides a protected Conference/Study Period, a time during which all students and teachers are free. This is a valuable opportunity for students to talk with their teachers about concepts covered in class, review class notes, begin their homework, ask for feedback on an assignment, or prepare for a test. Conferences are typically small-group format.

Study Halls

In order to assist students in making effective use of their time, Dana Hall offers proctored study halls in both the Middle and Upper Schools. Students may be assigned to study halls throughout the academic day, during otherwise unscheduled periods. Upper School boarding students also attend study hall from 7-9pm Monday through Thursday evenings. A supervised after-school study hall is provided for Middle School students.

Learning Strategies, 6 & 7

The Learning Strategies courses provide direct instruction to sixth and seventh graders in such areas as time management, test preparation, and reading comprehension in an effort to foster students’ academic growth and skill development. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, and encouraging a strategic approach to learning.

Skills Workshop 9: Learning Strategies, Information Literacy, and Grammar

Skills Workshop 9 is a year-long course for ninth graders comprised of trimester units in learning strategies, information literacy, and grammar. The curriculum is designed to address the particular needs and skill development of ninth graders as they begin their first year in Upper School.  

Learning Strategies Workshops

Throughout the year, Dana Hall’s Learning Specialist offers workshops to Middle and Upper School students on topics such as organization, study skills and strategies, test preparation, and time management.

K2K (Kid-to-Kid tutoring)

Students who would like assistance in academics from a peer may ask to work with a K2K tutor. K2K tutors are Upper School students recommended by faculty members to tutor in a subject area in which they have shown proficiency. K2K tutors and their tutees meet together during study halls throughout the day or after school, typically for one session per week.

Writing Lab

Upper School students are able to sign up for individual appointments in the Writing Lab during their unscheduled periods. Assistance is provided on writing assignments at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting to final editing. The Writing Lab is staffed primarily by members of the English and Social Studies departments, as well as by other faculty members with a particular interest in writing.

Math Lab

Similar to the Writing Lab, Upper School students in math classes at any level may sign up for appointments in the Math Lab during unscheduled periods. Math Lab is also available in the evening two nights per week to both day and boarding students. In Math Lab, students may review concepts covered in their math classes, do homework and ask for feedback, or receive assistance in preparing for upcoming tests or quizzes. Math Lab sessions are small-group format.

Typically, students are able to learn successfully through the instruction they receive in the classroom and by making use of a variety of academic resources. Dana Hall's Learning Specialist is available for consultation if a student is having particular academic difficulty in several of her classes. The Learning Specialist works in concert with the student's teachers, advisor, and family to develop an appropriate academic support plan drawing upon the resources described above. For students with significant academic struggles, one-on-one support may be available for a limited period of time as determined by the Division Director. If students require on-going, one-on-one support, the Learning Specialist will help families find an outside tutor in the student's area of need and/or recommend educational testing when appropriate.

Dana Hall School offers a dynamic and challenging academic program. Its students represent a variety of learning styles, including those with specific learning disabilities. However, it is important to note that Dana Hall is not able to serve all children or provide extensive remedial support. A list of the specific accommodations that can be made for students is available from the Learning Specialist.

We encourage our students to make use of the academic support available to them at Dana Hall. Ultimately, we would like each of our students to develop their skills so that they become resourceful learners in the classroom and in the world, capable of working independently and collaboratively, drawing upon the expertise and ideas of their teachers and fellow students.

No fee is charged for any of these support services. They are open to all students on an as-needed and as-available basis.