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Academic Advising and Resources

Seen and supported every step of the way

At Dana Hall, we believe girls achieve academic excellence when their social and emotional needs are equally considered with their intellect.

Thriving in the classroom—and in all aspects of the school experience—requires the support of dedicated faculty to guide our students to ever-greater heights. Our academic support emphasizes strong habits of mind and self-advocacy—our students understand that asking for help at Dana Hall is considered a strength, and our talented advisors are attuned to all aspects of their school experience. In our Middle School model, students receive a new advisor in each grade level. In the Upper School model, students have a new advisor in grades 9 and 10, and remain with their 10th grade advisor through graduation. In both divisions, advisors build rapport and trust with students, and appreciate that our girls thrive in school when they feel connected to caring adults who know them as individuals.

The road to self-advocacy begins with developing self-awareness, realizing how one learns best, and resisting the urge to compare oneself to others.” Jillian DebuskUpper School Learning Specialist

Pillars of guidance

Dana Hall's Learning Specialists are here to help—through their close relationships with our students, they’re able to be proactive about providing support if a student begins to have academic difficulty in certain classes. Each specialist works alongside a student's teachers, advisor, and family to develop an appropriate support plan. 

Building a solid foundation

Students begin their time in the Upper School with our Skills Workshop 9, which covers introductory material in four major categories:

  • Learning Strategies 
  • Information Literacy 
  • Digital Literacy
  • Global Education

By integrating lessons with content from 9th-grade academic courses, student focus on note taking, test preparation, time
management, bibliographic citation, academic integrity, evaluating source reliability, using the physical and digital resources of the library, iPad applications for the classroom, and understanding and appreciating multiple cultures and perspectives. 

In the Middle School, librarians collaborate with classroom teachers on projects that teach students how to find, evaluate, and cite sources. In Learning Strategies 5, 6, and 7 students develop the skills to become effective learners, covering a range of strategies, from time management to test preparation, prioritization, and managing technological distractions. 

Meet our advisors

Our students call upon their advisors whenever they need guidance or advice. With the support of these extraordinary mentors and confidantes, students flourish as balanced, happy individuals.

Faculty Directory

Class Deans

In the Upper School, each grade level has two Class Deans—one focused on academic needs and considerations, and the other devoted to extracurriculars and student life. Deans work collaboratively to facilitate regular class meetings, mentor class officers, and serve as an additional support system for each student. 

From the Roar

Students explore a South African mountain side
On The Road to Self-Advocacy

As students shared, it became clear that the road to self-advocacy begins with developing self-awareness, realizing how one learns best, and resisting the urge to compare oneself to others. Next comes the affirmation of one’s learning difference and acceptance of it, because without acceptance, one cannot move on to finding efficient strategies that lead to success.

Read More about On The Road to Self-Advocacy