ADHD Support

At Sparhawk School, we believe that all students succeed when their individual learning needs are met. Whether a student has a formal diagnosis of ADHD or not, we believe that practices which support the whole student, support every learner. While Sparhawk is not a special education environment, through project-based, experiential learning opportunities, students with attentional challenges often thrive here. We encourage all students to understand themselves as learners as they develop the skills and acquire the tools to navigate every part of their educational experience.

All students at our Lower Campus receive the following:

  • Individualized attention and instruction
  • Small class sizes
  • Brain and movement breaks
  • Emphasis on Backwards Design and breaking assignments into smaller chunks
  • Scaffolding and structure for long-term assignments
  • Emphasis on quality and in-depth understanding over quantity of output
  • Intentional classroom design to limit distractions
  • Teachers trained in school-based mindfulness
  • Direct instruction in time management skills and study skills
  • Encouraging student voice in the classroom and program
  • Building social skills through play-based experiences and organized lunchtime social groups

All Students at our Upper Campus receive the following:

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized daily advising
  • Learning plans to help all staff support the unique learning needs of all students
  • Daily dedicated office time for students to meet with their teachers for extra help
  • Emphasis on Backwards Design and breaking assignments into smaller chunks
  • Intentionally long mid-day break to allow for community building and movement
  • Provision of academic options. Students have choice in representing information, expressing understanding, engaging with material
  • Personal development courses that give direct instruction in time management, public speaking, study skills, and character development
  • Emphasis on quality and in-depth understanding over quantity of output
  • Project-based learning time within academic classes as well as dedicated time to individual and group PBL projects
  • Afterschool homework and study center
  • Additional Learning Support Center for those in need of greater support