Learning Center

The Learning Center (LC) supports the development of neurodivergent learning profiles for all students, leveraging their strengths to develop areas for growth. Students working in the LC are taught specific skills across all subject areas to thrive in LJCDS’s rigorous academic environment.

Those skills include:

Organization
Time management
Planning and prioritization
Self-advocacy
Self-regulation
Attention and focus
Study and note-taking strategies
Reading comprehension and language skills
Test-taking strategies
Critical thinking and problem-solving

The program serves Tiny Torreys through Grade 12 and offers one-on-one and small-group educational and speech-language therapy integrated into each student’s academic program; it focuses on advocacy and building a strong relationship between the student and the specialist. In addition, the LC offers occupational therapy screenings.

The LC team includes learning specialists and speech/language pathologists. Students work with LC specialists during school hours, using study blocks or scheduled times that align with their academic schedules. Locations include the Lower School, Upper School, and the second floor of the Jacobs Family Library/ administration building. Services are fee-based.

Additional Support Opportunities

List of 4 items.

Academic Studio (K–12)

The Academic Studio is open to all LJCDS students from kindergarten to Grade 12 who could benefit from one-on-one support with academic-specific skills, studying, planning, organization, and homework. Students are welcome to drop in as needed, or teachers may recommend that students use this time with a learning specialist.

Students can find the Academic Studio in the LC library space on the second floor of the library building. It is open on Wednesdays from 7:40 to 8:15 a.m.
Freshman Foundations (Grade 9)
LC learning specialists teach part of the Grade 9 Foundations course. Through neuroscience and psychology, students strengthen their executive functioning skills to work smarter, not harder.

Students strengthen their executive functioning skills, including:
- Planning and prioritizing
- Organization
- Time management
- Task initiation
- Working memory
- Metacognition
- Goal-directed persistence
- Emotional control
- Response inhibition
- Sustained attention
- Flexibility
Each class includes a lesson on an executive functioning skill and an application of the concept aligned with the students’ current coursework. Students are taught how to use the provided planners to boost their time management and planning skills.
Academic Support Flex (Grades 9–12)

All Upper School students are welcome to join the Academic Support Flex to receive one-on-one assistance from a learning specialist with academic content, homework, studying, planning, and organization. Students are welcome to drop in as needed, or teachers may recommend that students use this time with a learning specialist.

Please contact Learning Center Coordinator Amy Rohrbach at arohrbach@ljcds.org with any questions.

Upper schoolers can check the current schedule for days and times of this weekly flex.
Accommodations (Grades 3–12)

If students are eligible for classroom and/or testing accommodations, the LC ensures that all reasonable accommodations are provided at LJCDS.

A separate accommodations request is required for ACT and College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP) testing. Each has its own process. Upper School students who need to request these accommodations can contact the Upper School Testing Coordinator, Morgan Curella, at mncurella@ljcds.org.