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Academic Support & Success

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The Office of Academic Support at Fairfield College Preparatory School is focused on the academic success of all students.

In an effort to help all students reach their highest academic potential, the Office of Academic Support provides different levels of support for students depending on need, tracks student outcomes and adjusts interventions as necessary, and provides professional development for faculty on best practices for teaching diverse learners in their classrooms.

Support Services

Students working collaboratively

In addition to a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, Fairfield Prep provides various levels of support to students to promote academic success. The need for additional support services programming is evaluated on an ongoing basis and programs are added based on student need. Supports that are available for all students include:

  • Access to faculty before and after school for extra review
  • Access to after-school homework help in the Academic Center
  • Access to exam study sessions and reading days before semester and final exams
  • Access to the Academic Center before, during, and after school for a quiet study space
  • Support and guidance from School/College Counselor, School Social Worker, and Asst. Dean of Students
  • Ability to match with a peer tutor in a variety of subject areas
  • Access to math support through the Academic Center
  • Access to literacy support through the Academic Center

Should students require a higher level of support (due to a documented learning need or a referral from staff) students may be matched with a Fairfield University Intern and/or receive weekly support from a Learning Specialist. They will continue to have access to the aforementioned services available to all students.

LiteraCy Support

A certified ELA teacher is on staff three days a week to support students with their literacy needs. This professional resource is available to provide reading and writing support to students on an individual and small group basis both in and outside the classroom. Students may be referred by their teachers or access these services directly through the Office of Academic Support.

Math Support

A certified math teacher is on staff three days a week to help support students with their math needs. This professional resource is available to provide math support to students on an individual and small group basis both in and outside the classroom. Students may be referred by their teachers or access these services directly through the Office of Academic Support.

Learning SPecialist

Fairfield Prep has a full-time faculty member on staff who has extensive experience in working with students with diverse learning needs. Working either one-on-one, or in a small group setting, the Learning Specialist helps identified students to develop effective learning strategies in order to promote academic growth. The Learning Specialist provides ongoing progress monitoring of students receiving academic support services, adjusting the level of service as needed. In addition, the Learning Specialist works in collaboration with the Director of Academic Support to identify and remediate student learning issues as they arise.

Peer Tutor Program

Fairfield Prep maintains a robust peer tutoring program which is staffed by members of the school’s National Honor Society. Peer tutors are approved to teach in specific subject areas across different levels (e.g., regular, Honors, AP). Prep students can directly access the school’s database of qualified tutors and, after identifying the subject they need help with, can connect with a tutor who matches their need and schedule. Students can also seek support in matching with a tutor through the Office of Academic Support.

Fairfield University Academic Intern Program

Through an ongoing relationship with Fairfield University, senior Psychology majors serve as interns in the Office of Academic Support. In-person interactions between students and interns consist of weekly meetings in which they discuss homework and study habits, executive functioning abilities, and overall academic performance. Academic interns serve as liaisons between students, school counselors, and parents, providing weekly updates of student progress. This update includes an overview of what was discussed at the meeting, any upcoming assignments, the date and time of the next planned meeting, and other relevant information. Academic interns report directly to the Director of Academic Support, and this ongoing collaboration allows for additional support/interventions to be implemented as needed.

 

Accommodations

Fairfield Prep is committed to helping all students, including those with learning disabilities, meet the rigors of a college preparatory program. To this end, a student with a disability may be provided with reasonable accommodations. A disability, as defined by applicable law, may include a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning, seeing, hearing).