My DD has dyslexia. How are Kent School, Berkshire and Taft with support? I’ve read their websites, but am wondering what it truly looks like and whether they support extra time, distraction free test taking and tutoring (paid, not just extra teacher help)? Thank you.
Hey! I’m a current student at Berkshire who has some learning disabilities and I used accommodations and tutoring. I would feel more comfortable talking about it through pm so feel free to message me and I would be happy to talk to you and answer any questions:)
Is this for your DD at Choate or another DD applying to BS this year?
The best thing you can do in either case is call each school and have a candid conversation with the Director of Admissions- NOT a random AO.
Many BSs have a list of non-faculty private tutors who live off campus ( along with their rates- which can be very high I’m told ) because their faculty is already overwhelmed ( with teaching, ECs, coaching, dorm parenting, etc ) . Sometimes a BS will have dedicated staff for struggling or LD kids- which is great and a little less costly . Sometimes an AO will ask for a Neuropsych ( sp? ) after M10 ( for accommodations ) and make that a condition for acceptance/ enrollment, too.
You just have to ask… and be upfront and open.
FWIW- a lot of people think that if they disclose a LD prior to M10, it will somehow lessen their chances. I don’t believe that’s true at all. I think a BS would rather go with a capable bright “known” and plan accordingly for that student and their successful outcome than to have to scramble- or worse- ask the student to withdraw before the first of the year . … which believe it or not happens a lot… and most of the time it didn’t need to end that way- which can be very hard on the student/family .
My niece went through this when it was a lot less common to have an "identified " LD at BS. Her parents were extremely candid about the support they felt she’d need prior to applying . She was accepted to a number of great schools and ultimately did very well at her first choice- Pomfret- which is not an easy school.
When she arrived on their campus they were ready for her and she was very successful. If that’s the goal @neuroticmama , I would definitely ask the schools above but I would also highly recommend adding a few more schools to the list … especially if this is a BS transfer. You’re not the only family considering a move ( like this ) at this time of year.
All the best and Happy New Year. 
Thank you. This is for another DD. My DD at Choate is doing great. We were very candid in interviews. I just want to make sure wherever she is accepted really will be able to help her. She does well now, but uses her extra time and has a tutor outsude of school. Just need to make sure where she lands this is possible to continue. Thanks,
I would advise you to speak to the head of the learning center / services department as well. They will have more information in terms of the day-to-day reality of support maybe than the AO. FWIW we went through this process last year, and were told (by other families) that Taft is not a great place for kids who need support. Berkshire - yes. Have you looked at Suffield? My son is at St. George’s and although that probably isn’t on most people’s “accommodations” radar, they have been absolutely fantastic.
Thank you. I’ve heard Suffield and Pomfret are great with the support. Thanks for the info on Berkshire and Taft. I am curious if anyone knows about support at Kent, too.
My friend had a son with dyslexia and ADD @ Suffield - support and enjoyed his teachers immensely- his writing skills flourished there and is now in a college program - English major! Also, did you look at Millbrook?
Interested in Kent too. Do they offer reasonable accommodations for very bright kids who are mildly dyslexic but good students? Accommodation could include extra time on tests and use of a 4 function calculator for math tesst.
There’s s whole thread on this pinned to the top of the Parents section of the Prep board
Yes Calimex but the thread you refer to highlights schools that address a broad range of children’s LDs.
This thread’s topic is more narrow dealing with accommodation.
My question and that of neuroticmama is specific to Kent School.
Berkshire and Taft are mentioned in the first post here. The thread I referenced included info on Berkshire from a Berkshire student… I think you will find it helpful.