Academic Support

Learning How to Learn

Academic Support at St. Mark's is dedicated to helping students become confident, capable, and independent learners. We believe that effective learning strategies can be taught, practiced, and refined, and that learning how to learn is one of the most valuable skills a student can develop.

Through individualized executive functioning coaching, content-area support, peer tutoring, classes, and workshops grounded in evidence-based cognitive science, we empower students to strengthen their academic skills, build productive habits, and develop the self-awareness needed to thrive at St. Mark's and beyond.

Becoming an expert student requires focusing on the how of learning. Our goal in Academic Support is to give St. Mark's students the evidence-based tools, habits, and self-awareness they need to take confident ownership of their education and success."Sarah Eslick, Director of Academic Support

The Academic Support Hub

The Academic Support Hub is a bright, welcoming space where students can access daytime and evening academic support, workshops, and resources. The Hub also houses a specialized resource library with resources on the science of learning and practical strategies for organization, time management, studying, and more.

Whether stopping by for individualized support, attending a workshop, or exploring new approaches to learning, students will find resources to help them thrive in and beyond the classroom.

Signature Programs

Academic Coaching
Individualized coaching in executive functioning (e.g., prioritizing, time management), studying, and learning strategies.

Content-Area Support
Daytime and evening assistance in humanities and quantitative coursework from faculty and trained student mentors.

Peer Tutoring
One-on-one and drop-in support from trained student mentors.

Faculty Office Hours
Dedicated time each week for students to meet directly with teachers.

Workshops
Regular sessions on studying, organization, test preparation, note taking, and other learning strategies grounded in cognitive science.

Structured Study Hall
Additional supervision and accountability for students who benefit from more structured evening study.

Academic Accommodations
Guidance navigating school-based accommodations and standardized testing accommodations.

From the Classroom

Foundations of Learning

During the first semester, III Form students focus on their academic transition to St. Mark’s. Sessions combine direct instruction in essential skills for learning (e.g., using the School’s learning management system, planning/organization, reading comprehension, test preparation, and learning strategies supported by cognitive psychology research) with guided planning and study time. Students build connections and work collaboratively with their classmates as they cultivate the skills and habits needed to become expert learners. New IV Form students have the option to join this course for the first quarter.

Foundations of Wellbeing

In the second semester, the focus shifts to examining key aspects of personal and community wellbeing, using the seven interconnected Dimensions of Wellness and the five core social-emotional learning competencies. Topics include nutrition, healthy relationships and sexual wellness, and substance education and harm reduction. The course weaves themes of identity and inclusion throughout. Foundations of Learning and Wellbeing is ungraded and has no homework.

IV Form Foundations of Learning

IV Form Foundations of Learning is an optional mini-course for new IV Form students designed to assist in their academic transition to St. Mark’s. The class meets weekly during Window 1 only. Sessions combine direct instruction in essential learning skills (e.g., using the School’s learning management system, planning/organization, reading comprehension, test preparation, and learning strategies supported by cognitive psychology research) with guided study hall time. After Window 1 closes, the Foundations of Learning period becomes an unscheduled period for new IV Form students. Foundations of Learning is ungraded and has no homework.