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The Center for Lifelong Learning (“The Center”) advances the academic performance of all learners in grades 5 – 12 by building confident and successful learners. We work to develop students not just to master subject specific content but with skills for a lifetime of learning. The Center offers diagnostic tools, individualized learning plans, and learning sessions with qualified Academic Coaches to assist in achieving a learner’s maximum potential. We offer ACT and SAT college exam preparation courses or one-on-one test-prep sessions. We counsel individuals on college essay writing.
The Center is located on Wheaton Academy’s campus but students in a home school program or attending another area school are welcome! We have evening and Saturday hours available and can meet virtually.
Wheaton Academy students are encouraged to seek assistance and meet with their teachers for help in a subject. The Center allows a student with different learning needs to work with the same Academic Coach on customized learning plans over a longer period of time or across multiple subjects. Some students benefit from extended time on a specific skill or subject or when working with one Academic Coach across multiple subjects. Our coaches can also more directly incorporate specific executive functioning skill development into sessions.
The Center is an additional resource to Wheaton Academy and non-Wheaton Academy students looking to advance their academic performance. Academic Coaches have access to diagnostic tools (e.g., see Academic Progress Testing) that allows more mid- and long-term academic performance planning and goal setting to be established based on the individual student needs.
Included in Wheaton Academy tuition, students may schedule a Study Hall or Study Lab.
Study hall is simply a time built into the student’s schedule where they can study or work independently. It is useful for students who need a more dedicated time and space for studying or working on homework especially if they are involved in co-curricular activities and need more time to finish their schoolwork.
Study lab is a structured study hall for students who are recommended by administration as needing additional educational support. Students are required to attend the study lab each day to receive credit. The study lab teacher has weekly individualized meetings to foster goal setting and student-advocacy. (See WA Curriculum Guide for more information).
At an additional cost, The Center offers “unlimited access” packages for students who want to improve their academic performance and require an extra layer of one-on-one support and accountability. Students will first be tested using the Center’s academic progress testing and planning services.
An Academic Coach will then review the results with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) and map a path for improving academic performance and achieving the student’s individual goals. Student that are registered for study hall or study lab can leave their study hall or study lab to come meet with full-time Learning Engineers during those periods. Students with unlimited access can visit the Center and work with a Learning Engineer before school, during lunch, or after school for assistance as well. These Learning Engineers will not only help the students with their specific subjects but can also help them with building executive functioning and learning skills. Executive functioning skills include response inhibition, working memory, emotional control, sustained attention, task initiation, planning/prioritization, organization, time management, goal-directed persistence, flexibility, system thinking, study skills, and homework prioritization.
Academic Progress Testing and Planning
The academic progress test is a computerized adaptive test which helps our Academic Coaches diagnose where a student is at, map an individualized learning plan and make informed learning decisions to promote maximum academic growth. The fee includes administration of the test(s) as well as a meeting to review the results and discuss a customized learning plan for the student.
Unlimited Access (Academic Progress Testing and Planning included)
This package is specifically for Wheaton Academy students. They will have access to a team of Academic Coaches during their study hall, study lab or non-academic time as well as after school (8:00 am – 5:00 pm). Unlimited Access students may come to The Center without scheduling in advance (note: certain subject-specific assistance may require some advanced scheduling based on availability). Pro-rated pricing is available for students who sign up after the semester has started.
Executive Functioning Coaching Plus Unlimited Access (Academic Progress Testing and Planning included)
Unlimited Access with an added focus on Executive Functioning. These skills include task initiation and follow through, planning/organization, working memory, performance monitoring, inhibition of impulses, and self-regulation, for example. Pro-rated pricing is available for students who sign up after the semester has started.
Individual Learning Sessions
One-on-one learning sessions with qualified subject matter experts are available during study halls, after school, in the evening, and on Saturdays. Requires scheduling in advance. Virtual learning sessions are available.
Individual ACT/SAT Prep Learning Sessions
Test prep is customized to individual needs and done one-on-one with a trained ACT/SAT prep coach.
Small Group ACT/SAT Test Prep
Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer to help students prepare for the ACT or SAT exams. Small class sizes allow for individualized support.
What subjects do your Academic Coaches cover?
The Center for Lifelong Learning has Academic Coaches in almost all subject areas including English/Writing, Geometry, Algebra I and II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, and French. Students can meet one-on-one with a Academic Coach to help them in a specific subject by signing up for an Individual Learning Session. We also offer assistance with executive functioning skills, homework challenges, test/quiz preparation, AP Test preparation, organization/study skills, and college essay writing.
What about ACT and SAT preparation?
Academic Coaches will teach students tips and strategies for each section of the ACT or SAT. A learner is able to focus on one of the college entrance exams or both. The Academic Coach will identify the students’ strengths and weaknesses and work with the learner to achieve their goal. Group classes are also offered throughout the year.
Where will my student meet with their Academic Coach?
The Center for Lifelong Learning is located on Wheaton Academy’s campus. All learners are invited on to the campus for their sessions. Wheaton Christian Grammar School students can meet with their Academic Coach at WCGS after school hours (3:30 pm – 5:00 pm). Virtual sessions are also available, if preferred.
Watch this step-by-step tutorial on purchasing and redeeming packages:
Since the Academic Coaches plan their day around their appointments, they need at least 12 hours’ notice if the student is not able to come to the appointment. Click on ‘Reschedule Appointment’ on the email reminder and reschedule the appointment. Appointments not canceled 12 hours in advance will be considered a “no show” and you will be charged accordingly.
The Center for Lifelong Learning is open 5 days a week (8 am – 5 pm) (Monday through Friday). By appointment only on Saturdays. We are not open or available on Sunday. The individual Academic Coaches’ hours vary. Their availability is listed in the Scheduling system, you will be able to view their availability when you look to schedule an appointment.