Student Support

COLLEGE
COUNSELING

Walker’s college counseling program is dedicated to meeting students where they are and guiding them through the process of identifying the best fit – whether that is an Ivy League school, a top engineering program or a small liberal arts college.

Our experienced team of three full-time college counselors and one coordinator begins working with students and their families in the ninth grade. Their collaborative and supportive approach guides students and families through each phase of the process, offering specialized programs for students and parents at every stage, as well as one-on-one academic advising.

From the very first day of Upper School, your student – and your family – are provided tailored and comprehensive support.

COUNSELING
AND
GUIDANCE

At Walker, dedicated counselors are ready to respond to individual student needs.

Primary School counselors work closely with students, teachers and parents to support students through this critical time of development, helping to establish a strong foundation for the future. Counselors visit each classroom during monthly guidance lessons and offer individual counseling and small social groups to help students build interpersonal relationships with peers.

Our Lower School counseling program is designed to reach all students through individual counseling, small group participation, and monthly classroom guidance lessons. Our comprehensive program provides specialized counsel and intervention based on identified
student needs, while also promoting healthy character and life skills and helping to facilitate positive relationships.

Middle School and Upper School counselors complement our advisory system, providing every student with a trusted adult on campus to go to for advice, encouragement or insight on how to handle specific life situations. Upper School students are assigned a faculty advisor and stay with that advisor and advisory group through graduation. Students also meet annually with a member of the administrative team – the Dean of Students, Academic Dean or the Head of Upper School – to discuss departmental requirements and recommendations for course selection.

LEARNING
SUPPORT

At Walker, our Learning Specialists provide a comprehensive approach to help students succeed academically across all divisions.

All teachers in the Primary and Lower Schools are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy, and many are Orton-Gillingham certified. Learning Specialists help parents coordinate with tutors, speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists who are available to meet with students on campus.

In the Lower School, Learning Specialists continue to work with teachers and families to develop strategies and student-development scaffolding, meeting regularly with teachers to determine strategies to help students succeed in the classroom.

In Middle School, Learning Specialists help students understand their accommodations and develop self-advocacy skills that empower them to take ownership of their educational experience. Students also have access to programs such as Backpack Club, which provides the opportunity for them to seek support from teachers before and after school.

Upper School learning support is a drop-in program available to all students. Students can work in the Learning Lab before and after school, during study halls, breaks and lunch periods to receive support. All ninth graders have a directed study hall during the first semester that provides an opportunity for students to do homework, meet with teachers or receive learning support. Upper School students also have access to PeerKonnect, a free online platform that matches peer tutors with students who need additional support in specific subjects.

Our Upper School testing coordinator also works with the Learning Specialist and individual students to formally submit applications for accommodations with the College Board and ACT.

At The Walker School we strive to anticipate and address the needs of each and every student and to actively engage them in their personal and academic development, empowering them to achieve their full potential with the guidance and support they need.