Learning Differences Continued

The Limitations of the Program
The Grand River Academy recognizes its strengths for students with learning differences, which include small classes, individual attention, a residential staff, help sessions, evening study periods, special afternoon study halls, Saturday study sessions, and monthly report cards. In addition, the Academy may make accommodations for learning differences with assistance in the Resource Center, in the Library, in the Multimedia Center, with adjusted homework assignments; with extended testing time, with books on tape (purchased by the parent); with computers; with tape recorders; with student tutors; with study groups; and with oral testing. We also acknowledge the limitations of our program. For this reason, GRA encourages parents of students with learning differences and other conditions to also carefully evaluate the quality of the match between their son and the Academy’s program.


Learning Center
Two certified teachers staff the Resource Center. The Director holds a teaching certificate in learning disabilities and math and has directed the center for over 18 years. The purpose of the Resource Center is to develop skills and confidence with daily support activities that will help the student achieve academic success. Improving reading speed and/or comprehension, working on organizational skills, prepare daily assignments, write a paper, review for an exam, prepare for the state exams, giving oral exams, and helping with math corrections are just a few of the tasks that could be conducted in the Resource Center. The additional fee for this academic support service is $1,800 per semester.


Medication
The Grand River Academy understands the need for the safe, knowledgeable, comprehensive administration, and monitoring of medications for the treatment of students. Parents need to work with their local physician to prescribe, monitor, and adjust the dosage of medication. If the physician desires feedback from the Academy regarding a student’s observable behaviors, the guidance counselor or school nurse should be contacted. After a release of information is signed, the Academy will share their observations with the physician.

All medications are supervised by the school nurse and distributed directly by the nurse or a dormmaster. Students are required to ingest their medication immediately after they receive it. They are required to be responsible and follow the Academy’s policies and procedures relating to prescription medications.

Crucial to the constructive use of medication for students is the submission of complete and accurate medical records to the school nurse. The Academy will not administer or alter any medication unless all medical forms are complete and the physician documents a diagnosis and prescription. Likewise, failure of the student to comply with the doctor’s orders will result in the student going home.


The Application Process
Students diagnosed with Learning Differences (including ADD/ADHD) follow the same application procedures as all other prospective students. Every student is required to meet with a member of the Admission Staff for an on-campus interview. At that time, an application will be given to the applicant. All GRA candidates must complete and submit the application for admission together with the application fee. Three references must be submitted prior to completing the admission file. Additional information may be supplied by the family or requested by the admission committee. It is imperative that all educational supporting documentation, psychological reports, and all other information that could affect the decision of acceptance and placement in a boarding school be made available to the Admission Office. Failure to disclose pertinent information regarding educational and behavioral history of the applicant could result in immediate dismissal from the Academy.

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