Student Support

Row of teddy bears on a  library shelf

We are committed to supporting all students academically, socially and emotionally during their time at Blake. Students form relationships with coaches, advisors, teachers and administrators who serve as role models and mentors, often providing care in times of need. Daily life at Blake allows for many informal opportunities to support students as they navigate the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence. We have also developed specific, formal structures to assist students and families.

The Student Services Department is comprised of divisional school counselors and learning specialists, who promote an environment that is supportive and safe for all. Our goal is to nurture personal and academic growth, wellness, self-awareness and self-advocacy, so students can participate effectively in our academically rigorous and engaging environment. We celebrate the diverse experiences, perspectives and identities represented at Blake, and we seek to advocate for all.

School counselors provide students with short-term individual and group counseling, parent consultation and education, and classroom guidance. Learning specialists work with individuals and small groups of students with learning differences, as well as with parents in support of their children.

Support for Students in Every Division

Teachers, administrators and support staff work closely to monitor student progress and ensure timely interventions as needed. For example, student support teams (consisting of faculty, student services personnel and administrators) identify students who may benefit from additional services. In addition to the collaboration of team members within a division, great care is also taken as students progress from Lower School to Middle School to Upper School. Transition meetings are held annually so that counselors, learning specialists and administrators can better anticipate the needs of each student. In addition to the services provided by counselors and learning specialists, the following systems are in place to provide support and monitor student growth.

Lower School

Each student's homeroom teacher comes to know that child very well and functions as the “point person" within the student support system. Learning specialists also get to know each child, assisting and monitoring student progress as needed. Every fall, learning specialists and teachers conduct reading assessments with students in grades Kindergarten to second to determine who may need additional academic support.

Middle School

Every year, each child is assigned an advisor (one of his or her teachers) who comes to know that child very well and serves as the family's primary contact. Semiweekly faculty meetings are held throughout the year to identify students who need support.

Upper School

Grade-level deans are the primary points of contact for students and families. Each dean remains with a given grade as it progresses through the Upper School, building a close relationship with that class. Each student is also assigned to an advisor with whom she or he will meet daily throughout grades nine through twelve. Additional supports include individual College Counseling meetings, which begin in spring semester of junior year and continue through senior year.