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Learning Support at Kirby

Students walk up stairs

Every student deserves to be challenged, supported, and known. At Kirby, learning support is woven into the fabric of our academic and relational life. We honor the many ways students learn and provide structures that help them grow with confidence, clarity, and care.

students look on at the teacher in class

 

Support That’s Built In

Our schedule includes dedicated time each week for connection, coaching, and catch-up. These rhythms help students stay on track without waiting until they fall behind.

  • Tutorial Periods: Opportunities to meet with teachers, organize assignments, or get help
  • Office Hours: One-on-one time for feedback, questions, or reflection
  • Advisory & Clubs: Relationships that anchor students in community and mentorship

These supports aren’t extras—they’re part of how we teach, and part of how students learn to lead their own growth.

Personalized Accommodations

Students with documented learning differences work with our school psychologist to create an individualized accommodation plan. Teachers receive practical, clear guidance designed to meet needs with care and discretion.

Common accommodations include:

  • Extended time on assessments
  • Reduced-distraction or quiet testing environments
  • Assistive tools such as audiobooks or text-to-speech
  • Organizational scaffolds or task-management strategies

Students remain in the classroom with their peers and engage fully with the college-preparatory curriculum. We do not offer remedial classes, pull-out instruction, or long-term  therapeutic services. Our academic program is both rigorous and relational and students are expected to meet its demands with appropriate support in place.

Readiness and Fit

Kirby’s environment is relational, dynamic, and student-centered. The pace and structure of the day call for self-direction, personal responsibility, and respect for community norms. Students who thrive here are able to:

  • Work independently with appropriate supports
  • Manage transitions and unstructured time with increasing autonomy
  • Sustain attention in class without frequent redirection
  • Maintain behavioral and emotional readiness for learning
  • Be present consistently both physically and relationally

We do not offer hybrid models, home instruction, or distance learning for extended absences.

If you’re exploring whether Kirby is a good match, we invite a conversation with our school psychologist. Together, we’ll clarify whether our model aligns with your student’s needs and ensure they’re positioned to thrive.

Headshot of Claire Baldal
Claire Baldal, School Psychologist

Ms. Claire has experience as a School Psychologict at Sunnyvale and Monterey Peninsula school districts. She is extensively trained in psychoeducational assessments and the development of individualized accommodation. She’s also trained in Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which perfectly situates her to support Kirby students. We are inspired by Claire’s desire to help every student find their unique strengths and talents.