Transition Learning Support Program

Your child can embark on their Woodward journey in our self-contained Transition classrooms, designed for grades two through six, with an average class size of just 10 students. Our dedicated teachers employ multi-sensory and specialized instructional strategies, providing a mix of one-on-one, small group, and whole class instruction. We place a special emphasis on developing strong reading, written expression, and math skills.

In addition to academic growth, your child will join mainstream peers in art, music, and physical education, enriching their educational experience. They also will participate in exciting field trips and engaging cocurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded and stimulating learning environment.

In seventh and eighth grades, students at Woodward have the flexibility to benefit from Transition classes or join their mainstream peers across a variety of subjects, including literature, English, history, math, and science. Our Transition classes emphasize crucial academic skills, emotional and attentional regulation strategies, executive functions, and study skills, equipping your student with the tools for success in college preparatory work and fostering their independence as learners.

Transition classes are uniquely structured to provide specialized instruction without being on a separate academic level. Here, students embrace their learning differences and focus on attentional and cognitive regulation. These classes stand out by offering individualized strategies that are reinforced and tailored to each student’s needs. The curriculum is often identical to that of mainstream classes so that your student is well-prepared to transition to any course level in the Upper School.

With small class sizes of 10 to 12 students, our highly structured environment provides personalized attention. Teachers offer daily tutorials for one-on-one clarification and reinforcement, while group instruction during regular class periods promotes growing independence. Specific learning strategies are presented and reinforced, and students are required to apply organizational skills in all classes. At Woodward, your child will receive an exceptional education, developing both academically and personally in a supportive and enriching environment.

In the Upper School, your student will continue their educational journey in mainstream classes, with Transition students having access to the resources of the Learning Support Center. Based on the Transition program director’s recommendation, Upper School students can also enroll in Study Strategies, a semester-long course that is available for repeated enrollment.

The Transition Program welcomes and nurtures a diverse array of learners, particularly students with average to above-average cognitive abilities who require academic support in one or more areas and exhibit positive behavior. Our program aims to build and remediate skills, ensuring students are well-prepared to transition into Woodward's mainstream curriculum by the time they enter the Upper School. As students progress through the Transition Program, the curriculum and materials increasingly mirror those of mainstream classes. The emphasis shifts toward effective teaching methods and providing robust support to each student as a learner. The program's structure and its long-term goal of preparing students for the mainstream curriculum are designed to accommodate and enhance the unique cognitive and academic profiles of each student.

In our Transition classrooms, teachers are well-versed in your child's unique learning profile. They are experienced in planning and delivering instruction for students with complex learning needs. The classroom environment is thoughtfully designed to provide sensory stimulation while minimizing distractions, interruptions, and unpredictability. Accommodations are seamlessly integrated into the structure and planned learning experiences, ensuring an optimal and supportive educational setting.

The number of years your child may need the support of the Transition Program is based on their learning profile. However, most Woodward students stay in the Transition Program for three years.

We've found that students with diagnosed learning differences often experience challenges across multiple academic areas. Therefore, in grades two through six, the Transition Program takes a holistic approach to education. This approach not only teaches essential skills but also ensures your child applies these skills in other areas of their life as well. 

In addition to building foundational academic skills, the program emphasizes strengthening social and emotional problem-solving abilities. We also focus on developing executive functioning and independent learning skills for our youngest students. Moreover, we differentiate instruction and provide opportunities for students to continue developing their areas of strength, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive educational experience.

Yes, Woodward provides accommodations designed to remove barriers and grant students equal access to both learning and the learning environment. We accept comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations conducted by credentialed practitioners within the past two years for initial accommodations, and every three to five years thereafter for ongoing support. Additionally, students may receive short-term accommodations for medical reasons. Learn more about Woodward's Accommodations. Learn more about Woodward's Accommodations.

At Woodward, we understand that research-based and evidence-based instructional strategies are essential for students with complex learning profiles. Our Transition teachers employ a multi-sensory approach to presenting information and assessing student learning. Lessons incorporate visual supports like graphic organizers, videos, and models.

Our teachers also use metacognitive modeling, mnemonic devices, and other techniques that enhance working memory and retrieval. Assistive technology and organizational tools are initially introduced as teaching aids and eventually become integral to your child's independent study strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures that each student receives the support they need to succeed.

Executive functioning (EF) impacts every aspect of a student’s life. In the Transition Program, we address the EF mental processes—including cognitive flexibility and regulation—while supporting outcomes such as organization and long-term project completion. We have developed a comprehensive curriculum map for grades two through eight that scaffolds skills at each grade level using a variety of strategies, materials, and resources. Our program includes specific grade-level plans that provide direct instruction in executive functioning skills, ensuring these skills are generalized and applied throughout the academic day.

While many schools offer learning support, Woodward's approach is truly unique. In the Transition Learning Support Program, students learn all their academic subjects in small classrooms with dedicated teachers trained to tailor instruction to each child's specific learning profile. This personalized academic environment, combined with our extensive cocurricular opportunities, ensures that Woodward provides the best of both worlds for your child!