Academics

Academic Support

Reach New Heights

We believe that with the right people, and in the right environment, you will accomplish extraordinary things. Kents Hill School’s Academic Coaching program pairs you with an adult mentor who is fully committed to ensuring that you thrive in all aspects of school life and are prepared to tackle college and beyond with self-confidence, self-determination, and self-advocacy. 

Our comprehensive, holistic approach to development balances curriculum-based tutoring with social-emotional awareness, problem-solving skills and strategies, and communication tools. You’ll approach projects and planning with confidence as your Academic Coach guides you through four questions:

1) What do you have to do? 

2) How are you going to do it?

3) How can I help support you?

4) How am I going to know when it is done? 

Feedback and Growth

By pairing executive function strategies with regular feedback from teachers, coaches, dorm parents, and trusted adults, your Learning Specialist is able to monitor your growth and offer targeted support. In addition, they’ll help you build critical competencies including time management, test-taking strategies, study skills, organization, and more. 

Students enrolled in Academic Coaching do not need a diagnosed learning difference. Instead, spaces are reserved for those who are looking to reach new levels of academic and personal achievement. Students with educational testing, however, should submit documentation in order to secure accommodations in classes, in the community, and on standardized testing.

Level 1

  • Private, one-on-one Academic Coaching
  • Three formal meetings with an Academic Coach each week 
  • Individualized learning plan focused on strengths, opportunities, and feedback
  • Access to subject-specific evening study sessions, workshops, and programs

Level 2

  • Small group Academic Coaching based on common learning profiles
  • Three formal group meetings facilitated by an Academic Coach each week
  • Access to subject-specific evening study sessions, workshops, and programs
“The energy and time that adults put into the kids here are substantial and genuine and you can really feel that. What we do is we provide Academic Coaching. Similar to an athletic coach, we are trying to train kids to be effective learners.”

—Trevor Slater, PEAK Program Chair, Learning Specialist, Social Studies Teacher
Learning Skills Program students receive coaching in such areas as:

List of 9 items.

  • Anxiety and time management

  • Assistive technology

  • Awareness of individual learning styles

  • College readiness and preparation

  • Confidence building

  • Long- and Short-term assignment management

  • Organization

  • Self-advocacy

  • Test-taking skills and strategies

Meet Our Learning Specialists

Andrew Carlucci
Educational Intern
Learning Specialist
Loyola University Maryland B.A., Sociology 
Loyola University Maryland M.A.T., Secondary Social Studies 
acarlucci@kentshill.org

Andrew Deaett
Environmental Studies Teacher
Sustainability Coordinator
Learning Specialist
adeaett@kentshill.org

Janet Dunn
Director Emerita of the Learning Center
Learning Specialist
Equestrian Coach
Keene State College, B.S., Special Education
Landmark College Academic Coaching Professional Development
Transdiciplinary Workshop Inc., Continuing Education Executive Function
207-685-1645
jdunn@kentshill.org

Mary Keeley
Director of Student Learning
Director of the Akin Learning Center
Learning Specialist
St. Michael's College, B.A.
University of Maine, M.Ed
207-685-1646
makeeley@kentshill.org

Chris McInerney
Learning Specialist
Art Teacher
Rhode Island School of Design, B.F.A.
Landmark College Academic Coaching Professional Development
Transdiciplinary Workshop Inc. Continuing Education 
cjmcinerney@kentshill.org

Joseph Paradis
Long-term Substitute Math Teacher
Learning Specialist 
University of New Hampshire, M.S.T.
University of New Hampshire Coursework in Special Education
jparadis@kentshill.org

Trevor Slater
PEAK Program Chair
Learning Specialist
Social Studies Teacher
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Head Coach
Outing Club Director
Hampshire College, B.A.
University of Southern Maine, M.Ed.
207-685-1654
tslater@kentshill.org

Bailey Smith
Learning Center Teacher
Learning Specialist
Special Education Technician Certification for the State of Maine
Landmark School, Coursework in Strategies to Support Executive Function
basmith@kentshill.org
Mackenzie Sage
Science Teacher
Learning Specialist
Maine Hall Dorm Parent
Cross Country Coach
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Coach
Hobart and William Smith College, B.A
Academic Coach, JST Coaching and Training
Transdiciplinary Workshop Inc. Continuing Education Executive Function
msage@kentshill.org

Maureen Whitestone
Assistant Director of the Akin Learning Center
Social Studies Teacher
Learning Specialist
Marywood University, B.S.
Bowling Green University, M.A.
Transdiciplinary Workshop Inc. Continuing Education Closing the Gap
Landmark School, Coursework in Strategies to Support Executive Function
207-685-1679
Akin Learning Center Memberships
1614 Main Street, Kents Hill, Maine 04349       |       207-685-4914       |       info@kentshill.org