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Academic Support

Open-Door Academic Support

The Akin Learning Center is a warm and inviting space that is staffed during the academic day and on weeknight evenings by Learning Specialists. We believe that all students, at various times in their academic careers, can benefit from extra support, whether it is assistance with writing a paper, learning time management strategies, or adding some new study strategies to their repertoire.

We have an open-door policy for all Kents Hill students at the Akin Learning Center. Students can access a Learning Specialist during Flex Time or X-Block and by appointment during the week. Faculty and Advisors work with students who are struggling to set up appointments and students can always self-advocate and drop in for assistance. Below are some areas of our primary areas focus.

  • Study Skills
  • Time Management
  • Test Taking Strategies
  • Organization of Materials and Technology

In addition to open-door academic support for all students, Kents Hill offers a more intensive Learning Skills Program for students who would benefit from one-on-one (LSP-I) or small group (LSP-II) learning support. This is a fee-based service in which students meet with a Learning Specialist three times per week as part of their regular academic schedule. Students enrolled in this program build a close relationship with their Learning Specialist who serves as mentor, teacher, and partner on their journey. 

Learn More About the Learning Skills Program

The Akin Learning Center at Kents Hill School

Signature Programs

Academic Recoup: In the evenings, students who have missed a class during the day report to the Learning Center for Academic Recoup. This is a time for students to reach out to teachers whose class they have missed, and work with a Learning Specialist on time management.

Peer Buddy Tutoring: This program is new for 2021-22! Students are paired with other students for additional help in academic areas where they are struggling. This is a low-pressure, peer-focused way for students to excel together.

Freshmen Focus: This first-year program helps students adjust to the pace and rigor of high school academics by teaching them executive function skills which position them for success. 

Learning Skills Program: This program has two levels: one-on-one or small group learning support, both focus on honing self-determination, self-management, and self-advocacy skill.

English Language Support: ELS is available to students who do not speak English as their first language. Kents Hill offers two levels; in the first, students work one-on-one with a Learning Specialist for more comprehensive support. In the second, students receive support from a Learning Specialist in a small group setting that allows for instructional guidance with independence. While enrolled in the program, students strengthen their language abilities through academic content in transitional and mainstream classes.


Akin Learning Center Memberships

National Association of Learning Specialists Member
CHADD Member
Learning Disabilities Association of America Member

Meet our Learning Specialists

Erica Chute

Erica Chute

Degrees: B.A., St. Michael's College
M.Ed., Education Leadership, University of Southern Maine
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 207-685-1644
Karina Escajeda

Karina Escajeda

Email:
Mary Keeley

Mary Keeley

Degrees: B.A., St. Michael's College
M.Ed., University of Maine
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: (207) 685-1646
Chris McInerney

Chris McInerney

Class of 2002
Degrees: B.F.A., Rhode Island School of Design
M.S., University of Southern Maine
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 207-685-1645
Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder

Email:
Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith

Degrees: B.A., University of Maine
Email:
Maureen Whitestone

Maureen Whitestone

Degrees: M.A., Bowling Green University
B.S., Marywood University
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 2076851679