Study Skills Classes - Seattle Academy
Source: http://www.seattleacademy.org/academics/learning-support/study-skills-classes
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Study Skills Classes - Seattle Academy
The Hub
Study Skills Classes
For over 20 years, the Study Skills program has been supporting SAAS students in their academic journey, embodying the school’s guiding principles to know the kid and prepare our students for college and life. At the heart of our program is the belief that every student can grow, thrive, and succeed when supported with intention and care. We are committed to nurturing the whole student through a strengths-based, individualized approach to executive function and academic skill-building. Our work is guided by a commitment to helping students become confident, resourceful, and independent learners through:
Growth Mindset
– We believe in fostering resilience and that abilities can be developed through instruction, reflection, and perseverance.
Individualized Support
– We recognize that each student’s path is unique, and we tailor our instruction to meet their specific needs and goals.
Collaboration
– We value strong, communicative partnerships with students, families, and educators to create a unified support system.
Empowerment
– We aim to equip students with the tools, confidence, and self-awareness to advocate for themselves and take ownership of their learning.
MEET THE STUDY SKILLS FACULTY
Middle School
In Middle School, students enroll for the year and receive a Pass/Incomplete grade. Students can take this course for multiple years. The Study Skills class meets during one of the elective blocks in place of one of the elective classes (PE, Arts, Instrumental, or World Languages).
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
In Upper School, students can enroll by trimester, with typical enrollment being full year. Students currently receive a letter grade and the class is considered an elective credit counting towards graduation.
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Organization & Time Management
Students develop strategies and habits for tracking assignments and managing work time within the Study Skills class. Our teachers help students practice effective systems for managing their workload
.
Communication & Self Advocacy
Students will engage in reflection and practices to understand themselves as learners and develop effective communication and self-advocacy skills to support their learning. Developing self-advocacy skills directly set our students up for success in college and life.
Academic Skills & Strategies
Study Skills teachers work with students to develop academic skills and strategies, such as incorporating teacher feedback in assignment revisions, study strategies for tests, and close reading skills. While Study Skills teachers support students in their content area classes, the class does not provide basic skill remediation and Study Skills teachers are not necessarily content area specialists across subjects.
Metacognition
Students build self-awareness and regulation through regular goal setting, feedback, and reflection cycles. Metacognition is a higher-order executive function that develops throughout adolescence and young adulthood and we incorporate age-appropriate practices to develop this skill in our young learners.
What is a Study Skills class?
How do I know if Study Skills is right for my student?
What else does the Study Skills teacher do to support students?
What sets Study Skills classes apart from other programs or approaches
How does the Study Skills class fit into a student's schedule?
How much is the fee for Study Skills?
What is the enrollment process for Study Skills?
Study Skills is a small group, fee-based, elective class open to all students. Teachers work with students to develop individualized learning strategies that support executive function skills and learning in their content classes. Strong partnerships with students, families, and teachers aid Study Skills teachers in taking a holistic approach to our work as we craft individualized instruction, deepen student understanding of classroom curriculum, and communicate with key people in a student’s support system. The course is designed to provide flexible support that meets each student’s unique needs based on their level of skill development and understanding of learning barriers. Students can take this course for multiple trimesters/years.
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, then Study Skills may be a good fit for your student:
Does your student find it challenging to adjust to new routines, environments, or tasks?
Is your child still developing the confidence and skills to express their learning needs or have difficulty self-advocating?
Does your student often feel overwhelmed with school demands?
Is your child having a hard time keeping up with assignments or turning in work on time?
Does your student need help with learning strategies, impulse control support, or accommodations related to a diagnosis?
The Study Skills teacher serves as an advocate for the student in helping them navigate their accommodations and communications with their teachers. They frequently act as the academic glue connecting families, students, and teachers/advisors. Study Skills teachers work closely with classroom teachers so they know what the assignment expectations are and can help the classroom teacher better understand the student’s learning profile. The teacher also has regular communication with parents around assignment completion and progress.
With the Student
Study Skills class 2-3 days per week (dependent on weekly schedule rotation)
Track assignments and calendar and plan ahead
Access accommodations
Craft bi-weekly update
Individualize support with specific skills: executive functioning, self-advocacy, stress management, etc.
Additional check-ins as needed
Behind the Scenes
Advocacy on behalf of student
Deep dive into academic performance
Connect with classroom teachers and advisors
Review assignments, readings, and rubrics
Collaborate as a SS team
With the Parents
Fall parent partnership meeting
Bi-Weekly Update home: missing work, upcoming work, kudos, etc.
Notification home of any emergent needs to be shared before update
Additional communications as needed (email, phone, meeting)
For over 20 years, Study Skills classes have been an integral part of how we serve diverse learners at Seattle Academy. The Study Skills class is unique because we teach students valuable skills in the context of the classes they are taking. This means that our Study Skills teachers have knowledge of student’s assignments and can partner directly with classroom teachers to support students. Because we understand the obstacles of obtaining formal evaluation documentation for learning differences, Seattle Academy does not limit our enrollment bases on diagnosis.
In Middle School, Study Skills meets during one of the elective blocks in place of one of the elective classes (PE, Arts, Instrumental, or World Language).
In Upper School, students receive elective credit for Study Skills.
The fee for the 2025-26 school year is $10,281 and a variety of payment plans can be arranged with the
business office
. Upper School students can take Study Skills by trimester and the cost of the program is prorated for the time they are enrolled ($3,427 per trimester). Middle School students are committed to a full year.
The fee for the 2026-27 school year is $10,692, and a variety of payment plans can be arranged with the
business office
. Upper School students can take Study Skills by trimester, and the cost of the program is prorated for the time they are enrolled ($3,564 per trimester). Middle School students are committed to a full year.
Families already receiving financial aid will receive an additional award for the Study Skills class. Families who are not currently receiving aid for tuition but need assistance with the additional Study Skills cost can fill out the financial aid forms through the
School and Student Services (SSS)
and see if they qualify for an award.
Students/Families indicate a desire to enroll during the registration process and receive a confirmation email after the close of registration. At that time, families can request a meeting with the Study Skills Department Chair to discuss placement, gain additional information, or email to decline enrollment.
Jess Claesson
Study Skills Department Chair
School:
206-861-0914
Students enrolled in study skills by division
38%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
33%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
The Hub
Study Skills Classes
For over 20 years, the Study Skills program has been supporting SAAS students in their academic journey, embodying the school’s guiding principles to know the kid and prepare our students for college and life. At the heart of our program is the belief that every student can grow, thrive, and succeed when supported with intention and care. We are committed to nurturing the whole student through a strengths-based, individualized approach to executive function and academic skill-building. Our work is guided by a commitment to helping students become confident, resourceful, and independent learners through:
Growth Mindset
– We believe in fostering resilience and that abilities can be developed through instruction, reflection, and perseverance.
Individualized Support
– We recognize that each student’s path is unique, and we tailor our instruction to meet their specific needs and goals.
Collaboration
– We value strong, communicative partnerships with students, families, and educators to create a unified support system.
Empowerment
– We aim to equip students with the tools, confidence, and self-awareness to advocate for themselves and take ownership of their learning.
MEET THE STUDY SKILLS FACULTY
Middle School
In Middle School, students enroll for the year and receive a Pass/Incomplete grade. Students can take this course for multiple years. The Study Skills class meets during one of the elective blocks in place of one of the elective classes (PE, Arts, Instrumental, or World Languages).
MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Upper School
In Upper School, students can enroll by trimester, with typical enrollment being full year. Students currently receive a letter grade and the class is considered an elective credit counting towards graduation.
Upper School Curriculum Guide
Organization & Time Management
Students develop strategies and habits for tracking assignments and managing work time within the Study Skills class. Our teachers help students practice effective systems for managing their workload
.
Communication & Self Advocacy
Students will engage in reflection and practices to understand themselves as learners and develop effective communication and self-advocacy skills to support their learning. Developing self-advocacy skills directly set our students up for success in college and life.
Academic Skills & Strategies
Study Skills teachers work with students to develop academic skills and strategies, such as incorporating teacher feedback in assignment revisions, study strategies for tests, and close reading skills. While Study Skills teachers support students in their content area classes, the class does not provide basic skill remediation and Study Skills teachers are not necessarily content area specialists across subjects.
Metacognition
Students build self-awareness and regulation through regular goal setting, feedback, and reflection cycles. Metacognition is a higher-order executive function that develops throughout adolescence and young adulthood and we incorporate age-appropriate practices to develop this skill in our young learners.
What is a Study Skills class?
How do I know if Study Skills is right for my student?
What else does the Study Skills teacher do to support students?
What sets Study Skills classes apart from other programs or approaches
How does the Study Skills class fit into a student's schedule?
How much is the fee for Study Skills?
What is the enrollment process for Study Skills?
Study Skills is a small group, fee-based, elective class open to all students. Teachers work with students to develop individualized learning strategies that support executive function skills and learning in their content classes. Strong partnerships with students, families, and teachers aid Study Skills teachers in taking a holistic approach to our work as we craft individualized instruction, deepen student understanding of classroom curriculum, and communicate with key people in a student’s support system. The course is designed to provide flexible support that meets each student’s unique needs based on their level of skill development and understanding of learning barriers. Students can take this course for multiple trimesters/years.
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, then Study Skills may be a good fit for your student:
Does your student find it challenging to adjust to new routines, environments, or tasks?
Is your child still developing the confidence and skills to express their learning needs or have difficulty self-advocating?
Does your student often feel overwhelmed with school demands?
Is your child having a hard time keeping up with assignments or turning in work on time?
Does your student need help with learning strategies, impulse control support, or accommodations related to a diagnosis?
The Study Skills teacher serves as an advocate for the student in helping them navigate their accommodations and communications with their teachers. They frequently act as the academic glue connecting families, students, and teachers/advisors. Study Skills teachers work closely with classroom teachers so they know what the assignment expectations are and can help the classroom teacher better understand the student’s learning profile. The teacher also has regular communication with parents around assignment completion and progress.
With the Student
Study Skills class 2-3 days per week (dependent on weekly schedule rotation)
Track assignments and calendar and plan ahead
Access accommodations
Craft bi-weekly update
Individualize support with specific skills: executive functioning, self-advocacy, stress management, etc.
Additional check-ins as needed
Behind the Scenes
Advocacy on behalf of student
Deep dive into academic performance
Connect with classroom teachers and advisors
Review assignments, readings, and rubrics
Collaborate as a SS team
With the Parents
Fall parent partnership meeting
Bi-Weekly Update home: missing work, upcoming work, kudos, etc.
Notification home of any emergent needs to be shared before update
Additional communications as needed (email, phone, meeting)
For over 20 years, Study Skills classes have been an integral part of how we serve diverse learners at Seattle Academy. The Study Skills class is unique because we teach students valuable skills in the context of the classes they are taking. This means that our Study Skills teachers have knowledge of student’s assignments and can partner directly with classroom teachers to support students. Because we understand the obstacles of obtaining formal evaluation documentation for learning differences, Seattle Academy does not limit our enrollment bases on diagnosis.
In Middle School, Study Skills meets during one of the elective blocks in place of one of the elective classes (PE, Arts, Instrumental, or World Language).
In Upper School, students receive elective credit for Study Skills.
The fee for the 2025-26 school year is $10,281 and a variety of payment plans can be arranged with the
business office
. Upper School students can take Study Skills by trimester and the cost of the program is prorated for the time they are enrolled ($3,427 per trimester). Middle School students are committed to a full year.
The fee for the 2026-27 school year is $10,692, and a variety of payment plans can be arranged with the
business office
. Upper School students can take Study Skills by trimester, and the cost of the program is prorated for the time they are enrolled ($3,564 per trimester). Middle School students are committed to a full year.
Families already receiving financial aid will receive an additional award for the Study Skills class. Families who are not currently receiving aid for tuition but need assistance with the additional Study Skills cost can fill out the financial aid forms through the
School and Student Services (SSS)
and see if they qualify for an award.
Students/Families indicate a desire to enroll during the registration process and receive a confirmation email after the close of registration. At that time, families can request a meeting with the Study Skills Department Chair to discuss placement, gain additional information, or email to decline enrollment.
Jess Claesson
Study Skills Department Chair
School:
206-861-0914
Students enrolled in study skills by division
38%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
33%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%