The Thornwell Learning Center provides outstanding academic support for the children and youth at Thornwell. The center is located on campus and is open year-round to assist students from K-5 to 12th grade prepare for each school day, improve their reading and math skills, and retain and even improve their academic skills over the summer. The Learning Center houses a large library stocked with hundreds of fiction, non-fiction and reference books. It also has a state-of-the-art computer lab.

Open Monday through Thursday after school, the Center offers much more than just help with homework. A part-time staff of 18 tutors works with Thornwell kids in 45-minute, one-on-one sessions during the school year, using the web-based Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reader programs.

During the summer, high school students who need to earn credits for the coming school year can work with a tutor and use the computer lab to complete the necessary course work. Elementary, middle and high school students come to the Learning Center for an hour each day to strengthen their reading, math, and language arts skills. At home, Family Teachers encourage students in grades 1-2 to read at least 20 minutes a day, children in grades 3-6 to read at least 30 minutes a day, and children in grades 7-12 to read at least 45 minutes a day.

“It takes time, teamwork, and tenacity,” says Norman Dover, director of Thornwell’s Academic Program. “When you’re a child coming to Thornwell because you’ve been a victim of abuse or neglect, being a good student is probably not at the top of the priority list. And even if it is, the chances that you’ve been encouraged or supported academically are slim. So that’s why the Learning Center is here—to offer Thornwell kids the encouragement and support they need to be successful.”

Read about our 4-year-old kindergarten program by clicking here!

If you have questions about The Learning Center, please contact Norman Dover at n.dover@thornwell.org.