Picture this: It's 3:30 PM on a summer afternoon, and children are climbing into cars with huge smiles stretched across their faces, chattering excitedly about their day. These aren't kids returning from a typical camp or activity—they're students who just completed a full day of academic learning combined with enriching activities. Yet as Megan Colvin, co-director of SOAR, observes, "Most of the kids come away without even thinking they're at summer school. They think they're at camp... [they] get into the car at the end of the day with huge smiles on their faces and talking about how much fun they had all day in school."

This is the magic of Eagle Hill's SOAR summer program, where traditional notions of summer school are turned upside down, creating an environment where learning feels like adventure and academic growth happens through joy.

The Eagle Hill Difference: Learning Through Play

What transforms reluctant learners into enthusiastic participants? The answer lies in Eagle Hill's innovative approach to education. "Teachers do an incredible job of making sure that everything's multisensory and game focused and that they're up and moving," explains Colvin. Many of the students who come from outside of Eagle Hill “don't even realize the amount of learning they're doing because it is so interactive and fun."

This multisensory approach isn't just about keeping kids engaged, it's about meeting students with language-based learning disabilities exactly where they are. When learning involves movement, games, and hands-on activities, abstract concepts become understandable, and challenging material becomes accessible. Students who might struggle in traditional classroom settings suddenly find themselves succeeding, building confidence alongside academic skills.

Academic Growth Through Adventure

The SOAR program seamlessly blends rigorous morning academics with afternoon adventures that reinforce learning in real-world contexts. Students might practice reading comprehension through treasure hunts, develop math skills through cooking projects, or strengthen executive function through collaborative games. This integration ensures that learning doesn't stop when the textbooks close, it continues through every activity and interaction.

The beauty of this approach is that students don't compartmentalize their learning. Skills developed in morning reading sessions carry over to afternoon problem-solving activities. Communication strategies practiced in language arts become tools for navigating social situations during recreational time. The entire day becomes a playground of learning opportunities.

The CIT Program: Leadership in Action

Perhaps nowhere is the program's commitment to growth more evident than in its new Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. "What we wanted to do was focus on independence," shares program coordinator Allison Modica. "They are getting real world experience, [that] they can use outside of Eagle Hill... My job is to provide them with as many opportunities to gain independence that work for them as I can."

The CIT program follows a carefully structured progression over four weeks. Students begin with observation in Week 1, develop feedback skills in Week 2, create personal goals in Week 3, and practice implementing those goals in Week 4. This isn't just about preparing teens for future jobs, it's about building the executive function skills and self-advocacy abilities they'll need throughout their lives.

One remarkable success story exemplifies this approach: a CIT student who independently planned and executed "Summerween," a Halloween-themed event in July. This student wrote emails, created detailed proposals, managed logistics, and coordinated with multiple staff members, all while developing crucial real-world skills in project management, communication, and leadership.

Building Community Through Mentorship

The cross-age interactions fostered by the CIT program create a natural mentorship dynamic that benefits everyone involved. "During recesses, the older kids are playing with the younger kids," notes Modica. "It's really nice for some of these younger kids to have older kids to look up to.”

These relationships develop organically as CITs take initiative in starting tag games, offering encouragement to struggling peers, and modeling positive behaviors. For the younger students, having teenage mentors provides inspiration and support. For the CITs, the responsibility of being a role model reinforces their own growth and builds empathy and leadership skills.

The Ripple Effect of Joy

What makes SOAR truly special isn't just its innovative teaching methods or leadership opportunities, it's the culture of joy and acceptance that permeates every aspect of the program. When students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate successes, learning becomes natural and sustainable.

This joy is contagious, spreading from students to families to the broader Eagle Hill community. Parents witness their children's newfound confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Educators see students who were once reluctant participants become eager leaders. The entire school community benefits from the positive energy and growth mindset that SOAR cultivates.

A New Definition of Summer School

Eagle Hill's SOAR program proves that summer learning doesn't have to be a chore; it can be a celebration!  By combining academics with joyful discovery, meaningful leadership opportunities with playful exploration, SOAR redefines what's possible when we meet students where they are and help them reach where they're going.

As those smiling faces climbing into cars at the end of each day demonstrate, the most powerful learning happens when students don't even realize they're learning—when education feels so engaging, so relevant, and so joyful that it simply becomes a natural part of living and growing.

For families seeking a summer experience that nurtures both academic growth and personal development, SOAR offers something truly special: a place where every child can discover their potential, build lasting friendships, and experience the pure joy of learning.

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Kara Ashley is the Director of Enrollment at Eagle Hill.

Ready to learn more about how Eagle Hill's innovative approach could benefit your child? Visit our campus during summer program hours, explore our year-round educational philosophy, or contact our admissions team to discover how SOAR might be the perfect fit for your family's summer plans.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and sneak in some meaningful literacy support at home! As a parent, you are your child’s first and most impactful teacher. Whether your child is a reluctant reader, a struggling reader, or just needs a little extra encouragement, there are many simple, effective ways to foster a love of reading over the summer months. Here are a few suggestions from Abby Hanrahan, an Eagle Hill Educational Advisor, Co-Director of the Reading Department, and advocate for building lifelong literacy.

1. Model Reading Every Day

One of the most powerful ways to support your child’s literacy is to model it yourself. Reading is a life skill, just like brushing your teeth or tying your shoes, and when kids see adults treating reading as an important part of daily life, they’re more likely to value it, too.

Let your child see you reading a book, the newspaper, or even a recipe. Set aside a short window each day for everyone in the family to read, together or in parallel. And don’t stop reading aloud to your child just because they’ve learned to read independently! Listening to a fluent reader helps children build vocabulary, comprehension, and a deeper understanding of language.

2. Sneak in Reading Throughout the Day

Reading doesn’t only happen in books! Opportunities to practice reading are all around us: on signs, menus, maps, and more. Ask your child to help you add items to the grocery list or read the ingredients on a food label. Take them shopping and encourage them to locate the items on your list. This kind of real-world reading not only strengthens literacy, but it also reinforces the idea that reading is a necessary- and useful- life skill. Bonus: you can sneak in a little math while comparing prices or calculating change!

3. Unplug on Car Rides

Today’s car rides often mean everyone is plugged into their own screen or device. By unplugging and playing classic word games like “I Spy” or the alphabet game, you can make the most of this time together. These simple, screen-free games build vocabulary, letter awareness, rapid naming, and categorizing- all of which are essential components of strong language development. Best of all, they’re fun and don’t require any preparation or materials.

4. Listen to Audiobooks as a Family

Whether you're on a road trip or relaxing at home, audiobooks are a great way to engage your child in rich language experiences. Listening to stories read aloud can help improve vocabulary, comprehension, prosody (the rhythm and expression of language), and critical thinking skills. Audiobooks also allow children to access high-interest stories that might be above their independent reading level, keeping them connected to content they’re excited about. Listening to- or reading- the same stories creates opportunities for connection and conversation. 

Remember, summer reading doesn’t have to be a chore—and it certainly doesn’t have to look like schoolwork. With a little creativity and consistency, you can help your child stay connected to language and learning all summer long. Keep it light, keep it joyful, and keep reading!

Kara Ashley is the Director of Enrollment at Eagle Hill, a year round reading superfan, and literacy teacher passionate about helping every child discover the joy of reading.

For 50 years, Eagle Hill School has helped students with language-based learning differences and executive function needs build essential skills, unlock their potential, and rediscover their love of learning. At the heart of that mission is our belief that every child can become a confident, capable reader with the right instruction, support, and environment.

Individualized, Small-Group Instruction

At Eagle Hill, reading instruction is never one-size-fits-all. Our cornerstone is a small-group tutorial model, where students learn in groups of just 3 to 5 peers, allowing teachers to tailor instruction based on individual strengths and needs. 

These small, focused classes target foundational reading skills including decoding, fluency, comprehension, and active reading strategies. 

In the Lower School, students attend two reading tutorials each day, totaling 80 minutes of targeted phonics and comprehension instruction. As they develop the necessary reading skills, Upper School students typically transition to one daily tutorial class that coordinates with a daily study skills class to strengthen executive functioning and other essential skills.

Backed by Research, Driven by Expertise

Our reading instruction is grounded in the Orton-Gillingham methodology and the Science of Reading. Our teachers utilize a variety of trusted, research-based programs such as the PAF Reading Program, Heggerty Literacy Program, and Wilson Reading System. This approach gives our educators the flexibility to adjust instruction and create materials to provide the best program for each student’s individual needs.

Building Language Skills Across the Curriculum

Reading is just one part of a student’s broader language development at Eagle Hill. For our younger learners, oral language classes help build early communication skills. As students grow, daily literature classes offer opportunities to dive into fiction, discuss character development, explore themes, and engage with rich vocabulary and literary concepts.

Beyond these classes, Language Specialists work closely with teachers across all subjects. Whether it’s solving a word problem in math or organizing an essay in writing, students receive integrated support that reinforces literacy throughout the day.

Support That Grows With Your Child

With a team of six full-time Language Specialists, Eagle Hill ensures every student receives the support they need—through small groups, individual instruction, and collaboration with content-area teachers. As students progress, they gradually gain the skills and independence to thrive with less intensive support.

At Eagle Hill, we don’t just teach reading- we build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Through our individualized, research-based approach, we help students grow into confident, capable readers who are ready to soar.

Kara Ashley is Eagle Hill’s Director of Enrollment, a mission-driven special educator with over 25 years in independent schools, dedicated to helping students find the right-fit learning environment where they can thrive.

by Kara Ashley, Director of Enrollment

At Eagle Hill School, we understand that the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, communicate effectively, and understand others is just as important as mastering reading, writing, and math. These essential skills—rooted in executive function, social language development, resilience, and communication—are what allow students to access learning and grow into confident, capable individuals.

While often referred to in broader education circles as “soft skills”, we view these abilities as anything but secondary. They are the core connectors that bring academic content to life and prepare students for meaningful participation in school, work, and life.

Why Are These Skills So Essential?

These critical life skills don’t develop by chance. At Eagle Hill, they are taught explicitly, modeled consistently, and practiced daily. For instance, while students are developing foundational literacy, they are also learning that communication includes more than just words. Through structured activities and real-life interactions, students learn to interpret facial expressions, body language, and tone—key components of social language. We may ask, “What message did your body just send?” or “How might someone else feel if they saw that face?”

We also provide direct instruction in problem-solving and resilience. Students learn how to assess the size of a problem, identify internal and external resources, and choose strategies to resolve challenges. These tools empower students to navigate obstacles and advocate for themselves with confidence. You’ll find visual supports like our problem-solving matrix displayed throughout the school, reinforcing that every student is growing into a capable, independent thinker.

Another cornerstone of our program is perspective-taking—the understanding that others may have thoughts, feelings, and experiences different from our own. Whether through social-emotional learning or reading a novel, students explore how to interpret and respect those differences. These lessons foster kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of community.

How Are These Skills Embedded in the Curriculum?

These essential skills are not taught in isolation—they’re integrated throughout the school day. Through our Integrated Services model, counselors and speech-language pathologists work alongside classroom teachers to support students in real-time and across contexts.

In the early grades, executive functioning is taught through visual schedules and checklists. As students grow, they learn to use tools like graphic organizers and planning templates to tackle multi-step tasks. These strategies are embedded into academic instruction, ensuring students are building organization, task initiation, and self-monitoring alongside core content.

In our Upper School, a daily Study Skills class offers direct instruction in executive functioning. Students learn how to manage long-term projects, take notes effectively, and reflect on their learning. One teacher keeps a visual display of arrows in the classroom, each one representing a habit or mindset needed for successful learning—from asking for help to pushing through a difficult task. Here, self-advocacy and communication are practiced with intention, whether through classroom discussions or in interactions with peers and teachers.

Beyond the Classroom

Skill building doesn’t stop when the bell rings. During lunch, students practice conversation skills, table manners, and self-advocacy—even learning how to communicate with our chef if they have food allergies. Our athletic programs emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and clear, respectful communication. Every corner of campus is a space for students to practice and grow these essential abilities.

Looking Ahead

After the disruptions of the pandemic, many children are still learning—and re-learning—how to connect with others, manage emotions, and function as part of a group. At Eagle Hill, we are committed to meeting this moment with intention, structure, and heart. By embedding instruction in executive function, communication, resilience, and social understanding, we are helping students not only thrive academically but also grow into thoughtful, engaged members of their communities.

To learn more about how Eagle Hill supports whole-child development, visit www.eaglehillschool.org.

by Gretchen Larkin, Head of School

My mom was a passionate and dedicated ice skater throughout her childhood; she would have loved for my sister and me to follow in her graceful footsteps. However, lessons at the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink in Byram didn’t lead to the mastery of a double axel, much less a Hamill Camel. Instead, I proudly donned the ever-popular 1976 Dorothy Hamill haircut and learned to love watching ice skating with my family on television. It became a cherished family event— rooting for our favorites during Nationals, the Olympics, and the Worlds.

Last weekend, Boston hosted the World Championships, and I was captivated by the story of USA World Champion Alysa Liu. Liu, who won Nationals at the tender age of 13, left the sport two years ago, citing a loss of joy as her main reason. What once brought her exhilaration started to feel like an obligation, a job without joy and passion. So, she took a bold step back from skating, embarking on a transformative journey that included trekking to Nepal, downhill skiing, and enrolling at UCLA—all while leaving her skates to gather dust in a closet at home. After her hiatus, she felt the urge to start skating again, and her extraordinary comeback reminds us all that true joy can be found in both a peaceful walk and in the deeper pursuit of a true passion.

In our fast-paced world, children often face challenges that overshadow the simple pleasures of growing up. Joy – like happiness – is touted in countless self-help books as something that can easily ellipse us all in these complex times, but I believe our children are especially vulnerable. The carefree exploration and unstructured play that once defined childhood and fostered true and unabashed joy have been replaced by demanding schedules and high expectations. With academic pressures and the pervasive influence of social media, the pursuit of joy doesn’t come as naturally as it should, nor is it a guaranteed day to day feeling and experience.

How can we help our children reconnect with that sense of joy and wonderment? I believe a significant part of the answer lies within our schools. Schools have a unique opportunity to create environments where joy is woven into the fabric of daily life. I want to believe in the good intentions of all schools, where joyful learning is celebrated—a space where curiosity and creativity flourish, and collaboration is the norm. When children feel safe and supported, they are more likely to engage in their education and find joy in the learning process.

Reflecting on the essence of joy and its role in our lives, I recently revisited a book that left an impression on me several years ago: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. This work chronicles a heartwarming visit between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Bishop Desmond Tutu, two Nobel Peace Prize winners who explored how to find joy amid modern life’s complexities. They identified eight qualities—humility, perspective, humor, forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and generosity—that can help us embrace joy as a lasting part of our lives.

Celebrating joy is not merely an ideal but a fundamental aspect of our collective journey toward a fulfilling life. Schools have the power to change the narrative around childhood and joy. By fostering environments that celebrate happiness, we can help our children not only survive but truly thrive. At Eagle Hill, we’ve cultivated a vibrant community where children learn to find joy in learning once again. If I may be so bold, I believe that the Dalai Lama and Bishop Tutu would feel proud of us—those eight pillars are palpable and ever-present within our school. I feel immense gratitude to be part of a community that truly embodies joy and nurtures it as a pathway toward the well-being of children.

Let’s take a page out of Alysa Liu’s playbook. To watch her skate last weekend was to bear witness to joy personified; her journey teaches us that reclaiming joy can lead to remarkable achievements. As parents, educators, and community members, we must ensure that the laughter, curiosity, and genuine joy of childhood remain alive and well for generations to come.

Together, we can create a future where our children, like Alysa, rediscover their passion and joy—both on and off the ice.

This article appeared in the Greenwich Sentinel on April 15, 2025