Bigelow Learning Center | Avon Old Farms | Boys Boarding High School in CT

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A Place to Discover Individual Learning Tools


The Bigelow Learning Center at Avon Old Farms serves all students (with and without learning differences) as they work to achieve their academic goals, learn essential study skills, and meet the demands of a college preparatory school curriculum. 

Our proven methodology—along with the solid relationships formed with the students—results in boys who gain an understanding of their own unique learning styles. Equipped with a new confidence and the right tools, these students are empowered to become independent life-long learners. Academic coaches work in concert with families and the faculty to help empower boys (with a wide range of learning styles) to reach their full academic, personal and creative potential.

The David C. Bigelow '44 Learning Center is FREE and is open to ALL students.

 


 

Academic Coaching at its Best

Our team of nurturing educators can help a student:

  • Manage time & learn organizational strategies
  • Understand individual learning styles
  • Develop active reading and textbook skills
  • Take better notes
  • Improve memory recall
  • Strategize how best to work with learning differences
  • Manage stress and anxiety
  • Utilize tools to combat procrastination
  • Procure excellent study habits
  • Access available campus resources
  • And more!

Meet the Learning Centre Team

 

Avon Old Farms Academic Accommodation Policy

Avon Old Farms School is not a special needs school and is not equipped to provide individualized educational programs for students with severe physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. The School does comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is willing to implement or make reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of students with documented learning or behavioral disabilities. Accommodations must be reasonable and must NOT fundamentally alter the academic program at Avon Old Farms School. All students, regardless of disability, will be held to the School’s standards for academic achievement and personal conduct. 

Accommodations May Include:

  • Additional time (50%) on quizzes, tests, and exams
  • Use of laptop/computers & calculators on all assessments
  • Alternate/quiet setting room for final exams
  • Audio version of books
  • Reading guides

A foreign language waiver will NOT be granted at Avon Old Farms.

Academic Accommodation Policy

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently are students scheduled to attend the Bigelow Learning Center?
Students are scheduled weekly for 1-2 meetings during a free period. A student’s coursework and assignments are used to emphasize important learning strategies and skills.
Are academic accommodations provided at Avon Old Farms?

Requesting accommodations at Avon Old Farms is a timely process. Specific documentation (see academic accommodations policy) is required for a student to be approved for academic accommodations. Please email documentation before August 1 to the Director of the Bigelow Learning Center: James Reece, 860.404.4286.

EMAIL James Reece

See Avon Old Farms Accommodations Policy

If a student has a diagnosed disability, is he required to tell the Avon Old Farms?

No, the diagnosis of a disability is confidential information. However, the student will be better supported and have access to accommodations if Avon Old Farms is aware of his disability. Families are encouraged to share information with the Director of the Bigelow Learning Center: James Reece, 860.404.4286

EMAIL James Reece

Are private tutors available for students to work with for additional help?
While students are encouraged to meet with their teachers at enrichment hour, private and peer tutors are available to work with students on campus during evening study hours.
How does a student apply for accommodations on the PSAT, SAT & AP Exams?

Students who are interested in requesting standardized testing accommodations should contact the Director of the Bigelow Learning Center to ensure proper documentation is on file. Requests for accommodations on College Board Tests (PSAT, SAT & AP Exams) are processed in August before a student’s sophomore year. Please download, sign, and email the College Board Consent Form to James Reece, Director of the Bigelow Learning Center, 860.404.4286.

EMAIL James Reece

PSAT, SAT & AP Exam Accommodations

Standardized Testing Accommodations Policy

How does a student apply for accommodations on the ACT?

Students who are interested in requesting testing accommodations on the ACT should contact the Director of the Bigelow Learning Center to ensure proper documentation is on file. Accommodations on the ACT can only be requested after a student creates an account online at my.act.org and registers for a specific test date. Requests for accommodations on the ACT are typically made during the fall or winter of a student’s junior year. To apply for accommodations please download and sign the ACT Consent Form and email it to James Reece, Director of the Bigelow Learning Center, 860.404.4286.

EMAIL James Reece

ACT Accommodations

Standardized Testing Accommodations Policy

 

“As parents of three Avon Old Farms boys we have seen the significant role the Bigelow Learning Center has played in our sons’ academic successes at Avon Old Farms and on into their college years. The Bigelow Learning Center provides an environment where small classroom sizes get even smaller. The boys learn to feel comfortable with who they are as students and confident when asking for help, knowing they have a place and teachers to turn to for guidance."


DR. & MRS. MARSHALL

(CONNER '18,  BRENDAN '20, KIERAN '24)

  • 2025 Spring Sports Recap

    Winning games, breaking school records, and exemplifying sportsmanship were all a part of this spring sports season, completing a year full of awesome sports.

  • In Loving Memory of Dr. Diana Malchoff P’07

    Dr. Diana ‘Doc’ Malchoff P’07, a cherished member of the Avon Old Farms community, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. 

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