A Place to Discover Individual Learning Tools
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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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
| How frequently are students scheduled to attend the Bigelow Learning Center? |
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| 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? |
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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. |
| If a student has a diagnosed disability, is he required to tell the Avon Old Farms? |
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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 |
| 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? |
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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. |
| How does a student apply for accommodations on the ACT? |
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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. |
“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)
Where Next?
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Health Center
Learn about Avon Old Farms Health Center and the services available to students regarding health and well-being.
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College Counseling
As a top college prep school in Connecticut for boys, we thoughtfully guide our students to identify and facilitate the right higher learning match.
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The Baxter Library
Welcome to The Baxter Library.
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Bigelow Learning Center
The David Bigelow Learning Center.
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Diversity
Learn how Avon Old Farms embraces diversity and multiculturalism through a variety of diversity and multicultural initiatives.
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Campus Safety
Safety of students, faculty, and visitors is of the utmost importance at Avon Old Farms. Learn how we keep the campus safe.
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Day Student Information
Day Student Resources at Avon Old Farms.
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Student Bank and ATM
Learn more about student banking and ATM options.
