The SMS Learning Center is a fully integrated academic support program for students with learning differences, as well as a resource for those seeking extra assistance due to their demanding training and competition schedules. We offer executive functioning (EF) coaching, subject area tutorials, and study skills support. We serve students with diagnoses of attention issues (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, executive functioning challenges, and other language processing differences. We provide equal access to SMS’s rigorous academic program by making reasonable and appropriate accommodations for our students with documented learning differences. The SMS Learning Center helps teachers and coaches understand each student's individual needs while encouraging students to develop self-sufficiency.  

The SMS Learning Center’s philosophy of practice is strengths-based, rooted in the belief that all types of learners can succeed. We understand and celebrate the uniqueness of all learning styles. Many successful and fulfilled adults have learning differences, including athletes, innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists across various fields. We partner with students to develop skills and strategies that lead to independence, initiative, flow, self-awareness, self-advocacy, and increased confidence. 

Enrolled students visit the SMS Learning Center for a class period scheduled as part of their regular weekly academic rotation. Class sizes range from one to three students, with one or two instructors present. We frequently administer supervised tests in the Center to support accommodations, such as minimal distractions and extended time. Areas of focus include time management, prioritization skills, problem solving, proactive communication with teachers and coaches, and developing an awareness of personal wellness. We also meet remotely with student athletes while they are away from SMS for training or competition. 

For more information, please contact Megan Buchanan, the Director of the Learning Center, at mbuchanan@gosms.org or Alex Lehmann, Academic Dean, at alehmann@gosms.org. 

“As a parent of a student athlete with executive functioning challenges, I'm only too aware of how time management and organization can quickly become significant issues. Megan's work with my son has been a game-changer - keeping him on track, checking in, and helping him manage the dialogue with his teachers and coaches as necessary. SMS has been a place where he has truly come into his own both academically and athletically, and his work in the Learning Center has been a critical component of that.”  – SMS parent

“Our child has really done well with the support he has received at the SMS Learning Center. Adjusting to independent dorm living comes with many challenges, and Megan has helped him prioritize work, stay on top of assignments, and encouraged him along the way. She really took the time to understand his learning style and provide just the right amount of support. We are very grateful for the staff at the SMS Learning Center!” – SMS parent

“Megan at the SMS Learning Center has gone above and beyond to assist my son with his studies, and he is doing a better job this year keeping up with school work during his extensive travel schedule. Yes, we have many positive reflections about the support Megan has offered my son and our family through extensive email and text communication and connecting on the phone and in person at SMS functions.”  – SMS parent.

“The Learning Center has been CRUCIAL for my son and our family. The support is top-notch and has not only helped greatly with study and executive function skills but has also been instrumental in building confidence, self-advocacy, and autonomy. The support the learning center has offered goes FAR beyond the classroom. The Learning Center professionals are always available and eager to help, whether the kids are on campus or traveling. They are kind, caring, compassionate, helpful, and so patient. Having Megan involved in various advocacy roles made all the difference for our son and for us.” – SMS parent.

“I truly appreciated the support you gave my son when he was going through a tough time. I genuinely felt he was being cared for, and I appreciated how you reached out and kept me in the loop. Thank you.” – SMS parent.

“The Learning Center has been an integral component for our son to keep up with assignments while traveling and catch up when he gets back to school. The Learning Center (Megan) has helped our son organize his workload, create strategies for tackling assignments, and assist with test preparation. It also provides a distraction-free work area for test taking and study time. We appreciate the help the Learning Center has consistently provided him over the past 4 years, particularly with managing his workload. Megan has always been an excellent advocate for our son (as is MaryBeth) with matters both in and outside the classroom.” – SMS parent.