Linda Schneider
Learning Support & Student Success
The Wardlaw+Hartridge School provides a dedicated Learning Specialist within each division to support students, faculty and families in fostering academic success and individual growth. Learning Specialists collaborate closely with teachers to implement effective learning strategies and instructional practices grounded in current, research-based methodologies.
Darienne Olitt
Empowering Every Student to Thrive
"The support our child has received has been transformational—academically, socially and emotionally.”
Our Philosophy
At Wardlaw+Hartridge, we believe every student learns differently. Our Learning Specialists partner with faculty and families to create a supportive, challenging, and personalized learning environment rooted in research-based practices.
Family Partnership
We value strong communication with families and provide guidance on outside resources, including tutoring and evaluations, when appropriate.
College & Future Readiness
Our team supports students in securing standardized testing accommodations and prepares seniors for a successful transition to college and beyond.
The W+H Learning Specialists provide professional development for faculty and staff and play an integral role in transition meetings as students move between divisions (e.g., Grade 5 to 6 and Grade 8 to 9).
Our goal is to foster independence, confidence, and long-term success.
Lower School
In the Lower School, the Learning Specialist works directly within the classroom, offering “push-in” support and conducting observations to better understand individual learning styles. In partnership with classroom teachers, the Learning Specialist helps develop differentiated instructional approaches, provides supplemental materials and supports both skill development and enrichment opportunities for students ready to extend beyond the core curriculum.
Middle and Upper School
In the Middle and Upper School, the Learning Specialist serves as a Case Manager for students with documented learning differences. A personalized Service Plan outlining appropriate accommodations is developed and shared with faculty. The Learning Specialist collaborates with teachers through classroom observations and consultation to ensure that instruction effectively supports a range of learning styles and abilities.
The Learning Specialist also works closely with students to monitor academic progress and to develop essential skills such as organization, time management and effective study and test-taking strategies. When additional academic support is needed, referrals for outside tutoring may be provided.
Family Partnership and College Readiness
Learning Specialists remain a resource for parents, offering guidance and support regarding student progress and, when appropriate, facilitating referrals to outside professionals, including the County Educational Services Commission.
In addition, the Learning Specialist assists with securing appropriate accommodations for standardized testing, including the PSAT, SAT, AP and ACT. Support is also provided to seniors as they navigate the college application process and prepare for a successful transition to higher education.
Through this comprehensive and collaborative approach, The Wardlaw+Hartridge School ensures that each student is supported, challenged and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Student Support and Communication
The school maintains open and ongoing communication among administrators, faculty and staff to address students’ learning needs. When appropriate, students may receive individualized (1:1) support to strengthen specific skills. The Learning Specialist serves as a key liaison between home and school, guiding families and, when needed, recommending outside resources such as private tutors, professional evaluations or Child Study Team assessments.