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Parents know when their teen is struggling. It could be the nightly homework battles. Perhaps it's watching a bright kid get terrible grades. Maybe it's seeing them shut down because school feels impossible.

The research backs up what parents see at home. Students with ADHD consistently face academic challenges— lower grades, poor test scores, and higher rates of being held back. Kids with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity issues often struggle educationally, whether they have an official diagnosis or not.

Here's the problem: while medication and behavioral plans can help alleviate ADHD symptoms, they don't automatically address the educational aspect.

As a boarding school in California, we've spent years figuring out what actually works for students with different learning styles. Our students achieve a 100% college acceptance rate because we've created an environment where diverse learners can succeed.

Every classroom has kids who learn differently. Some have ADHD— their brains work faster than the lesson plan. Others have dysgraphia— brilliant ideas trapped between their brain and pencil. 

We work with students who have

• ADHD and focus challenges
• Dysgraphia and dyscalculia 
• Autism spectrum traits
• Anxiety that gets in the way of learning
• International students still mastering English

Our team works with students who have 504 plans for accommodations because their academic skills are impacted by anxiety and depression. Some have experienced PTSD, and some have overcome addiction after treatment programs. We support a broad spectrum of learning differences.

These aren't kids who need intensive therapy. They want college, friends, activities, and normal high school stuff. They just need school to work differently— for them.

Lake Tahoe Prep's approach recognizes ADHD differently than many educational institutions. Our team understands that ADHD can be both a challenge and an advantage, depending on the educational approach.

Students with ADHD who thrive at Lake Tahoe Prep often share certain traits:

• They can find a passion or interest and show high intellectual prowess, diving deep into specific topics
• They're flexible and open to learning in different ways
• They're highly social, which helps in group work and presentations
• They need platforms and outlets to use their voice

Our boarding school for students with learning differences can significantly impact your teen’s self-confidence because, in the process of learning more about themselves, they can discover how to thrive more quickly in the right environment.

Our Academic Learning Center is designed around removing barriers to learning.

Our approach recognizes that students with executive functioning challenges may struggle with organization and preparation. Rather than letting these become obstacles, we provide comprehensive support.

Our solution ensures that every tool students need is available in the Learning Center, eliminating potential barriers to learning.
Students spend one period daily in our Academic Learning Center - think of it as a home base:

• Extra help on tough assignments
• All the supplies they need 
• Different seating options for varying needs
• Fidget tools and learning accessories
• Comfortable, welcoming environment
• Small group collaboration opportunities
• Visual learning tools and technology

We also offer afternoon study halls here for kids who benefit from extra structure.

Nearly every student participates in Academic Learning Center programming, with individualized schedules based on their specific needs. This isn't remedial education— it's comprehensive support.

We had a student arrive at 19, having missed seven years of school due to family circumstances. She had undiagnosed autism spectrum differences and huge academic gaps.

Many institutions had turned her away or suggested alternative credential paths, but she was determined to earn her California high school diploma.

Working with our academic and clinical teams for two years, she graduated as co-valedictorian. Her success demonstrates what is possible with a comprehensive academic support system.

Music Program

Something amazing happens in our music room. Students who barely speak up in math class suddenly shine when they're holding a microphone. Donna Axton, who runs our music program, has figured out how to tap into something special.

Kids who struggle with social stuff in regular classrooms? They light up when the spotlight's actually on them. And because we have performances every couple of months, there's always something new to work toward— no sitting around waiting six months for the next chance to perform.

Our graduates often do better in college than kids from traditional high schools. Why? Because it’s a boarding school, they must develop independence.

They've already learned crucial skills:

Life Skills

The residential experience at our boarding school in California teaches practical life management skills, such as managing one's own money, time, and living needs, including laundry and ensuring they have enough toothpaste when their mom isn’t there to replenish it. Most students are working within a budget, so they need to plan and communicate about what they may need.

While other first-year college students may be figuring this out in their first year, our graduates are already pros!

Academic Independence

Academic independence is equally important in our program. Without parents present, students develop habits of personal accountability for their academic progress.

Self-Advocacy

Lake Tahoe Prep's approach to self-advocacy centers on "curiosity over control." We teach students to become curious about themselves and their learning needs rather than simply following directions.

This approach resonates with teenagers because it frames self-awareness as natural curiosity rather than rigid compliance.

Our method works because students learn to create their own narrative about what they need to succeed, rather than being told what to do by adults.

Study Skills that Actually Work

Students graduate with tested study methods that work for their individual learning styles. No more all-nighters— they have systems that stick.

We’re honest about what we can— and what we cannot— do. Some students simply need more assistance than we’re equipped to provide. This includes students with severe behavioral issues, active self-harm, or those who are non-verbal, who need specialized environments.

Before any student enrolls, our admissions team takes a hard look at whether we're actually the right fit. There's no point in setting up a situation where a student won't succeed.

Maybe you're tired of watching your bright kid struggle. Maybe traditional school just isn't clicking. If your teen requires more support than typical schools offer but doesn't need intensive therapeutic care, consider boarding schools for students with learning differences, such as Lake Tahoe Prep.

Here's what we do: every student gets seen. We figure out what makes them tick, what they're good at, and what gets in their way. Then we build a plan around that specific kid.

Want to know if we could work for your family? Give our admissions team a call. We're good at honest conversations about whether our California boarding school makes sense for your teenager.