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A universal truth is that every student learns differently. And that applies to your teen, too. Whether your teen thrives or struggles depends on how the school teaches. So before anything else, you need to figure out if their methods align with your kid's learning style and academic needs.

Research has shown that academic approaches that reinforce the idea of positive and supportive boarding school environments can improve students’ motivation levels, engagement levels, and overall learning outcomes. 

And here at Lake Tahoe Preparatory School, we don’t just agree with that; we’ve designed our academic approach around that truth. 

Let’s start with our class sizes. Over the years, we’ve ensured they remain small, with a current student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. Why is that important? Because that’s how we create the kind of structured, close-knit environment that allows us to provide personalized guidance. 

Personalized attention is central to our academic philosophy. It’s how we ensure your teen receives specialized support in areas where they really need help, which allows them to develop stronger academic skills and greater emotional well-being because they are learning in a way that feels real to them.

Now that you know that the boarding school you’re considering has the kind of approach and supportive environment your teen needs, it’s time to understand how they can assist your unique learner. 

Our learning center is for students who are more likely to feel overwhelmed by the demands of their academic classes. It's beneficial for kids with ADHD, high-functioning ASD, dyslexia, and other learning or behavioral challenges.

The center has a dedicated facilitator on-site to help students with the specific help they need, whether that's with math, writing, or studying. This way, they build confidence with support instead of struggling or falling behind.

Another way we individualize learning is by mandating our learning specialists to individualize curriculum content to address various learning needs in the classroom. We rely on a structured process that is well-integrated into our academic philosophy.

Here’s a fact: physical activities and outdoor sports aren't just entertaining activities for teens; they are essential for managing stress and maintaining good mental health. Multiple studies have proven that there is a clear connection between properly implemented outdoor programs in boarding schools and improved academic performance. 

We believe in the power of using outdoor and wellness programs to improve academic performance and mental health. And as a result, we run a well-structured athletic program that includes outdoor activities for every season.  

During winter seasons, our Ski Team, in partnership with the host team of the 1960 Winter Olympics—Palisades Tahoe, trains hard and smart at the Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort. And in fall seasons, we offer many options by allowing our students to choose between participating in competitive soccer, basketball, swimming, hiking, and cross-country running. 

We also run a wellness program that is structured to complement our outdoor program. Our objective is always to ensure the well-being of our students. To achieve this, they receive proper nutrition, have mandated technology-free time, maintain a healthy sleep habit, and their health is assessed by trained staff. Ultimately, this improves your teen’s physical growth and mental development.

The combination of our seasonal outdoor activities and wellness support works. First, it helps our students become physically stronger. More importantly, it helps them develop the focus, resilience, and confidence they need.

You need to know the kind of atmosphere your teen is walking into. The boarding environment becomes their home away from home. It shapes their behaviors, social understanding, and life in ways that extend beyond academics. As a result, you need to ensure the boarding school has the kind of school life your teen will be able to adjust to. 

At Lake Tahoe, we understand how difficult it is for teens to go from waking up every day with their loved ones to living with new people in a new environment for months at a time. So we ensure every teen goes through a smooth transition process. 

How do we do this? We’ve cultivated a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere that immediately resonates with your teen. 

Upon arrival, students have a dorm parent who is dedicated to providing the guidance and support they need to have a wonderful student life. They participate in a series of team-building exercises that help them feel a part of a community while simultaneously improving their cognitive skills.

Considering a boarding school is about ensuring that the school offers both academic excellence and a nurturing environment that fosters the complete development of your teen. 

Our 47 years of experience in providing both demonstrate our comprehensive outdoor and wellness programs that improve students academically and mentally, and a supportive environment that helps every student reach their full potential—regardless of their background or challenges. 

Want to see if our boarding school is a good fit for your teen? Connect with us.