Curriculum

At the heart of Gow’s curriculum is Reconstructive Language (RL), our Orton-based language remediation program. Our content area courses are designed to utilize our students’ strengths while remediating their weaknesses.  Multisensory instruction, executive function skills, and study strategies are emphasized throughout all courses. Faculty members receive ongoing training in methods that maximize student learning potential, and they are committed to providing individualized attention and extra help. Gow teachers know that students’ success in the classroom depends on them understanding their students language-based learning disability. 

What’s Typical, What’s Required

Gow students attend classes of three to seven students, six days a week. They take at least six academic courses, including RL. A daily 30-minute tutorial period and, supervised two-hour evening study hall provide time to complete assignments and receive faculty assistance. Study hall also includes a reading period, when students read books of their choice... for fun. The structure of Gow, with the understanding nature of our teachers, and the Assistive technology, all play a central role in our student's success. 

Graduation requirements include English (4 credits), history (3), math (3), science (3, including 2 in lab science), arts (1½), and health (½). Reconstructive Language is required throughout students’ time at Gow, while electives let them customize their course of study. 

The Gow School sends academic communication to parents eight times a year. One-page reports from each class are sent at the end of all four marking periods while advisors share comments that summarize all classes, athletics, and dorm life in the middle of each marking periods.