Much like Trinity-Pawling’s Language through Enrichment, Analysis, and Development (LEAD) Program, the Windward School in White Plains, New York is known for providing specialized academic support tailored to students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Both Trinity-Pawling and Windward use a modified Orton-Gillingham approach to make academic content accessible to students. The programs are designed to challenge and motivate students, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed while reaching their highest potential.
Just ask Matt Bologna ’19, Henry Daniel ’20, Rodger Ecker ’20, and Nick Grande ’19. These four Trinity-Pawling students graduated from the Windward School before joining the Pride. All stellar students — in and out of the classroom — the boys know the immeasurable value of these individualized academic programs.
“The transition to Trinity-Pawling from Windward was smooth and it all has to do with the LEAD Program,” shared Henry Daniel ’20, who started at the School as a freshman in 2016. “They use the Orton-Gillingham teaching method, just like Windward.” Rodger Ecker ’20 agreed, “The LEAD Program is a great bridge from one school to the other. It provided extra reading and writing support and the small class sizes made the transition much easier.”
Both Trinity-Pawling and Windward pride themselves on providing dynamic learning environments that empower their students to truly excel. The small classes allow teachers to recognize the individual learning needs of each student and find the academic strategies that work best. “Most importantly, at Windward and here at T-P, I’ve learned to advocate for myself,” shared Ecker — certainly a valuable life skill.
Roberta Lidl, Director of the Center for Learning Achievement sees the success of students from Windward firsthand. “Our boys from Windward arrive with a well-developed academic toolbox and a robust understanding of their learning style, which seamlessly dovetails into Trinity-Pawling’s LEAD program,” she shared. “Their resiliency and grit are developed brick by brick…Matt, Henry, Rodger, and Nick brilliantly demonstrate these qualities.”
According to Daniel and Ecker, the greatest strength of Trinity-Pawling’s LEAD Program — and all the academic departments — is the attentive and supportive teaching staff. “The teachers at T-P are available, accessible, and committed to our success,” said Ecker. “They always make time for me and really care about how I’m doing in class and at school in general.”
“Without my learning experiences at both Windward and Trinity-Pawling, I would not be the student or person that I am today,” Daniel concluded confidently. That’s transformational learning at its best.
by Emma Christiantelli