It is with great pride and excitement that Manhattan Day School announced the opening of a new Learning Center on Monday, October 4. MDS has a decade-long tradition of providing appropriate and targeted learning to students on all levels, including enrichment programs for students who excel in math, literacy and Hebrew language as well as foundational skills groups in each of those disciplines. MDS also pioneered the first self-contained classroom program for students with language based learning challenges over 40 years ago, a program which has seen countless students move on successfully to mainstream yeshiva high schools and university education.

MDS’ newest initiative in individualizing student learning, a fully staffed Learning Center, opened its doors just this week. Under the direction of veteran special educator Ms. Holly Tanz, the Learning Center is housed in a bright and airy classroom at MDS stocked with a wealth of educational resources, and staffed by a team of skilled, enthusiastic New York State Certified Special Education teachers who bring a wealth of experience in meeting student needs at all levels.

Mrs. Flo Fruchter, director of Student Services, explained that “students will receive instruction based on their IESP goals in ELA subjects, math and science, and also receive scaffolded support with executive functioning to assist in all of their classes.” She continued, “Having in house providers allows for smooth coordination with teachers to maximize learning with each student.”

Learning Center Coordinator Ms. Tanz shared: “I am so excited about the Learning Center because we can continue to meet each student’s individual needs in building skills and meeting success both in school and beyond. Acknowledging the needs of our students and finding the professionals to provide high quality education to make it work for all students throughout the continuum makes MDS special. While students receive a premium education, we are also able to meet their needs both in the form of support and enrichment needed beyond the classroom”

MDS parent and learning consultant Rachel Gratfstein summed it up with a big smile: “We are thrilled to see this wonderful addition to the MDS range of offerings, and an additional way that each one of our children can thrive academically, emotionally and socially.”