Our students are double outliers with both profound potential and support needs. Their advanced intellectual brain requires challenging, engaging material to thrive, yet social-emotional learning and executive function challenges can create barriers to sustained engagement at that level. Additionally, their development is asynchronous, meaning a seventh grader may excel far beyond what is typical for a student of their age in some areas and may be behind in others.
We design our program to address the unique needs of each student. Students are placed in small classes based on their readiness rather than their grade, with innovative curriculum design and individually tailored scaffolding. Teachers create opportunities in the classroom, on Flex Day, in Middle School Explorations and High School Real World, and on field trips for students to pursue their varied interests. In a community of like-minded mentors and peers, we aim to empower the innovative minds of future thinkers, leaders, and creators.
Designing for the Paradox of a 2e Learner
Celebrating Student Strengths
- Individualized learning profiles highlight student interests, strengths, and support needs
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is implemented in all classrooms to create flexible learning environments that maximize student choice while removing barriers
- Learning activities and strategies incorporate students’ strengths and interests to increase engagement and real-world application
Supporting Student Needs
- Professional development opportunities for teachers focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices
- Our learning specialists and instructional coaches partner with teachers to individualize academic support based on student diagnoses and cognitive profiles
- Our counselors partner with teachers, families, and outside mental health providers to support social-emotional and behavioral needs.
Our Students
Trillium students are intellectually gifted individuals whose strengths and challenges coexist in complex, highly individual ways.
Learner Engagement Framework
The framework through which we view students’ journey at Trillium combines their relationship with learning and the shift in responsibility from teacher to student.
Academics
The curriculum and programming are built on the interplay of appropriately challenging and engaging academics, executive function (EF) skills, and social-emotional learning (SEL).
Middle Schoool (Grades 5-8)
In Middle School, students balance academics, creative exploration, and social-emotional growth.
High School (Grades 9-12)
High School students engage in deep learning and executive functioning skill building to prepare for life beyond Trillium.
Student Support
Our student support team includes our division deans, school counselors, and learning specialist. We also partner with tutors and occupational and behavioral therapists to allow for integrated support.
