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Welcome to Ithaca Student Support

• LEARNING and ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

• TUTORING

• HOMESCHOOLING DESIGN and MENTORING

• COLLEGE SEARCH and APPLICATION PROCESS

• GAP YEAR PLANS

"We are in awe of all the work and thoughtfulness reflected in

the tone and guidance you provide in [our child’s] journey."

I help students gain confidence, improve learning skills, and strengthen capabilities in specific academic content, handling homework, and communicating with parents and teachers.

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Are you a high school student who wants to get more out of your school experience, or are you planning for what's next? I provide guidance, resources, and tools supporting academic progress, the college search, gap year planning, and other interests.

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If you're already home schooling or exploring this option, I offer creative designs for learning, teach individuals and small groups, mentor home-based learners, and provide practical support so you can make the most of the experience.​

"You are bringing out the best in [our child]."

Students and parents     

"Your insights into how our son learns best have brought more progress in a few weeks than we've seen in a few years."

I help students:

  • Identify interests, strengths, and challenges

  • Develop self-awareness

  • Overcome stumbling blocks

  • Master skills and knowledge

  • Manage expectations and create goals

  • Communicate effectively

  • Expand their sense of possibility

  • Flourish in their learning environment

"Your understanding of [our child] is right on target and your proposed plan makes sense." 

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You can expect:

  • Patience, sensitivity, and creativity

  • Nonjudgmental, respectful support

  • Fresh ideas and energy

  • Individualized assistance

  • Routine reviews of progress and plans

  • Appropriate benchmarks

  • Detailed records

  • Referrals to helpful resources​

As they work with me, students uncover skills and knowledge they already have but may not be aware of, improving their ability to handle new material. Some students benefit from revisiting core academic building blocks. Some may be ready to move at a faster pace, or explore subjects not covered in school.

 

I encourage students to identify and pursue interests—academic and more—sparking improved well-being. Together we’ll find content and activities to support their learning and development.   

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Parent advising includes insights into how and why a child may be struggling, ideas for students who have outgrown or are still adapting to their learning environment, and support for navigating challenging passages.  Individualized assistance includes planning and communication related to 504 plans.​

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College and gap year exploration

College exploration

"I always feel better about the college application process after our meetings."

The college search can be exciting and full of possibility, and sometimes fraught with stress and uncertainty. I help students and parents examine assumptions, minimize extraneous input, and get facts and information without losing sight of dreams, ambitions, and enthusiasm.

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I provide a guided exploration of your priorities and interests, colleges and universities, and the application process, with the goal of helping you develop and use self-knowledge as you make decisions.

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"I really can’t overstate how important your help has been with the college application process."

Gap year and beyond

"You’ve helped me in so many ways. I've learned to ask questions I didn't realize needed to be asked."

Maybe you’re looking forward to a gap year, time to reflect on your experiences, discover what motivates you, focus on a specific interest, or strengthen academic skills without time constraints and grades. Or you know that college is not right for you in the near future, and you’re wondering how to develop new skills and pursue employment.

 

I can help you consider options, develop plans, and shape your time as you adapt to life beyond high school.

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"You made me feel supported and empowered."

Homeschooling

Creative and individualized learning plans, projects and apprenticeships, parent support.

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"We could not ask for a better teacher. The topics and ways in which you share information and reinforce it with trips and hands-on activities, discussions, and readings is so unique and interesting...it’s all the perfect approach for [our child]."

Homeschooling offers the opportunity to:

  • Individualize learning plans

  • Pursue projects in depth

  • Explore how academic subjects interconnect and
    relate to life experiences

  • Explore volunteering, apprenticeships, and work

  • Take advantage of our region's rich resources

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I offer a range of approaches and flexibility to best support student interests and needs.  I help students build a solid foundation in creative and critical thinking, academic subjects, writing, and general skills through project-based learning designed with homeschooler input.

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I can help parents discover and support how their children learn best, and develop a homeschooling approach that works for their family. 

"We are so grateful for your involvement with [our child].

Working with you has really broadened her horizons. She's a happier learner now."

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About me

My name is Peggy Arcadi. My interest in learning and commitment to student well-being are at the heart of Ithaca Student Support.

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My work is based on a foundation of careful listening, active engagement, feedback from students and parents, and research on how students learn best. I take an individualized and holistic approach to students, because learning and development are impacted by personal experience. I'm committed to helping students choose and traverse their paths with a strong sense of personal engagement and the ability to handle challenges.

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I've spent twenty years in independent practice with school students and homeschoolers, and worked for many years with teens and young adults on college campuses and in community nonprofits. My work has been focused on helping students master academic skills, and adapt to and navigate both familiar and new academic and social environments. I've worked extensively with youth coping with life challenges and learning differences. I seek to repair gaps in confidence, learning, self-advocacy, and life skills. With informed attention and appropriate support, even the most difficult situation can change for the better.

Details

How do students work with me? Some are looking for short-term, critical involvement addressing urgent issues or immediate goals. Others have engaged for up to six years of ongoing support as they continue to explore and develop, change educational environments, and take on new experiences. I've worked for up to 25 hours/week as a primary instructor for homeschooled students. Parents meet with me for input and support, occasionally or on a regular basis.

I offer an initial consultation and first student meeting at no charge, allowing you all to see if I'm a good fit. 

Getting started

Send me an email at iss@ithacastudentsupport.com and we can schedule a meeting.

Location

My office is in downtown Ithaca near the public library. Meeting in students' homes may be possible in some cases.

Fee

Please contact me for details. 

All photos on this site are the property of Peggy Arcadi.
©2020 by Ithaca Student Support

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