“School Without Suffering really changed the academic game for my kid. In addition they were able to keep me in the loop every step of the way. They really know how to be present and support what the students want to accomplish so they are invested in the outcome. I could not recommend them more highly.”
–Gaby, Mom of a High School Student
Amazing academic coach that gave a complete insight to my homeschooler on how to approach math in a more positive way and greatly boosted my son’s confidence in his approach to math.
–Ericka, Mom of a middle schooler
Our son had gotten fairly disaffected with school, where he was frustrated with the slow pace in math and science and felt he was being “pecked to death by worksheets.” We were concerned watching our otherwise bright and inquisitive child wither intellectually. Laura embarked on an intensive course of study in math and science and the impact was fantastic. We could see his spark start to reignite and his confidence grow with every session. Laura is kind, but also no-nonsense. She has been a very positive presence for our son and we are so grateful!
–Maryam, Mom of a Middle Schooler
How We Work
When students Practice the mindsets and strategies they need, they thrive.
At School Without Suffering, we know that with reliable supported practice over time, students maintain robust systems and mindsets that allow them to improve their academic performance and feel better doing it. So, we’ve designed out support program to provide just that.
Using an empathetic neuroscience-based approach, we teach students to set themselves up for success and more calmly handle challenges that come their way.
In our Student Membership, we not only make sure that students understand their academic material so they can raise their scores, we teach them to regulate their emotions and practice flexibility so they can manage their time and energy to effectively initiate and complete their tasks. These executive functioning skills are not explicitly taught in school, but are crucial to success and happiness in school and in life.
The Student Membership has two levels: Core and Intensive. At the Core level, we support students highly attentive group coaching and targeted signature courses to teach exactly the executive functioning skills that address their unique needs. At the Intensive level, we support student members with access to everything in the Core membership PLUS
- Two 50-minute, one-on-one academic coaching sessions per week
- Unlimited text and email support
- Weekly session summaries available to both parents and students
- Virtual face-to-face check-in meeting once a month to review progress
- Individual bridge plan to move toward more independence as the student is ready
At both membership levels, students can book additional 1:1 time with their academic coach as needed to help them prepare for a test, tackle a particularly challenging assignment, or manage a particularly stressful academic situation.
OUR STRATEGY
Our Intensive Student Membership provides academic support based on four pillars, which allow us to both make immediate improvements in school performance and stress levels, as well as teach students to set themselves up for success and more calmly handle challenges that come their way throughout their lives.
01
Expert Empathetic 1:1 Academic coaching & tutoring
Students in the Intensive Membership receive two 50-minute, one-on-one academic coaching/tutoring sessions per week as well as unlimited text and email support. In addition, parents receive weekly session summaries from the coach, so they understand how their child is doing every step of the way.
02
Instruction & Reinforcement of Executive Functioning skills In Context
During sessions, students not only receive help with their assignments, but also direct instruction on the executive functioning skills and strategies they need to start taking control of their time, energy, mindsets, and stress levels. With the help of the coach, they practice these strategies while completing their work for school so that they can habituate them and see them working immediately to improve their performance and their lives.
03
Consistent Supported Practice in Community
Students in the Intensive Membership also have access all of the Core Membership benefits, including the opportunity to attend Office Hours for support on the days of the week that they do not have 1:1 sessions. Office Hours are open four days a week, Monday–Thursday, and coach:student ratios are kept at 1:3 so that each student gets the attention that they need.
04
Support responsive to student need
As students become more confident and more capable, they may not always need the same intensity of academic support. For each of our Intensive students, we hold a virtual face-to-face check-in meeting once a month with parents/caregivers to review progress and determine the best next steps for their academic support, whether that be to remain in the Intensive Membership for the next month or take a step toward less intensive support and more independence. Read below for an example of what that journey can entail!
Every child’s needs are unique, and those needs will change with age, maturity, school situation, and life circumstances. So we designed our Membership program to grow and change with our students’ needs. Some kids will start out in the Core level, then move to the Intensive level during a period of high-stress, and return to Core when they are ready. Some will start at the Intensive level and progressively move toward independence. We’ll help you determine the best starting place for your child as well as continuously monitor their progress and determine best next steps with monthly check-in meetings.
Here’s what your child’s time in the Student Membership might look like:
Weeks 1 – 8
Intensive Membership ($995/month)
M
4:30–5:20pm
1:1 Session
Plan for the week and get help on a high-stress assignment for school
T
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Learn a new executive functioning (EF) strategy and work on homework
w
4:30–5:20pm
1:1 Session
Check in on weekly plan and adjust as necessary, then practice the new EF strategy while working on an assignment
th
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Continue to practice the EF strategy while working on homework
Weeks 9 – 18
Intensive Membership Bridge ($895/month)
M
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Plan for the week and get started on homework with a coach’s support
t
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Practice EF skills while getting support with homework
w
4:30–5:20pm
1:1 Session
Check in on weekly plan and adjust as necessary and get help on a high-stress assignment for school
tH
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Practice EF skills while getting support with homework
week 19 – End of school year
Core Membership ($395/month) + 1:1 Sessions booked as needed ($125 each)
M
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Plan for the week and talk with coach to determine if any 1:1 sessions will be needed for upcoming assignments or tests; get started on homework with a coach’s support
t
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Practice EF skills while getting support with homework
w
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Check in on weekly plan and adjust as needed, practice EF skills while getting support with homework
th
5:30–6:20pm
Office Hours
Practice EF skills while getting support with homework
Have questions? Let’s chat!
We offer a weekly Ask Me Anything Session to help you discover how our academic support programs can help your child thrive. No commitment necessary.
Hi! I’m Laura Fragomeni, Founder of School Without Suffering.
I founded School Without Suffering to help students around the world be both successful and happy, because I believe that when students have the tools and supports that they need, they thrive.
I’m a passionate, highly-qualified teacher who’s been educating students with diverse learning needs for more than a decade. Over that time, I’ve taught students in grades K-16+ in a wide variety of settings, including traditional public school, home school, private tutoring, and hospital school programs; and I’ve honed a compassionate, neuroscience-based approach to instruction and academic coaching that works.
I earned my Master of Education in Technology, Innovation, and Education from Harvard University, and my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, and Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from Emory University. I’m also an Educational Therapy Certificate candidate and hold a California Teaching Credential (clear) with English Learner Authorization.
I can’t wait to begin working with you and your learner!