Student Support

There are many resources available to students who are having academic difficulty at Rice. When a student is having difficulty in an individual class, they should contact the class teacher. If the student is experiencing broader academic concerns in more than one course, it is recommended that the student’s guidance counselor be contacted. They can help review the options available for academic support and help to develop a plan to increase success in those courses and in school in general.  The following options are available to students at Rice to help with academic success.

The first and most important resource is the teacher.  The teacher will best be able to help students because they are familiar with both the material and the student’s abilities.  Teachers are required to stay after school Monday through Thursday from 2:25 – 2:50 PM.  This is the best time for students to meet with their teachers one-on-one.  Regular communication can be coordinated between teachers and parents as needed and is generally initiated by parents through email.  Individual guidance counselors can help facilitate this arrangement.

Each year the guidance department works with the faculty to identify students who have had success in a subject area and who could be excellent resources for academic support.  When appropriate, the guidance staff can connect students with these peer tutors.  Most often these tutoring sessions occur during a study halls.  Students should contact their guidance counselor for more information on this resource.

If all in-house student assistance has been explored and more help is needed, then an academic tutor may be recommended. These professional tutors are acquainted with Rice’s academic environment and curriculum (often consulting directly with the student’s teachers), and are paid by the student’s family. These tutors arrange directly with the student’s family when the tutoring will occur (often after school or on weekends). The Rice Guidance department can provide more information and a list of these tutors.

The intent of the After School Tutoring Program is to provide structure and support to 9th and 10th grade students in these formative years.  Students attending the After School Tutoring Program are required to study quietly for a specified period of time or to work with a student tutor in a specific subject or subjects.  Teachers, counselors, and parents can refer students to the program or a student can attend at any time without prior registration.  The goal of the program is for students to develop the skills that will allow them to work independently and take responsibility for their learning.