Knightly News

Academic Resource Center (ARC) Director Katie Sutcliffe recently huddled in Aldrich Library with ARC Fellows to prepare for some special guest visits. The Upper School Fellows assisted fifth grade classmates with a Black History Month-inspired thesis in a project that introduced Lower School students to the ARC for the first time. Fellows work with Middle and Upper School students, so the effort required a little planning.

Fellow Aiden Farmer says Lower School students are typically more receptive to conceptual learning and hands-on demonstrations. “Although they may have a shorter attention span and do not think as abstractly as older students, they are arguably more interested in exploring the world around them and learning new things than most adults,” he says. “I was surprised by how quickly they picked up on feedback, especially in regard to articulating their own ideas rather than repeating something off of a paper.”

Sutcliffe was thrilled with the opportunity to expand the Academic Resource Center’s offerings. “The Fellows benefit when they have to exercise flexibility in working with different age groups, and students of all ages benefit from learning in community with their peers,” she says. Once the fifth graders arrived at the ARC, the younger students were placed into groups led by a Fellow. The Fellows patiently asked questions and guided discussions much like they do with their older peers.

Fifth grade writing teacher Jeanette Laugier hopes the experience helps her young writers learn the importance of a strong writing foundation. “The HS students were able to explain their personal experience with how writing skills continue to develop and are used in other subjects such as Science, AP classes, etc. – not just in English or writing class,” says Laugier. “It deepens the student’s understanding of how to develop a claim with supporting evidence. Hearing the ARC Fellows speak to the 5th graders, using a similar academic language as in their mini lessons makes me grin.”

Fellows and fifth graders discussed how to start an essay and effective notetaking methods. Much of the meetings focused on properly using evidence to prove a point. The younger students readily shared what they learned about their topic, and Fellows encouraged them to jot down sentences showcasing the information. Fellows offered guidance much like a coach, and the younger students were receptive.

Academic Resource Center services have expanded dramatically in recent years. Already this school year, Fellows have conducted 700+ peer tutoring sessions. Sutcliffe says 61Fellows are available to support Middle and Upper School students in all subjects. The center is truly developing into a hub of excellence and community for students. Expanding to Lower School students is an excellent opportunity to share the Fellows’ expertise with younger students. “In addition to academic guidance younger students receive from the Fellows, they are also forging connections between divisions,” says Sutcliffe. “There aren’t always regular opportunities for Upper School students to mentor younger counterparts, so ARC can create a space for that connection to occur.”

There’s no question that working with Academic Resource Center Fellows made a positive impression on Lower School students. Sutcliffe hopes the experience encourages them to take advantage of the resources available in Middle School next year.

The Academic Resource Center provides a range of services for Episcopal students. Check out some of the opportunities below.

One-on-One or Small Group Study Appointments: Students can make appointments to receive help with a paper or specific skill (in any subject area). Fellows help students review for a test, brush up on a tricky skill or simply level up. Appointments are required for flex/office hours, but walk-ins are welcome during free periods.

Ongoing Partnerships: Some students benefit from ongoing weekly work with a Fellow. Sutcliffe is available to assist with matching students with Fellows to ensure a smooth tutoring process.

Rent-a-Fellow: Teachers can request a "TA" or “Fellow" to assist with assigned lessons. These experiences work well when the entire class does not need to access the library. Fellows can be the extra pair of hands to circulate and answer questions, work with small groups or assist in some other way in the classroom.

Make an Appointment Today!

Students can make an ARC appointment here. The link is also accessible through the ARC Canvas page.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.