From overwhelmed
to organized: Helping
teens manage
executive functioning
Helping Students with Executive Functioning
Many middle and high school students struggle with executive functioning—the mental skills that help with planning, organization, and self-regulation. When these skills aren’t fully developed, everyday school tasks can feel overwhelming. Teens may forget assignments, lose track of deadlines, or procrastinate until the last minute, leaving both students and parents stressed and frustrated.
Do any of these sound familiar? A backpack full of crumpled papers, late-night panic over a project, or endless reminders from adults that go ignored. What looks like laziness or defiance can actually be a sign that a student simply doesn’t yet have the tools to manage their responsibilities. Stern Center educational experts recommend that students and families exploring academic success coaching try these basic tips.
It’s essential to break big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By making those small tasks visible and tangible, we teach learners the power of planning and pacing for better outcomes. For example, instead of “write an essay,” the first step could be “choose a topic that matches the assignment,” followed by “find my first reliable source for this topic.” Adding deadlines for each step builds momentum and makes the larger goal less intimidating. With consistent practice, teens can strengthen executive function skills and feel more in control of their learning. What else can help?
Stern Center Academic Success Coaching Educators Recommend:
Using Checklists
Writing tasks down gives students a visual roadmap and a sense of accomplishment as they check items off.
Setting Timers
Short work sessions with breaks can help teens stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
Establishing Routines
Consistent times for homework, activities, and rest create structure, train our minds to focus, and reduce stress.
Encouraging Self-Reflection
Asking “What worked today? What didn’t?” helps teens build self-awareness and adjust their strategies.
What to expect when following Academic Success Coaching strategies like these, whether at home or through your student’s partnership with an experienced Stern Center educator:
Greater Independence
When we support students in these ways, giving them practice through positive structure, they can gradually learn to manage their own work, reducing reliance on constant reminders from parents.
Improved Academic Performance
With stronger organization, planning, and follow-through, students complete assignments on time and with more confidence. Success builds its own momentum!
Reduced Stress for Families
Parents can step out of nightly homework battles, while students feel more capable and supported in handling school demands. Everyone can benefit from these just-right approaches to coaching and confidence-building.
Need more ideas to encourage independence and prioritize success in academics, or looking for a pro to help a young learner in your life? The Stern Center’s caring educators specialize in those breakthroughs, and are here to help.
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The Stern Center Difference
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Our need-based scholarships make Stern Center services more accessible to learners and families. Assistance is based on income and the number of people in your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a payment plan?
We’ll provide you with a contract and invoice which can be paid in full by our deadline or managed through a payment plan that spreads the cost of services over several months.
Are there other sources of financial assistance?
There are other sources that may assist with the financing of Stern Center Services. These include your school or school district, employer, Hireability Vermont, VSAC, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, health insurance provider, and others. Please note, we are not an insurance provider and do not bill insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
The Stern Center is not an insurance provider and cannot provide information explicitly for the purpose of insurance billing.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Contact us to register for services and let us know you are interested in applying for financial assistance. We’ll ask you to complete a short application, which our team will review to determine the amount of financial assistance we can offer. After reviewing your application, we’ll notify you of our decision within a few days and apply your award directly as a need-based assistance discount.
Does the Stern Center offer financial assistance?
Yes. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and foundations, we can award need-based funds and provide additional assistance. Awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page and let us know if you want to apply for financial assistance when you register for services.
Do I (or my child) need an evaluation to start instruction?
You don’t need an evaluation to start instruction sessions. Our team will examine your strengths and challenges and tailor treatment to meet your needs. To learn more about evaluations and testing at the Stern Center, visit our Evaluations page, email evaluation@sterncenter.org, or call 802-276-8681.
What is your cancellation policy for instructional services?
Full or partial withdrawal prior to November 1st for the first semester or March 31st for the second semester will result in a pro-rated adjustment of fees. Because the Stern Center has committed significant resources to meet the needs of clients by planning for and guaranteeing scheduled instructional times, no refund will be made for withdrawals after these dates. The Stern Center may consider exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances such as long-term illness or family emergency.
How much does instruction cost?
Fees range in scale based on the service we’re offering. Our highly trained experts provide individualized, research-based instruction for each student. Through the generous support of our donors, we can offer need-based funds to those who qualify for financial assistance. These awards are based on income and the number of people in your family. Depending on family eligibility, costs may be reduced by 20–70%. Please review our Financial Assistance page for more information and contact us about our range of services.
Do you offer instruction off-site?
Yes, Stern Center instructors may be able to provide instruction at schools and work sites. We also offer lessons online.
Do you offer summer instruction?
Yes, we offer six weeks of intensive instruction in reading, writing, math, and organizational skills over the summer, either in person or online. For more information about these sessions, please visit our Summer Learning page.
Does the instructor collaborate with my child’s teacher(s)?
Yes, with a parent or guardian’s permission, the instructor will collaborate with a student’s school teacher(s) and team.
How do you teach reading?
We teach what the National Reading Panel calls the BIG FIVE: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We do it through a structured literacy approach, which means that the teaching is explicit, systematic, and sequential.
When can I begin instruction?
You may begin instruction at any time during the school year and continue into the summer. You may also participate in our six-week long summer program.
What is the frequency and length of your instruction sessions?
The number and length of sessions are based on individual needs, schedules, and program requirements. Most students come for one or two hours of instruction per week during the school year in their area of academic need.
Additional Support
Social Thinking® Groups
For anyone struggling with social skills, our Social Thinking Groups help shine a light on the reasons behind other people’s words and actions.
Speech Therapy
For people with language, speech, and swallowing challenges, we provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized intervention.
Reading Readiness Check-Up
For parents curious about their child’s early reading skills, we offer a helpful check-up and expert advice for raising strong readers.
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Academic Calendar
View the Stern Center’s academic calendar. See openings and closings at a glance, including holidays and make-up days.
Social-Emotional Learning
We teach strategies for building relationships and understanding the thoughts and actions of others.
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Get in Touch!
To inquire about tutoring services, email learning@sterncenter.org, call 802-276-8563, or fill out the form below. Ready to register? Start here.
