Academic and ADHD Coaching for High School and University Students: What Families Can Expect

Many students are bright and motivated but still feel overwhelmed by the demands of school. One major reason is the hidden curriculum, which refers to the unspoken rules and expectations schools assume students already know. The hidden curriculum includes skills like how to study, take notes, prepare for tests, manage time, organize assignments, and advocate for support. Students are expected to do all of this independently, yet most are never explicitly taught these skills, leaving many capable students struggling unnecessarily.

Digital literacy is another essential part of the hidden curriculum. It refers to a student’s ability to navigate online learning platforms, track assignments, manage digital communication, and submit work correctly. When digital systems become disorganized, the impact extends beyond the student and affects the entire family. Parents often find themselves hunting for missing assignments or trying to make sense of confusing online portals, while students become more anxious and less confident in their ability to manage school independently.

Parents see this happening and want to help but often feel unsure where to start. They want to support their child without taking over or becoming the homework police, which can strain the parent child relationship and increase frustration at home.

This is where academic, and ADHD coaching can make a meaningful difference.

How Academic and ADHD Coaching Helps Students Build Learning Strategies and Confidence

I work with high school and post-secondary students who struggle with planning, organization, study skills, time management, and keeping up with the overall pace of school. Some students have ADHD or learning disabilities, while others simply have not been taught the learning strategies that make academics manageable.

Academic and ADHD coaching focuses on building the core learning and executive functioning skills that drive academic success. Students learn how to plan their week, break down assignments, study actively, manage time, and use technology to support learning. As these skills develop, students begin to feel more capable and in control, which builds confidence and leads to improved academic performance.

I also create personalized learning plans and clear work steps, so students know exactly what to do between sessions. This structure supports independent follow through and helps students experience small, consistent wins that build momentum over time.

How Academic and ADHD Coaching Differs from Tutoring and Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and tutoring both play important roles in a student’s overall success, but they serve different purposes than academic and ADHD coaching. I do not provide tutoring or psychotherapy. My work focuses on building academic and executive functioning skills such as how to learn, organize materials, prioritize tasks, manage time, and follow through on schoolwork. Some students work only with me, while others work with me alongside a tutor or psychotherapist, since each service addresses a different aspect of a student’s needs.

When families require additional support, I help identify appropriate professionals such as psychotherapists, psychologists, or tutors so the student has a coordinated team working toward academic and emotional wellbeing.

What Academic and ADHD Coaching Sessions Look Like

Sessions are structured and goal oriented. We review upcoming assignments, create a realistic plan, and identify the skills needed to complete the work successfully. I scaffold support so students experience immediate success which builds confidence, and I gradually remove that scaffolding, so they grow more independent over time.

A central part of my work is teaching learning strategies. Students learn how to learn, how to take notes, how to use active study techniques, and how to write with clarity. When a student lacks a specific skill, I teach it using evidence-based approaches and technology tools that support learning.

We also strengthen digital literacy so students can manage online portals, file systems, communication tools, and digital calendars with confidence. Improving digital organization reduces stress for the whole family because assignments and deadlines are no longer lost or misunderstood.

My practice is fully online through Microsoft Teams which gives students flexibility and allows me to support learners across North America.

How Academic and ADHD Coaching Supports Parents of High School and University Students

Parents of high school and university students often want to help but feel unsure how to do so without creating conflict. As academic demands increase, many parents find themselves stepping into roles they never intended, such as tracking assignments, managing deadlines, or monitoring online portals. This can strain relationships at home and leave parents feeling frustrated or worried about their child’s independence.

Academic and ADHD coaching helps shift this dynamic. Instead of parents acting as enforcers, students learn the planning, organization, and learning strategies they need to manage school more independently.

Parents gain clarity about what is realistic to expect and how to support progress without taking over, which reduces tension and restores confidence in the learning process. Coaching also provides parents with insight into how their child learns and where challenges are truly coming from. This shared understanding allows families to communicate more effectively, set appropriate expectations, and celebrate progress together as students build skills and confidence over time.

Building a Collaborative Learning Partnership

My goal is to build a collaborative learning relationship grounded in open communication and trust. I provide students with guidance that is practical, meaningful, and responsive to their needs, and students are encouraged to share what is working and where they need support. When students, parents, and coach work together, progress becomes more consistent and confidence grows.

If you are looking for clarity, structure, and the right kind of academic and ADHD coaching support for your child, I would be happy to connect. You can book an initial session through my booking link. I look forward to speaking with you.