Donovan Center for Learning

Teacher showing a book to three students.

Advancing Your Greatest Academic Potential

At Canterbury, academic rigor isn't just about challenge; it's equally about support. We set high standards to push your intellectual boundaries, while providing a robust support system to ensure you have the tools and resources to excel.

Empowering Every Student

The Donovan Center for Learning, staffed by a Director, Academic Counselors, and subject-area specialists, serves the entire spectrum of our student body—from seniors tackling multiple AP courses to freshmen navigating introductory subjects like Algebra I. Whether you require scheduled support or simply want to drop in for extra help, our Donovan Center is always accessible. Here, you're part of an engaging environment that encourages collaboration and shared learning with your peers.

A Sign of Strength and Independence

At Canterbury, asking for help is not just accepted; it's normalized and encouraged. We recognize that intellectual growth is a collaborative effort, and seeking guidance is a crucial part of the learning process. When you reach out for assistance, whether from teachers, academic counselors, or peers, you're not showing weakness—you're demonstrating a strong commitment to your personal and academic development. This open culture of support ensures that you have all the resources you need to meet challenges head-on, strengthening your skills and expanding your horizons.

The DCL is an academic hub, centralizing faculty, advisors, resources, technology, and study spaces that are easily accessible to you throughout the school day. We offer convenient drop-in hours or you can make an appointment to ask general homework questions, address academic concerns or challenges, and access any of the following student-centered services:

Academic counseling
Writing Lab
Math Lab
SAT/ACT preparation
Group or peer tutoring
Individualized subject-specific tutoring (upon Director’s evaluation)
Organizational skills
Executive function skill development—study skills, time management, self-advocacy, and test-taking methods

Accommodations
Tutoring

Accommodations

At Canterbury, we provide accommodations to help you excel academically without altering the core elements of our courses or graduation requirements. If you have a diagnosed learning difference, you can access these supports through the Donovan Center for Learning.

To qualify, you'll need to submit thorough documentation, such as a licensed clinician's evaluation, to the Director of the Donovan Center. Once reviewed, accommodations like extended test time or note-taking assistance may be provided.

For standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, remember that Canterbury's accommodations don't automatically transfer. You'll need to apply for these separately, guided by specific deadlines. The Director of the Donovan Center is on hand to help you navigate the necessary paperwork.

Tutoring

At Canterbury, we understand that one-on-one tutoring can sometimes be a valuable supplement to classroom instruction and the resources offered by our Donovan Center. Tutoring is subject to availability and is approved at the evaluation/discretion of the Director of the Donovan Center. In all tutoring situations, we anticipate and encourage your self-advocacy as an integral part of the learning process.

Questions?

We welcome inquiries from prospective families who would like to discuss their student’s academic goals or who have general questions about the DCL. Please contact:

Alison Bailey
Director, Donovan Center for Learning

By phone: 860-210-3912
By email: abailey@cbury.org

“The Donovan Center is a space for the 21st century learner to advance their strengths and skills even further and to bolster them with the self-reliance needed to succeed in college and all their future endeavors.”

Alison Bailey
Director of the Donovan Center for Learning

Donovan Center for Learning Faculty

Alison Bailey

Titles: Director of DCL; English Teacher

Peter Gintoli

Titles: Academic Counselor, Boys' Varsity Hockey Assistant Coach

Steven Gooler

Titles: Academic Counselor, Boys' Cross Country Head Coach, Track & Field Assistant Coach

Todd Mathewson

Titles: Director of Studies, Varsity Baseball Head Coach

Isabel Polletta

Titles: History Teacher, Donovan Center for Learning, Varsity Crew Assistant Coach

Cam Roffe

Titles: Mathematics Teacher; Math Lab, Girls' JV Basketball Head Coach, Varsity Golf Coach