Research Partnerships

In 2018, Chartwell School partnered with the Dyslexia Center at The University of California, San Francisco, aligning with their mission to “address and remove the debilitating effects of dyslexia while preserving, and even enhancing, the strengths of each individual." This remarkable opportunity couples the latest scientific discoveries in neuroscience with classroom-based intervention strategies that have been the hallmark of a Chartwell education for over 35 years.

The researchers and neurologists at UCSF assess our students using a functional MRI in addition to other executive function and social emotional assessment technology. Additionally, the researchers perform other cognitive assessments to create a dynamic overview of each student’s learning profile. We learn information about our students from literally observing their brain functions. This provides insightful information including their social emotional state and cognitive, processing, and executive functioning strengths and difficulties. We then use this information to inform our programming and instruction in the classroom. Teachers and parents update progress in the UCSF Outcomes Study led by Dr. Robert Henderen. This student is longitudinal in nature and provides feedback about long term performance and outcomes. 

To date, more than 40 Chartwell students have engaged in the research with UCSF doctors and scientists, undergoing in-depth assessments and receiving detailed insight about their learning and targeted strategies for growth. The program was featured in The Monterey Herald here. 

This spring, Chartwell has partnered with Neuroscape, a translational neuroscience center at UCSF engaged in both development and research to advance cutting-edge technologies as novel brain assessment and optimization tools. Students are part of pilot program researching the effects of technology and gaming as a tool for mindfulness. 

Watch the video below to learn more about this transformative partnership.