Find answers to frequently asked question about Arrowsmith School and the Arrowsmith Program, a program which uses the power of neuroplasticity to strengthen the brain through specialized cognitive programs.
Barbara Arrowsmith-Young is an innovator and author in the field of neuroeducation. Her work, utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity, is used worldwide to enhance cognitive functioning.
Her journey and work is documented in her bestselling book, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, and in her TEDx talk. As the Director of the Arrowsmith Program, Barbara continues to engage in research to understand how we can drive neuroplastic change in the brain to benefit learners of all ages.
The brain is central to everything we do. Its design is a series of highways and stations – networks and connections that collaborate to shape our every thought and action.
These networks and the specialized regions within the networks have specific jobs or roles to play within intellectual processes – which Arrowsmith calls cognitive functions. Some of these cognitive functions are active in every conscious moment, while others are more active during particular tasks.
Whether higher order or foundational, these cognitive functions are critical in our daily navigation of the world. Every action we take and thought we have is made possible by a combination of cognitive functions.
Neuroplasticity is a remarkable feature of the brain. Neurons are built to be able to rapidly adapt to the demands placed on them.
Neuroplasticity is one of the most important human discoveries of the last 400 years, giving us the knowledge we need to improve our capability to learn, perform well at work and even enhance our social lives. Our brains can be improved throughout our lifetime.
By strengthening neural networks, Arrowsmith measurably enhances the ability to learn.
Arrowsmith's suite of cognitive exercises have evolved from neuroscientific research. These programs utilize the necessary conditions for neuroplastic change to occur.
The Arrowsmith cognitive exercises target and strengthen specific cognitive functions, and have been shown to create structural and functional changes in the brain, which in turn lead to greater ease and independence in learning and performance.
The Arrowsmith program enhances and strengthens a range of cognitive functions that are the building blocks for learning by utilizing the principles of neuroplasticity which has been demonstrated to be possible throughout our lifetime.
Arrowsmith adapts to each participant’s unique cognitive profile so children, adults, and seniors can all benefit from programs suited to their goals.
The Arrowsmith Program is used within schools, community agencies, treatment centres, therapy clinics, tutoring and executive coaching businesses that are interested in augmenting their existing programs and services with comprehensive, evidence-based neuroplastic programs.
The Arrowsmith Program is available online both in a virtual facilitator-led environment and in an independent check-in model that offers flexibility in scheduling.
Speak with admissions to learn about flexible programming options for you or your family
Since 1980 the Arrowsmith School in Toronto has welcomed students of all ages to transform their ability to learn. Students participate in individualized programs designed in 1978 by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, which utilize neuroplasticity to target and strengthen cognitive functions essential to learning. Arrowsmith School specializes in serving individuals with learning disabilities and difficulties to fundamentally overcome their struggles, and exists as an in-person and online school and learning centre.
Learn more about our approach
Arrowsmith fundamentally enhances the quality of learning throughout life. As children, young adults, professionals and seniors constantly face opportunities to learn, a stronger brain allows for greater satisfaction, ease and independence. Arrowsmith's cognitive programs can meet increasing intellectual demands throughout our lifespan, and are suitable for participants age 6 to 90+.
Tutoring focuses on what your child is learning, Arrowsmith changes how they learn. Arrowsmith works on the principle of strengthening the brain so that learning becomes easier and more efficient. It changes a student’s fundamental capacity to learn across academic subjects.
Tutoring and accommodations are rarely available in the workplace or in adult life. The benefit of a changed brain is it transforms one’s future reality.
We believe that everyone can benefit. Individuals ages 6 to 90+, across a wide span of starting ability, have experienced significant cognitive, academic and social-emotional benefit. Whether the goal is to enhance performance to provide a competitive edge or to address a learning disability, Arrowsmith's customizable range of cognitive programs can provide a solution.
Arrowsmith can enhance the cognitive functions required for all academic learning; improve social-emotional well-being; enhance cognitive functions critical in demanding academic and professional settings; address the cognitive function weaknesses that underlie learning disabilities and difficulties; improve cognitive functions as we age; and improve cognitive functions necessary for the therapeutic process.
To get a snapshot of your cognitive profile and the cognitive functions that can be enhanced, take the Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire.
The Arrowsmith Program has been successful in addressing attentional difficulties such as ADHD. Many individuals with specific learning difficulties (referred to as learning disabilities in North America) experience attentional issues which can arise from different underlying causes. In many cases these issues are a result of a combination of specific learning difficulties making it hard for the student to sustain attention in specific learning situations; others are related to specific learning difficulties related to regulating attention. These types of attentional difficulties have shown significant improvement as students engage in the cognitive exercises.
We all have a brain, and can all benefit from cognitive programming. Arrowsmith benefits all ages, and those with a wide range of ability.
In consultation with Arrowsmith, organizations can select the cognitive programs and delivery models that best suit their population. Currently, licensed Arrowsmith Providers offer cognitive programming to:
Simply put, Arrowsmith is available for organizations that recognize the value of a stronger brain, at all stages of life.
To learn about your or your child's unique cognitive profile that explains how you/your child learns, complete the Arrowsmith Cognitive Profile Questionnaire. The detailed learning profile generated provides insight into many aspects of learning and each of these cognitive functions can be enhanced.
Learn about your unique cognitive profile by taking this free 30 minute Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire
Students have been followed up to 40 years after completion of the program and have maintained their improvements. Once the improvement is in place, the individual maintains this gain by using the cognitive area in everyday functioning.
Arrowsmith School has two campuses – in-person and online. The in-person campus is located at 245 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The online campus is available globally. Our facilitator-led online classes are offered between 7:45am - 9:00pm ET. Our Independent Check-In Model offers flexibility to accommodate most schedules worldwide.
The Cognitive Intensive Program (CIP) is offered in the summer with in-person and online options. This summer program strengthens participants brains to enhance the ability to reason and problem solve. By strengthening the Symbol Relations cognitive function means a more powerful and positive capacity to understand, participate in and contribute to the world.
The students attending in-person and online classes at Arrowsmith School range in age from 6 to 90+. Parents of children less than six years of age are encouraged to contact Arrowsmith School to discuss their child’s needs so together we can explore options and create an individualized plan of action.
We have adult students who engage in our programs. We have options to accommodate most schedules. The Independent Check-In model offers adults an option to work on their own schedule.
There are after work hours to work in a virtual environment with a facilitator. Some adults take time out from their college or university studies, or in some cases, careers, to either enhance their cognitive functions for a competitive edge in their studies or careers or to address specific learning difficulties (referred to as learning disabilities in North America).
Yes, Arrowsmith School accepts enrolment throughout the year.
All students enrolling in the Full-Time and Part-Time programs at Arrowsmith School are assessed. Our Cognitive Enhancement Programs and Cognitive Intensive Program do not require an assessment. Our Admissions team will be pleased to answer your questions.
The assessment of students entering Arrowsmith School is conducted by a member of our staff who is a trained psychometrist.
The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment identifies each individual’s unique learning profile. It provides an informative perspective of one’s learning experience and forms the basis for designing individual programs to strengthen a range of cognitive functions that underlie learning. Understanding the WHY behind performance, behaviour, and even struggles, can be answered through an Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment.
"It is like an operator’s manual for the brain, each one unique.” - Charlie, Parent, Canada
Learn more about Psycho-educational vs. Cognitive Assessments
Individuals will spend 1 to 1.5 days completing an assessment to identify their unique learning profile specific to a range of different cognitive functions. The assessment is made up of tests designed to assess an individual's unique cognitive profile. The outcome of the assessment will provide recommendations for programming options.
While it is beneficial to review any previous assessment reports to learn about the individual’s learning history, a traditional psycho-educational report will not replace the Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment. The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment identifies which cognitive exercises and at which level an individual begins their Full-Time or Part-Time Program.
