What Makes McLean “McLean?”

Call it what you will: McLean Magic, Special Sauce, a better way of doing school. There are lots of ways people describe the experience of a McLean School education, and while it’s true that some of what we do is hard to articulate because it is so deeply ingrained in our culture, there are many distinctive qualities that make McLean McLean—a place where bright students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and executive functioning needs, thrive.

It starts with an overarching philosophy – McLean’s Abilities Model®. Students are seen and appreciated for their individual strengths, which builds confidence and empathy for self and others. The Abilities Model®recognizes the fundamental truth that all minds are uniquely wired, with many well-suited for tasks requiring creativity and deep insight. Traditional classroom settings and teaching approaches may overlook these strengths and misread them as challenges.  Defining students by their challenges misses the point and can damage self-esteem, which has a profound effect on academic and social-emotional learning.

This approach is then implemented through the McLean Method –  research-based best practices that  allow our teachers to teach the way students learn.  They innovate in exciting and effective ways. Every teacher at McLean is a specialist in learning and uniquely qualified to address learning needs as they arise in the classroom—a key differentiator from other independent schools that rely on a pull-out approach. We have Coordinators of Learning Services in each academic division who have all the training and expertise of learning specialists found at other schools, but their primary job is to support McLean’s educational ecosystem designed to serve all students.

Low teacher-student ratios in all classes at all grade levels create intimate learning environments and enable meaningful interactions between teachers and students as well as valuable opportunities for peer-to-peer connection. Our teachers create consistency, clear expectations, and a safe supportive space for students to build skills, strategies, and the independence they need to excel in school, college, and life.

As a school committed to addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, an integral part of our program is to ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and supported. We are and always have been about self-reflected learning and accountability, not just for students but also for faculty, staff, and the school community. As educators, we are committed to fostering a generation of young people who are compassionate, engaged, self-advocates and curious learners.

We’re a national leader in mindfulness education,  which is seamlessly integrated into all we do at McLean. A scientific and skills-based program, mindfulness is proven to calm the nervous system and increase focus in school and in life. Our students put their training and tools to use every day, whether before a big test or a big game or just because.

Robust offering of student activities, you’d expect from any college preparatory school— opportunities for leadership and teamwork, where you can pursue your passions or embrace new ones. There is always something to learn, do, or discover at McLean, including athletics, visual and performing arts, robotics, service learning, and clubs.

These are just some of the many things that we believe set McLean School apart. We are proud of the program we have created and our team of educators dedicated to bringing their best selves to work every day; the effect this has on our students can be seen in our classrooms, hallways, playing fields, and—parents tell us—at home. Everything we do ties back into our commitment to building trusting, positive relationships and doing what is in the best interest of each and every one of our students so that they, like McLean, can be uniquely themselves and successful.

Interested in exploring McLean School? Request more information today.

By Jeff Berman, Assistant Head of School for Operations and Finance, and Melissa Gray-Hughes, Assistant Head of School for Advancement