Hamilton School At Wheeler
A unique and innovative “school-within-a-school” model which, by design, meets students with learning differences where they are in their educational journey and provides them with highly individualized and intentional instruction and dynamic learning experiences that allow them to experience success and consistently work toward their true learning potential.
For 35 years, the Hamilton School at Wheeler has served elementary and middle school children with great overall cognitive ability but who struggle with reading, organization, and study skills due to dyslexia, attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), executive function deficits, or other learning differences. We believe — and prove daily — that our students can learn essential skills, meet the highest expectations, and experience success.
At the Hamilton School at Wheeler, we provide consistent opportunities for our students to embrace their learning differences and develop effective self-advocacy skills. We intentionally use specific terms such as “dyslexia” and “attention variability” as a way for our students to name their learning differences and explain why certain strategies and accommodations are necessary to support their learning. Our Hamilton School students develop their voices to advocate for what they need to experience success.
For more information about the Hamilton School at Wheeler, please contact our Enrollment Office. Numerous resources, events, and information about learning differences can also be found at our Hamilton Institute for Outreach and Advocacy.
Our Voices
Look into the Hamilton School
The Hamilton School at Wheeler Administration
Jeanette Epstein
Director of The Hamilton Institute for Outreach & Advocacy; Hamilton School Enrollment Director
See Our Stories
It’s been two weeks since our seniors’ last day of classes and the beloved Senior Countdown — and in just about a month, we’ll gather again for Commencement to celebrate the Class of 2026 and all they’ve accomplished.✨🎓✨
They`re busy working on their Senior Free Inquiry Projects, but we miss them already, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.🔮
But right now, we`re going to look back, with the help of Upper School Council Co-Heads Joy F. ’26 and Philip D. ’26. During their last week of classes, Joy and Philip asked their classmates to reflect on these big senior moments… and yes, you may want tissues nearby. 💜 #classof2026🎓 #commencement2026
May 15
As a member of the Upper School’s South Asian Affinity Group, Siya S. ’26 is one of the organizers of this evening’s Mehfil Festival, which SAAG and Muslim Affinity are hosting with nearby Moses Brown. The festival will feature food, performances, and more – and everyone is invited! It begins at 6pm in MB’s Woodman Center.
Siya talked with us about SAAG when she co-hosted the most recent episode of “The This Week at Wheeler Podcast.” We covered a ton of other topics on the show as well, from the Neuroscience Club and Girls Tennis team, to Multicultural Dance and her Senior Free Inquiry Project that’s focused on her friends’ favorite restaurants, and the stories those restaurants tell.
But the most fascinating part of our conversation had to be the curious path Siya followed, beginning in her sophomore year at Wheeler, with the help of our Aerie Enrichment Program. “I’ve done two independent studies for a quantum existentialism paper.”
Which prompted us to ask her to repeat that last sentence again.
“I started by looking at the intersection of quantum theory and the philosophy of existentialism, which were both occurring during the interwar period,” she replied. “I wanted to see why those two ideas arose at that time. It threw me into this whirlwind that made up the basis of what I want to study in college. Because of the Aerie Program I had the opportunity to continue that for two years.”
First, Aerie Director Mark Harris met with Siya to gain a better understanding of the project. “Then we attacked the different areas,” she said. “First I met with a philosophy teacher and did a semester with him. Then, in the next semester, I worked with a physics student at Brown who was interested in quantum physics. After that, I focused on my writing and development of the paper itself.
“Throughout the entire process, Mr. Harris was absolutely amazing in terms of being a good thought partner, as well as connecting me with the resources that could help me take those questions forward.”
Follow the link in our bio if you’re curious to hear more about quantum existentialism during the interwar period (or about Siya’s many other Wheeler experiences).
May 15
Recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, May has been filled with dynamic — and at times reflective — activities and conversations led by Wheeler’s Health and Wellness Center team, all designed to support and nurture student wellness, from nursery through 12th grade.
“Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to highlight the importance of mental health as part of everyone’s health and well-being,” says Director of the Health & Wellness Department Judy Diaz. “We want to help normalize the conversations and offer easy access to care and support within the Wheeler community.”
From Mindful Mondays with yoga and stretch sessions, to Taco’Bout It Tuesdays — a space to come together and talk about mental health while enjoying tacos — to Wellness Wednesdays featuring craft stations, self-care practices, and movement like jump rope and double dutch, and even a Friday Zumba class, there was something for everyone… and at just about every speed!
“The activities were inspired to bring a sense of belonging to our community,” shared Upper School Counselor and Wellness Educator Devin Vietri. “Community support can be a valuable pillar in resilience during any life challenge.”
“We want students to feel more comfortable naming their feelings, noticing signs of stress, asking for help, and supporting their peers with kindness,” said Middle School Counselor and Wellness Educator Claude Michelle Oliveira. “We also hope these efforts continue to build awareness among faculty and staff about the importance of connection and emotional safety in our school.”
“Reducing stigma reminds students that they are not alone,” added Ms. Oliveira. “It also creates a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not something to hide.”
When asked how to support mental wellness each day, the team emphasized simple, consistent practices: taking a few deep breaths, checking in with how you feel, moving your body, getting enough rest, talking to someone you trust, or spending a few quiet minutes outside — small moments that can help reset the body and mind. 💚 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
May 15
Moments like these — shared on a baseball field, in classrooms, and along the coastline — defined Wheeler’s recent Global Experience in the Dominican Republic. 🇩🇴✈️🌎
Over Spring Break, several Upper School students and faculty members partnered with Caritas Smiles, a Dominican Republic–based organization focused on community engagement and education, to take part in hands-on service learning. From working with local schools to supporting environmental efforts such as coastal cleanups and shoreline planting, students learned alongside community members — building relationships that extended far beyond the scope of a single trip.
As Manny S. ’28 reflected, the experience was “so powerful,” while Claire E. ’28 highlighted the joy of connecting even across language barriers. For Upper School Administrative Assistant and chaperone Lynne Bell ’83, P’19, it was “gratifying, humbling, and transformative” — a reminder that these experiences are rooted in reciprocity: what students give, and what they receive in return. 💞
These moments reflect what defines Global Experiences at Wheeler — and continue to shape what’s ahead. Japan, Iceland, and Guatemala have been announced as the 2027 destinations, each offering new opportunities for connection, exploration, and learning beyond the classroom. 🔗 You can read the full story at the link in bio!
May 14
