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
Congratulations to Sienna T. ’27 on being crowned Miss Rhode Island Teen USA last weekend! 🌟
“I am incredibly honored,” Sienna says of winning the @missriteenusa title. “This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance, and reminded me that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I’m excited to represent Rhode Island over the coming year and hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, and to lead with kindness and purpose.
“I’m extremely grateful for my family’s support and to have met so many incredible young women who encouraged one another and celebrated each other’s successes,” she adds.
“I can’t wait to see what I learn in my next steps when I represent Rhode Island at Miss Teen USA in Miami!”
The 44th Miss Teen USA pageant is scheduled for Aug. 26 – right before Sienna will start her senior year at Wheeler.
Jul 23
This summer, Kush P. ’28 performed at Carnegie Hall`s Weill Recital Hall in New York City after earning First Prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, which recognizes talented musicians from around the world!
Although the invitation arrived this year, Kush explained that preparation began months earlier. Last October, he started learning Frédéric Chopin`s “Etude Op. 10 No. 4.” "I worked on it all year," he said. "Although it`s a short piece, just under three minutes and only six pages, it`s quite technically challenging."
Mastering the notes was only part of the process; Kush said developing the musical interpretation took even longer. "I spent the last few months leading up to the recital really making it sound `concert-ready.` More than anything, that means practicing slowly and getting full control over the sound of every note."
As the recital approached, Kush continued preparing with his piano teacher, Nonetta Shatakhtsian of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. "Her expert advice, encouragement, and enthusiasm have brought me to this point,” he added.
At Wheeler, Upper School Jazz Music Teacher Francisco Pais Cardoso has seen Kush`s curiosity and dedication firsthand, describing him as "an extremely motivated and wonderful classical pianist" with "amazing technique" and “a willingness to explore different musical styles.”
"Waiting backstage was the most challenging aspect," Kush noted. "In fact, when I got on stage to perform, it didn`t feel scary at all. In that moment, I knew I was prepared, and no matter how well the performance was going to go, I had made it to that point."
Following the recital, Kush joined musicians of all ages and instruments on stage for an awards ceremony, where they received trophies and certificates recognizing their achievements.
"After my final bow, I felt truly accomplished," Kush reflected. "Performing in Carnegie Hall is certainly a milestone in my musical career. It was meaningful to finally perform something I had spent so long working on. I can`t wait to continue growing as a pianist!" 🎹✨
📸 Credit: Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition
Jul 16
Summer is yet another season where Upper School Latin Teacher Jonathan Migliori gets to use his knowledge to shine (beyond the classroom). As you may remember, last summer, he served as resident historian for Viking Cruises during a trip across the Arctic…and now, he’s setting off on a very different kind of journey, to the set of Jeopardy! This Thursday, he’ll debut as a contestant on the long-running television game show.
“As a trivia fan, I’ve always wanted to be on Jeopardy!, and have gone through the audition process a number of times over the last 10 years,” says Mr. Migliori. “I was actually in Morgan packing up after last period when I got the call that I would be on the show. Because of the laws around game show integrity, I had to keep this a secret for almost three months, which was a challenge. I had a blast though! There were so many questions in this week’s games that touched on Latin, mythology, and ancient history, which was especially exciting.”
And we’re excited to watch Mr. Migliori on Jeopardy! this Thursday! You can find your local TV station airing the episode at jeopardy.com/watch to view it live, and it will also be available for streaming on Hulu and Peacock the next day.
Bonam fortunam, Magister! ✨
Jul 14
“When students, faculty, staff, and visitors walk through the Cummings Room hallway this fall, they`ll be welcomed by Wheeler`s previous heads of school, whose portraits are now being hung,” says Providence Campus Director of Operations Nicole Mineo P’38 as she gives us a tour of the campus renovations currently underway. ⚒️
Originally, Ms. Mineo explains, each portrait hung in the building dedicated to that head of school. “It made sense why they would be present in those spaces, but we realized that gathering them all in this common space, with Mary C. Wheeler as the lead, would create a connection to Wheeler’s history while celebrating the legacy and contributions of previous leaders.”
That same spirit of honoring Wheeler’s past while creating spaces for today’s community is evident across campus this summer. The first floor of the Hope Building is receiving a fresh new look, the Nulman Lewis Student Center is being updated with bright blue lounge seating, and Madden Gym is getting new touches of Wheeler pride, including a mural by alumna Elaine Phuong ’26, photo collages celebrating student-athletes and Field Day moments, and a bold “One Wheeler” tribute. 💜💛
One of the most anticipated transformations is the former locker room area in the Fresh Air Building (FAB), which is being reimagined as The Commons, a new work and lounge space for Upper Schoolers. Made possible through this year’s Senior Family Gift, the space will provide students with another place to study and connect. Students wondering where they`ll store their belongings can rest assured. Ms. Mineo says lockers will be relocated throughout Morgan Hall.
“These campus-wide upgrades represent a major milestone for our Operations and Facilities teams,” she adds. “We spent significant time engaging with our students, faculty, and staff to understand their needs, and we’re excited for the Wheeler community to experience these transformed spaces and modern upgrades this new school year.” ✨
Jul 13
