Academic Support Programs for Students with ADHD — Fort Lauderdale & Davie, FL

Specialized support that addresses how ADHD affects learning — not just homework help.

If your child has ADHD and is falling behind in school, you may have already tried standard tutoring — and found that it didn’t move the needle. That’s because ADHD affects the way a child learns, not just whether they’re trying hard enough. At The Learning Lab, we offer specialized academic support programs designed specifically for students with ADHD, addressing the root challenges: focus, organization, working memory, and task completion. We work with children in Fort Lauderdale and Davie, ages 6–14.

How ADHD Affects Kids in School

ADHD doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart or isn’t trying. It means their brain processes information differently — and that shows up in very specific ways in the classroom and at home.

Parents often describe it like this:

  • Homework that should take 30 minutes drags on for two or three hours
  • Assignments forgotten, materials lost, deadlines missed — despite reminders
  • A child who can explain a topic out loud but struggles to get it onto paper
  • A teacher who says ‘so much potential’ but reports inconsistent performance
  • A child who is starting to say “I’m bad at school” or “I’m just not smart”
 

These aren’t character flaws. They’re the predictable result of executive functioning challenges — the brain skills that control planning, focus, starting tasks, and managing time. And they respond to the right kind of structured support.

ADHD Learning Tutors

Our Programs for Students with ADHD

At The Learning Lab, students with ADHD are supported through a combination of programs depending on their individual needs. Here’s how we help:

Homework Lab

Our after-school Homework Lab is built for students who struggle to manage the daily demands of school. With a maximum of three students per teacher, every session is structured, focused, and consistent.

What kids build in Homework Lab:

  • Organization systems that actually stick
  • Time management and prioritization skills
  • Task initiation — learning how to start, not just how to finish
  • The habit of completing work before leaving for the day

I3 Lab — Individualized Academic Instruction

For students who’ve fallen behind academically because of years of struggling with ADHD, the I3 Lab offers one-on-one intensive instruction. We identify exactly where the gaps are and build from there — whether that’s reading, writing, or math — using multisensory teaching methods that work with how each child learns best.

Neuro Lab — CogMed Working Memory Training

CogMed is a science-based digital program specifically designed for children with ADHD. It targets working memory — the brain’s ability to hold and use information in the moment — which is one of the core cognitive challenges associated with ADHD.

What the research shows:

  • Backed by over 120 peer-reviewed published studies
  • Shown to improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and strengthen memory in children with ADHD
  • Results have been published in leading scientific journals including Nature Neuroscience

 

CogMed is not extra screen time. It’s a structured, clinician-informed program that trains the brain the same way physical therapy trains the body — through targeted, repeated practice.

A mother sits on the floor with her head in her hands as her ADHD child jumps around in the background

Is This Program Right for My Child?

You may be in the right place if your child:

  • Has been diagnosed with ADHD or shows signs of attention and focus challenges
  • Struggles to start or finish homework without significant parent involvement
  • Is frequently described by teachers as bright but underperforming
  • Loses track of assignments, materials, or instructions on a regular basis
  • Is starting to feel like school is “not for them” or that they’re not smart
  • Has tried general tutoring without meaningful or lasting improvement

A formal ADHD diagnosis is not required to enroll. Our screening process helps us understand each child’s specific challenges and build a plan from there.

What to Expect

Every child at The Learning Lab starts with a screening so we understand exactly what they’re working with — not just grades and test scores, but how they process information, where they get stuck, and what they’re already doing well.

From there:

  • We build an individualized plan matched to their needs and learning style
  • Sessions are structured, consistent, and staffed by trained specialists
  • Parents receive regular updates on progress — not just at the end of a semester
  • We collaborate with your child’s school when helpful

 

Results look different for every child. Some students show gains in focus and school performance within a few months. Others need more time. What we can promise is a consistent, individualized approach that doesn’t give up on your child.

Parent Stories

Stefanie Mingel

Stefanie Mingel

I cannot say enough good things about the Learning Lab. My daughter worked 1:1 with April, who is absolutely amazing and hands down the best tutor she’s ever worked with. I have also seen other kids coming in and out, and I’ve never seen so many smiling, happy kids walking into tutoring! It is such a special place filled with caring, nurturing and skilled teachers.

Lorraine Poling

Lorraine Poling

I highly recommend Learning Lab! All of the instructors are so wonderful and encouraging. My daughter has developed a special bond with her instructor and she has helped her jump up three grade levels in her reading and writing skills in only one year! My daughter’s confidence has improved tremendously and she now loves to read and write stories! Learning Lab has been a blessing to our family!

Karen Lehman

Karen Lehman

“My daughter started Learning Lab in January 2020 after I had to pull her out of her school because they could not accommodate her learning issues. It was the best decision I ever made. The Learning Lab is amazing, my daughter went up 1 grade level in reading in 6 months and is actually reading chapter books on her own now. I can’t wait to see how they are going to help my son catch up on math and prepare him for middle school over the summer.”

Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship

The Learning Lab is an approved provider for the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship. If your child qualifies, scholarship funding may be used to cover the cost of our programs.

To find out if your family is eligible and to begin the application process, visit Step Up for Students at stepupforstudents.org. Our team can provide the documentation and support you need throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a formal ADHD diagnosis to enroll?

No. A formal diagnosis is helpful but not required. Many families come to us with concerns about focus or school performance before a diagnosis is in place. Our screening process helps us identify each child’s challenges and build an appropriate plan.

Standard tutoring reviews what was taught in school. Our programs address the executive functioning skills — focus, organization, task management, working memory — that determine whether a child can use what they’ve already learned. It’s a different problem, and it requires a different solution.

Frequency depends on the program and the child’s needs. We’ll make a specific recommendation after the initial screening. Consistency is one of the most important factors in progress.

No. Our programs are designed to complement and support your child’s school experience, not replace it. We also collaborate with schools and IEP teams when it’s helpful.

It depends on the child and the program. Some students show meaningful improvement in focus and school performance within a few months. Others need a longer runway. We set honest expectations from the start and track progress regularly.

We serve children in grades K–8, typically ages 6–14.

Yes. Many of our students have overlapping challenges. We assess each child individually and build a plan that addresses all of their needs.

Book a free call with our team. We’ll talk about your child, answer your questions, and determine whether The Learning Lab is the right fit.

Let's Talk About Your Child

Every child learns differently. We’d love to hear about yours. Book a free call with our team — no pressure, no commitment. Just an honest conversation about where your child is and how we might help.