Closing the Cognitive Gap to Accelerate Academic Growth for Students in a Neuroscience-Focused Urban Charter School

Research has shown that cognitive skills account for about half of the variance in academic performance. Research has also shown that students from low socio-economic status (low SES) on average have less well developed cognitive skills than their more advantaged peers.  Based on this understanding, The Genius School, implemented a comprehensive integrated cognitive training (CICT™) program to support cognitive development and academic growth in students across grades 3 through 6, during the 2023-24 school year. The program was implemented with all 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade students. By implementing cognitive training across grade levels, The Genius School aimed to build a shared foundation of cognitive readiness, particularly in executive functions and memory, which are critical for academic success.

Students demonstrated significant cognitive growth, particularly in executive functions and memory, and showed academic improvements that indicate progress toward grade-level proficiency. These results support continued integration of neuroscience-informed cognitive training to help students strengthen their learning potential and accelerate progress toward academic proficiency.

Read the Report