There is a hidden curriculum for success that schools aren’t teaching, but top-performing students are working on every day…
…and it’s giving them the edge they need to succeed.
What is this hidden curriculum?
The hidden curriculum for success
When I speak about the hidden curriculum for success, I’m referring to a set of executive function skills and academic strategies that top-performing students consistently work to improve. These skills and strategies, such as increasing focus, cultivating a growth mindset, and habit stacking are skills that are helping students with challenging course loads and multiple extracurricular activities to excel. I believe that mindful practices are the third set of skills in the hidden curriculum for success, and the students I work with are proof of that.
I coach students in K-12, college, and adult learners in school-related anxiety, attention, academic habits, critical thinking, decision-making, self-regulation, managing distractions, motivation, note-taking, study skills, procrastination, productivity, routines, systems thinking, sleep hygiene, test performance, time management, breath work, meditation and more.
I’ve developed a Student Baseline Assessment to help you understand your student’s executive function, academic, and mindfulness skills, which you can take for free at the link below.
“As a parent, I underestimated how much the techniques and strategies would impact my son’s life. With Dr. Anita’s help, my child is now able to calm his mind and focus on the tasks he needs to get done each day, dramatically boosting his productivity.”
— Asher W., ZenEdge Parent
Coaching plans
Choose from a single session, bundled hours, or support for a semester or the whole academic year based on what fits your schedule and needs.
Schools and organizations can contact me directly to learn how other institutions are introducing The Zen Edge to their students and teams and for details and pricing.
FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Executive function skills are cognitive tools that students can develop to become more successful, confident, and capable learners. They include essential habits like time management, organization, task initiation, emotional regulation, planning, prioritizing, and decision-making. Though students are rarely explicitly taught these strategies in school, they are universally expected to master them to succeed.
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Mindful practices are intentional techniques designed to help individuals stay fully anchored in the present moment. By cultivating a deeper awareness of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surroundings, these exercises promote mental clarity. For example, many of my students benefit greatly from the 4-7-8 breathing technique. This exercise involves inhaling deeply for 4 counts, holding the breath for 7 counts, and exhaling slowly for 8 counts. The key to its success is ensuring the exhale is twice as long as the inhale.
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Coaching offers profound benefits for individuals at any stage of life. As an Executive Function Coach, I support clients who face challenges with task management, time optimization, strategic planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. While my practice primarily focuses on children and young adults, the foundational skills, strategies, and routines I teach frequently extend to the entire household, offering valuable breakthroughs for my clients' parents as well.
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During a coaching session, Dr. Anita collaborates directly with the student to pinpoint specific challenges, set actionable goals, and build the critical executive functioning strategies they need to thrive. Because the coaching process is custom-tailored to each individual's unique needs, every session serves to cultivate greater independence, productivity, and long-term success both in school and in life.
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Cultivating new habits, practicing skills, and shifting behavior is a gradual process. Consequently, the duration of coaching varies widely based on each student's unique needs, goals, and level of commitment. Generally, executive function coaching can range from a few targeted sessions to a multi-month engagement. Many students benefit from an intensive initial series to build foundational strategies, followed by periodic maintenance sessions to reinforce those skills and navigate new challenges as they arise.
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Yes, I offer limited session availability on Saturdays. For current operating hours and open time slots, please visit the Contact page.
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For minor students, caregivers receive session notes and scheduled check-ins based on their coaching package, as close collaboration is key. For college students and adult clients, the approach shifts slightly to foster independence and trust; for these individuals, only high-level progress updates are shared with caregivers. Dr. Anita works to partner with families in a way that respects the student’s stage of development while keeping everyone aligned on overall goals.
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No, my focus is exclusively on executive function coaching and building fundamental cognitive habits. However, I maintain a trusted network of excellent subject-matter tutors and academic partners and would be delighted to provide a referral to match your student’s specific needs.
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Pricing varies depending on the level of support your student needs. Dr. Anita offers package discounts for clients who commit to a full semester or academic school year framework; specific pricing and package options can be found on the Coaching Plans page.
For Schools & Organizations looking to establish an institutional partnership or host a workshop series, please contact Dr. Anita directly at anita@zenedgecoaching.com to discuss custom pricing, scopes of work, and organizational details. -
No. Unfortunately, executive function coaching is not yet typically covered by standard medical insurance plans. ZenEdge does not interface directly with insurance providers, nor do we provide diagnostic or medical billing codes.
However, many clients successfully utilize alternative educational or medical funds to cover coaching services:• FSA/HSA Benefits: Some clients use Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts. Because approval processes vary by provider, we recommend contacting your administrator to confirm eligibility. If approved, you may request that ZenEdge be added to their vendor list.
• 529 College Savings Plans: Certain 529 plans allow funds to be used for academic coaching and support services. We encourage you to reach out to your plan administrator to verify your specific coverage options.