In a world where technology is constantly transforming how we live, learn, and connect, virtual reality is no longer just a thing of the future—it’s becoming a powerful educational tool. As virtual reality enters classrooms, it can provide immersive learning experiences for students to embark on tangible adventures. That’s where MoveR comes in. 

This year, Quad Prep partnered with MoveR, a France-based immersive therapeutic technology,  designed specifically for neurodiverse individuals. The headset-free, sensory-friendly virtual reality system includes virtual obstacle courses, sports games, word association programs, and more—making it an optimal tool for occupational therapy sessions with 2e students. 

“We are trying to find very thoughtful ways to harness where technology is going in terms of school-based interventions, not making replacements, but just enhancing what we’re doing. We’re harnessing the technology that’s becoming available, both for the benefit of our students and for their engagement levels,” says Emily Vizza, Chief Learning Outcomes Officer and Director of Staff Development. 

After undergoing four years of research and development, MoveR is used in over one hundred therapy offices throughout France. In pursuit of expanding into school environments, Quad Prep was selected as their first—and only—school partner in the United States.

“We were looking for a specific location where it would benefit as many children as possible. Quad Prep was the perfect fit, as it offers premium, personalized support along with therapeutic care, which justifies the transition from our tool designed for therapists to one adapted for schools,” MoveR Co-Founder and CEO Marie Brugulat says. “We mostly are looking for metrics to adapt MoveR as a tool for schools on a broader scale. That way, we will be able to provide further evidence of MoveR’s positive impact on the learning and mental health of neurodivergent children.”

“It’s definitely something that is new to our school, new to our therapists, and new to our kids,” says Gabby Manfredi, Senior Occupational Therapist at the Upper School. “The way that we can modify the programs to personalize to each student using it is very unique. There are lots of things you can change in the moment to challenge the student or to take a step back.” 

She’s standing in the back of the classroom, watching a virtual obstacle course projected on the wall as a student navigates the changing landscape.

“It’s targeting skills like vestibular input and sensory motor integration. A lot of it is very movement-based and awareness of your body in space, but there are also modules that tie into academic skills,” Emily says. “It can even generate interest in moving for students who aren't as active, or maybe are active, but not as interested in the organized movement experience, like sports or even movement class at school.”

To help the MoveR team measure the effectiveness of their technology in schools, several middle school students engaged in a pilot program to track and report their progress using this technology.

“We thought this was a good population to start with,” Emily says. “As middle school students are growing into their own and becoming more self-aware, they still need intervention, but they’re also working toward self-advocacy.”

The Occupational Therapy team assessed participating students’ visual motor and visual perceptual skills before and after using the program for ten weeks.

"Most students enjoy the program. The more they play, the better they are with each level,” says Mikayla Spaulding, an Occupational Therapist at the Upper School.

Students who did not participate in the specific data-gathering program were still able to take advantage of all that MoveR has to offer in their sessions.

“In a way, it is experimental, so that's kind of interesting,” Emily says. “We talk a lot about how Quad Prep is an innovative model, and I feel like this really is an example of that.”