Gaming and Training for the Brain with BrainHQ
At Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS), we’re always looking for innovative and engaging ways to help our students grow – not only socially and emotionally, but cognitively, too.
Our goal is to nurture curious, capable young men who feel empowered to take on challenges with focus, creativity and confidence.
That’s why we’re excited to share a new tool that’s making a big impact on our campus: BrainHQ, a scientifically-designed online program that turns brain training into a game. It’s fun, it’s adaptive, and it’s backed by serious neuroscience.
What Is BrainHQ?
Think of BrainHQ as a “gym for your brain.”
Just like physical workouts build muscle strength and coordination, BrainHQ’s interactive exercises strengthen mental agility, focus, memory and problem-solving skills.
Developed by a team of neuroscientists led by Dr. Michael Merzenich, one of the world’s leading experts in brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to change and grow), BrainHQ represents more than 30 years of research in cognitive science. It includes dozens of online exercises that challenge different areas of the brain – like attention, brain speed, memory, people skills, navigation and decision-making.
Every activity adapts in real time to meet each learner where they are. When a student performs well, the next challenge gets a bit tougher. If something’s difficult, it eases up just enough to build confidence and mastery. This “just right” balance keeps the exercises fun and motivating, especially for our boys who thrive on gamification.
The result? BrainHQ users don’t just get better at the exercises, they get better at thinking faster, focusing longer and remembering more.
The Science Behind the Fun
BrainHQ isn’t just another online game – it’s a scientifically-validated program proven to boost real-world cognitive skills. A recent study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by researchers at McGill University, showed some fascinating results.
After just 10 weeks of BrainHQ exercises, participants experienced measurable changes in brain chemistry. Specifically, their brains produced higher levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps us pay attention, learn and remember.
That might sound technical, but here’s the takeaway – acetylcholine acts like the brain’s internal “focus fuel.” When it’s flowing, we’re alert and ready to learn. The McGill study found that BrainHQ users showed acetylcholine levels typical of someone 10 years younger – the first time any non-drug intervention has been shown to do this in humans!
Even more impressive, participants who played standard online games didn’t experience these same benefits. The carefully designed structure and challenge level of BrainHQ made all the difference.
While this research focused on adults, the implications are exciting for everyone – kids and parents alike. If a 10-week brain training program can spark measurable improvement in attention and learning for adults, imagine what it can do for growing brains that are already primed for learning!
Why BrainHQ Works for Boys at CCBS
At CCBS, our mission is to help 10 to 15-year-old boys rediscover confidence, build resilience and develop stronger executive functioning skills like organization, impulse control and emotional regulation.
Many of our students face challenges such as ADHD, anxiety or learning differences that can make focus and attention difficult.
BrainHQ has proven to be an outstanding fit because it addresses these areas in a way that feels fun and rewarding, not clinical or corrective.
Here’s why our boys (and staff!) are excited about it:
It Feels Like a Game
BrainHQ’s activities are fast-paced, colorful and rewarding. Students can see their progress in real time and they love the sense of accomplishment that comes with leveling up.
It’s Personal
The program automatically adapts to each student’s unique pace and progress, keeping them engaged and challenged.
It’s Measurable
We can track improvements in focus, memory and processing speed over time – giving both students and staff valuable insights.
It’s Empowering
The boys see that they can change their own brains through practice and perseverance, which builds confidence far beyond the screen.
How CCBS is Integrating BrainHQ
All CCBS students are participating in BrainHQ sessions as part of their academic and therapeutic programming.
- Facilitators: Two of our talented staff members, Cameron and Sam, guide the boys during BrainHQ time, monitoring computer use and helping students stay focused and motivated.
- Leadership: The program was implemented through the vision of our leadership department who has worked closely with BrainHQ to tailor the experience to our school environment.
- Schedule: Students complete BrainHQ during study hall and other designated times. Each group participates for about 2 – 3 months before rotating, ensuring that every student gets individualized brain training time throughout the year.
The data collected through BrainHQ also adds an exciting layer to our therapeutic work. It provides measurable progress markers that complement each student’s treatment plan and growth trajectory. The insights can be shared with parents – and when students transition home, their BrainHQ profiles and progress data can go with them, allowing families to continue the journey if they choose.
Benefits Beyond the Screen
The greatest impact of BrainHQ is seen not just in computer scores, but in everyday life. As the boys strengthen their brains, we’re noticing improvements in key areas such as:
Attention and Focus: More time on task during class and study hall.- Working Memory: Better recall of lessons, instructions and details.
- Emotional Regulation: Greater ability to pause, think and make thoughtful choices.
- Confidence: A sense of mastery and control that extends to academics, relationships and self-esteem.
Attention and Focus: More time on task during class and study hall.It’s another way we’re helping our students connect the dots between brain science and personal growth – a concept that’s both empowering and exciting for them.
For Parents and Families
Families and parents have found BrainHQ fascinating as well. The same brain training that helps our students can be beneficial for adults and other family members who want to stay sharp, improve focus or simply keep their minds active.
If you’re curious to try it yourself, you can explore all the programs and research. It’s a great resource to learn more about how you can “exercise” your brain alongside your son! You can also check out their short video overview of BrainHQ.
Sharper Minds, Brighter Futures
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, we believe that learning how to train the brain is one of the most powerful lessons we can give our students. Programs like BrainHQ bring neuroscience to life in a way that’s fun, engaging and directly relevant to the challenges our boys face every day.
Whether they’re building focus, improving memory or simply learning to slow down and think before acting, the skills they gain here will serve them for years to come.
BrainHQ is helping us see – on a measurable, scientific level – that change is not only possible but trainable. And that’s something worth celebrating.
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