Academics

Learning Support

SHS is committed to providing a supportive academic environment that enables all students to achieve maximum scholastic potential. As each student develops and learns at an individual pace, we recognize that many may benefit from supplemental coaching in order to set and achieve personal academic goals, more closely review classroom material and prepare for exams, devise or improve study skills and strategies, manage time more effectively, and determine the need for any accommodation in the classroom.

Partnering with students, teachers, and family members, the learning support staff at both the P-8 and SHP divisions take a collaborative approach, with a goal to promote student self-esteem and a positive attitude toward learning and the learning process. Working in a one-to-one setting with specialists, students increasingly gain self-awareness, self-motivation, and become self-advocates for their own education.

Preschool - Grade 8 Learning Support

Preschool - GR 5 Support Services

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A Collaborative Approach

The P-5 Learning Services team provides support both within and outside of the classroom. Our approach stems from targeted benchmark assessments, academic screening tools, teacher observations, and parent input.

Based on collected data, appropriate interventions are developed for a specified amount of time. Following the intervention, the team evaluates efficacy of the support. Outcomes from this evaluation may include: transition out of intervention, continued intervention, or recommendations for external support and/or further assessment.

*The general classroom teacher is the initial point of contact for any student’s involvement in Learning Services.

GR 6-8 Support Services

List of 6 items.

Middle School 101

Middle School 101 (MS101) is a course designed to provide all middle school students with a strong organizational and study skills foundation. Students participate in multiple sessions at the beginning of each school year. These are reinforced with additional classes throughout the year, co-taught by learning specialists and core class teachers. Topics include organization of materials and electronic files, time-management, note-taking, and study strategies.
Teaching & Learning Center

The Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) provides a range of academic-related support for middle school students with the goal of helping each student reach his or her fullest potential. The TLC works with students, parents, and faculty to develop a diverse array of instructional strategies and programs that address different learning needs.
Go! Get Organized

GO! (Get Organized) provides one-on-one coaching for any middle school student needing support with time management, use of a personal planner, organization of binder/backpack or electronic files, setting teacher meeting agendas, and creating an action plan for improvement in a specific class. Coaching sessions are available on campus after school.
Testing Center

The Middle School Testing Center seeks to provide a quiet testing environment for any student needing to make up tests or use his or her extended time accommodation. The Testing Center is open every day after school.
Jump Start

Jump Start is a summer program, co-sponsored by the TLC and Office of Admissions, which aims to simplify and ease the transition to Sacred Heart Middle School. Participating students have the opportunity to work with Sacred Heart faculty, get comfortable on campus, and come to know a small group of their classmates prior to the start of school. In addition, the program provides targeted support in three academic domains critical to middle school success: organization and study strategies, reading for understanding, and writing with focus and purpose.
Academic Skills Course

The Academic Skills Course (ASC) is a class for students with documented learning differences who require intensive small group support. The course allows students to learn and practice effective study strategies and executive functioning skills to support their academic and personal growth. The goals of this course are to provide essential skills for success in a rigorous academic environment, to foster independence, confidence, and self-advocacy, and to build awareness of students' unique talents and abilities.

The ASC curriculum is designed around four content areas: Personal Growth and Development, Organization and Time Management, Study Strategies, and Foundational Literacy. All skills taught and practiced are applied to core class work. The course is held in lieu of a World Language.

Preparatory Learning Support

GR 9-12 Support Services

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Academic Support Center (ASC)
Sacred Heart Preparatory's Academic Support Center (ASC) provides learning support for students in grades 9-12 with mild to moderate learning differences to ensure the academic success of each student. As a collaborative team and student service program, we endeavor to create a culture that promotes self-esteem, a positive attitude toward learning, and the optimal attainment of the educational goals of every student in our community. We seek to assist students to realize their potential in an environment that promotes self-awareness, self motivation, and self-advocacy in a comprehensively accessible environment. Overseen by the Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Academics, the Academic Support Center is open daily and staffed by a dedicated team of nine, including a board-certified educational therapist, learning specialists, and subject-matter specialists.

The ASC faculty are an essential resource for students, applying all available tools and strategies to assist with the following:
- Subject previewing and re-teaching
- Differentiated, interactive, and dynamic teaching methodologies
- Executive functioning, long-term planning, goal-setting and organizational support
- Self-advocacy coaching
- Extended-time accommodations
- Editing support
School & Personal Counseling

The School Counseling Department is staffed with a team of six fully qualified counselors: one director, four school counselors and a personal counselor (therapist). Each student is assigned to a School Counselor who supports a student's overall growth and development in high school. In support of learning, the School Counselor is a resource to help students reach their academic potential and plan a course of studies that fulfills their graduation requirements. The counselor has access to the student’s on-line grades, reviews all report cards, and consults with students who are having difficulty. School Counselors work with students on course selection and scheduling, skills building, academic resources, extended absences, and communication with teachers. The counseling department takes a holistic approach to working with all children. What is happening in the classroom is only a part of a child’s learning and as such, works closely with other support personnel at the school in attending to the student’s needs.

SHP Academic Support Center (ASC) FAQs

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

What is SHP's policy regarding serving students with disabilities?

Sacred Heart Preparatory’s commitment to fairness and justice extends to providing academically qualified students with a known disability an equal opportunity to access the school’s programs and activities, with available and reasonable supports/accommodations. Access to these services is open to those who are eligible and apply through the Academic Support Center (ASC). The ASC program is equipped to support students with mild to moderate learning disabilities.

As a college-preparatory school, SHP does not make modifications to the curriculum or school program. Students enrolled at SHP must adhere to all school graduation requirements. All coursework meeting graduation requirements must be taken at SHP.

An ASC Application must be completed in advance, along with a request for accommodations and all documentation to support the request must be submitted through the Office of Admissions. Families/students who do not disclose that testing is in process, planned, or has been completed during the admissions process may have to wait an academic year to be eligible for accommodations and/or ASC services.
What specific types of services and accommodations are available for students with disabilities at Sacred Heart Prep?
Based on a student’s unique learning plan, ASC supports may include:

Enrollment Assistance:
- Placement test accommodations
- Orientation to campus
- Advisement in course selection
Available services/accommodations:
- Academic Support Center (ASC) class or access to ASC services outside of a class period
- Family Team Meetings
- Access to the ASC Testing Center
- Extended time for testing
- Specialized advising for future course selections & strategic planning
- Advising on academic study skills, organizational EF strategies
- Assistive technology for reading (audiobooks)
- Use of computer
- Use of a calculator
- Reasonable accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or low vision
College Planning:
- Application assistance to secure accommodations for college entrance and AP exams — College Board, ACT— as eligible. Note: College Board and ACT have the right to deny accommodations to any student, even those approved for in school accommodations with Sacred Heart Prep.
- Transition support to college disability services post high school
- Assist/consult with SHP College Counselors in post-secondary planning as needed
The ASC does not provide the following services/accommodations:
- Psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluations
- Speech therapy or speech services
- Occupational therapy or services
- Modifications to the curriculum or academic program
- Private room testing
- Changes to graduation requirements
- Teacher or scheduling preferences
- Subject specific 1:1 tutoring
- Extensions on homework/projects
- Blanket retests
- Reminders for turning in homework
- Memory aid (ie. notecard) for all exams
How can a student arrange to receive services?
Academic accommodations are provided after the following are complete: 1) all appropriate documentation is presented to the School through the Admissions Office; 2) the individual’s needs are reviewed; 3) consideration of how the disability might interfere with the student’s academic performance at SHP; and, 4) identification of reasonable supports and accommodations. Testing for accommodations is not provided at Sacred Heart Prep.

During the admissions process, all documentation, including the ASC Application, must be submitted. Families/students who do not disclose that testing is in process, planned, or has been completed during the admissions process may have to wait an academic year to be eligible for accommodations and/or ASC services.

Outside of the admissions process, students at Sacred Heart Prep may qualify for ASC services if they are diagnosed with a qualifying condition while enrolled that impacts learning and success in school. Students who submit an evaluation to the ASC, but are not referred by the School, will go through a Response to Intervention (RTI) process to determine if there is a demonstrated need and accommodations are appropriate. Not all students with a diagnosis, nor those who have an evaluation may qualify for accommodations or ASC services at SHP. Sacred Heart Prep’s RTI process is as follows:
1. Teachers, counselors, student/family contact the ASC Director and BCET.
2. Data will be gathered by the school counselor and ASC.
3. Strategies/interventions will be recommended on a trial basis. A referral for further evaluation may or may not be warranted.
Families/students who do not disclose that a psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation is in process, planned, or has been completed during the admissions process and/or families/students who do not engage with the School in the RTI process may have to wait an academic year to be eligible for ASC services.

Note: It can take approximately 2 weeks to review documentation and create an accommodation plan. Any documentation submitted less than 2 weeks before final exams will not be reviewed until 2 weeks into the following semester.
What documentation does Sacred Heart Prep require for students who are seeking disability services through the ASC?

Students must submit proper documentation to verify eligibility for ASC services. Documentation consists of a current psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation (LD and/or ADHD diagnosis and testing within 3 years) or evaluation every year accompanied by a written report of that evaluation (for medical, physical, or psychological conditions) that addresses specific symptoms and impact on academic performance and needs of the student, with clear diagnosis (DSM V or ICD Codes). Documentation must be provided by a licensed/and or certified/certificated professional who is qualified to administer testing and make the appropriate DSM V diagnosis.
What is the application process for standardized tests for students with Learning Differences (LD)?

The ASC coordinates accommodations for on-campus and College Board testing, for students with verified Learning Differences.

ASC Documentation Requirements

Please download the:

Application Process for Standardized Tests: students with Learning Differences (LD) - 2024-25
What is the process for securing accommodations for the ACT?

SHP does not automatically apply for ACT accommodations as not all SHP students take the ACT.

Download to see how to Register for the ACT

In order to secure accommodations for the ACT, families must register for an exam through ACT and then the SHP Educational Therapist will request the accommodations.

Download to see the difference between National and Special Testing. SHP is NOT a National Testing Center and can only offer school based accommodations for Special Testing.
What are the 24-25 special testing weekends?

SAT
Aug 24-25, 2024
Oct 5-6, 2024
Mar 8-9, 2025

ACT
Sep 14-15, 2024
Oct 26-27, 2024
Feb 8-9, 2025
Apr 5-6, 2025

(Please note: weekend testing is only for SHP students with approved school-based accommodations). SHP is closed in July & we do not host any standardized testing in July.

For questions, please contact Mr. Jorge Reyes.
If you have further questions about the ASC and our services, whom do you contact?

Anna McDonald EdD, BCET#10407
Board Certified Educational Therapist
amcdonald@shschools.org

Ms. Fehmeen Picetti
Director of ASC
fpicetti@shschools.org