A Supported Learning Environment to Help Students Achieve
Since 1990, The John Carroll School has supported students with documented learning differences. In 2015, the St. Joseph Program was formalized to meet the growing needs of these students. We recognize that each student has a unique approach to learning fostered by individual learning styles and previous experiences, and that all students can succeed if provided with the appropriate support and necessary accommodations. The St. Joseph Program exists to foster success in every individual by not just supporting students in establishing strategies and goals, but by teaching self-advocacy in the achievement of these goals.
Program Overview
Once enrolled, students embark on a deeper discovery of their personal learning style and work with experienced learning specialists to develop strategies so that they can successfully navigate John Carroll’s college preparatory curriculum. To enable the multi-faceted and customized approach to learning, there is an additional cost of $4,000 per year for enrollment in the St. Joseph Program.
Students who enroll in this program have access to:
- A support class offered in freshman and sophomore years which provides tutoring as well as customized strategies to improve organization, note-taking, researching, writing and test-taking skills, including the PSAT and SAT. (Maximum class size of 10 students)
- Support from a highly qualified support staff including a team of learning specialists, school counselors and a licensed psychologist
- Individual and group tutoring
- Space to engage in group discussions or work on projects
- A classroom that facilitates kinesthetic learning with flexible seating options including chairs that move, a tall desk and rocking chairs
- A quiet, distraction-free testing room with testing accommodations that may include:
- receiving extended time
- having the test read aloud
- dictating answers
- using computerized, speech-to-text capabilities to write essays
A close partnership between teachers, counselors and parents keeps students on track to excel.
Regular contact and communication occur throughout the school year to monitor and maintain student progress, and a yearly review is held to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations in place.
Admission to the St. Joseph Program
- Submit an application to The John Carroll School and indicate your interest in the St. Joseph Program
- Submit an additional application to the St. Joseph Program
- Provide completed educational testing that is no more than 3 years old. This evaluation should be completed by a professional psychologist or school IEP team
- Participate in a family meeting with members of the St. Joseph Program staff to review testing, accommodations, and appropriateness of placement in the program.
- If it is determined that the school can meet the needs of the student, an Individualized Accommodation Plan (IAP) will be designed. The plan will then be reviewed with the family.
The St. Joseph Program Coordinator and Learning Specialist are available to provide any information families may have throughout the application process.
Contact info:
Mrs. Ann Drummey
St. Joseph Program Coordinator
adrummey@johncarroll.org
410.838.8333 x2046
Mrs. Kelly Roiy
Learning Specialist
kroiy@johncarroll.org
410.838.8333 x4045
Additional Support
Under the auspices of the St. Joseph Program, there is an additional support class offered for freshmen and sophomores. This support class is designed for students who do not have documented learning differences, but who may need some support with the transition into high school. The cost of this program is $500 per semester.