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The Diocese of Charlotte’s Catholic schools are dedicated to providing a robust Catholic education for all students, including those with special needs. Parents can find programs that offer both academic and spiritual education from the early years through high school.

“Our goal is to provide students with special needs a well-rounded Catholic education that truly prepares them for life,” said Assistant Superintendent Allana-Rae Ramkissoon.

“We want parents to know that whatever dream they hold for their child – whether it’s continuing on to college or stepping confidently into the world of work – we have programs designed to help them reach that goal. Just as importantly, we strive to ensure these students feel fully included in the life of the school. Building meaningful social connections with their general education peers is a vital part of their growth, and it reflects the heart of our mission to see every child recognized, valued and supported.”

Here’s a snapshot of what the diocese offers:

Modified Academic Program (MAP)

St. Ann and Our Lady of the Assumption schools, Charlotte

For students in grades 2-5 with special learning needs who need a hybrid educational approach that delivers both instruction in a self-contained classroom and general education classes. Instruction in core subjects is adapted to each student’s ability level.

www.stanncatholic.org/speciallearning

www.olacatholic.org/academics/special-learning

“Our Modified Academic Program is a community that is built on connection, care, and commitment. As teachers, we love to partner with families and celebrate each student’s individual growth throughout their time at St. Ann School.”

- Lisa Banks, MAP teacher, St. Ann School, Charlotte

Providing Academically Appropriate Catholic Education (PACE)

Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte; Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro

For elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities. At Our Lady of the Assumption, in grades 2-5, PACE primarily uses a self-contained setting, with daily classes alongside general education peers. In grades 6-8, the goal is to remediate reading/writing weaknesses, so students may eventually be included in a general education classroom with learning support. In Greensboro, the program is for PK-8 students who require a small classroom setting and specialized instruction in academics and social skills.

www.olacatholic.org/speciallearning

www.olgsch.org/learn-at-olg/pace-program.cfm

“I want each student to feel loved and respected, and to know that they matter. Every child has unique strengths and it is absolutely OK for those strengths to look different from others’.

- Elizabeth Jenkins, principal, Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte

Matthew-Morgan Program

St. Patrick School, Charlotte

For K-5 students with Down syndrome. Students receive a quality, faith-based education in a classroom setting where each of them can progress toward their own individual potential. Basic academic and life skills are taught. Elementary students in the MACS system who complete the program may continue their education through the Options path at Holy Trinity Middle School or Charlotte Catholic High School.

www.saintpatrickschool.org/specialprograms

“There is a joy you see in parents when they watch their students in this program…the students are able to both be educated at their appropriate levels and also to be included in all school activities.”

- Nicholas Calametti, principal St. Patrick Catholic School

QUEST

Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro

For PK-8th grade students with high-functioning autism. QUEST offers structured, individualized instruction in social skills, academics and language. It is designed for students who benefit from inclusion opportunities with their peers – both in the classroom and during social activities.

www.olgsch.org/learn-at-olg/quest-program.cfm

“We share God’s unconditional love with each child, equipping them with faith and virtue to follow His will for their life.”

- Catherine Rusch, principal Our Lady of Grace School, Greensboro

Options

Holy Trinity Middle and Charlotte Catholic High schools, Charlotte

At Holy Trinity, the program caters to students who need an individualized, modified curriculum and combines instruction in both inclusive and a self-contained setting. It is designed to continue with Options at Charlotte Catholic. There, the program works to give students a full high school experience while also preparing them for life beyond high school. Options also offers a “certificate path” that enables participants to explore offerings on college campuses that accommodate special needs students.

www.htcms.org/speciallearning

www.charlottecatholic.org/departments/options-program

“The inclusion program has helped her academically and to develop social and people skills which will be critically important as she moves into a job life after school.”'

- Stephen Dey on daughter Avery’s experience, Options program at Charlotte Catholic

St. Gabriel Program

Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville

The St. Gabriel Program offers students with intellectual disabilities and/or high-functioning autism structured, individualized instruction in the areas of social/life skills development, academic course work, and math and/or language acquisition. St. Gabriel is an educational program for students whose learning needs require a smaller classroom setting, specialized instructional strategies, and, at times, a separate curriculum. The goal of the program is to develop the whole child to become successful in all kinds of environments.

“All the pieces have finally fallen into place for us this year to get this all moving. We hired a really amazing lead teacher to help us get the program off the ground.”

- Claire Willis, principal, Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville

To learn more about all of these programs and how they might benefit your child, visit: www.charlottediocese.org/schools/about/special-learning.