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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.

The goal is to give special needs students a well-rounded education that prepares them for life, says Assistant Superintendent Allana-Rae Ramkissoon.

“We want parents to know that whatever the dream is for your child, whether it is to continue on to a college setting or into the world of work, we have a program that can help them achieve that,” Ramkissoon said. “There is also the goal of helping these students to feel as much a part of the school experience as possible, and to build up the social interactions between special needs students and their general education peers.”

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

“We work hard and play hard and pride ourselves in building positive relationships with our families – many of whom will be with us for four years.”

- Amanda Mooney, 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 designed for PK-8th grade students with learning or intellectual disabilities who require a small classroom setting and specialized instruction in academics and social skills. Students have a separate curriculum and integrate with the general school population for specific programs.

www.olacatholic.org/speciallearning

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

“The idea is to teach students in PACE strategies that will enable them to be in a regular classroom by the time they get to high school.”

- Tyler Kulp, principal Our Lady of the Assumption School

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, CharlotteAt 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

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

 — Christina Lee Knauss