Academics
Class Links Special Needs Students Curriculum Standardized Testing Learning Differences St. Nicholas Academy' curriculum is designed to attain the educational objectives set forth in our philosophy and in accordance with the regulations set by the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education of the Archdiocese of Louisville. The curriculum is supported and implemented by an excellent faculty and staff. All teachers at SNA meet state requirements for certification. Textbooks used are on the adoption lists approved by the Archdiocese and state. Textbooks are reviewed and updated according to the established adoption cycle.
Our school staff - teachers, counselors, special needs coordinator, administrators - will work to provide appropriate learning opportunities for students who may need special attention and guidance. Schedules and classes may be designed for flexibility in meeting special needs of students. If the needs of the student cannot be met within the school, we will work with parents in selecting an appropriate referral. At times, such referrals may be mandatory.
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The Archdiocese of Louisville promotes a model of inclusion for children with mile disabilities in our schools. We believe that children with mild disabilities can be successful within the regular classroom setting when strategic teaching methods are utilized and appropriate accommodations are implemented.
Unlike the public system, private schools do not receive state and federal monies to fund special education programs. Therefore, we do not write or accept IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) as public schools are mandated to do. However, our schools are guided by an Archdiocesan Special Education protocol, which includes developing School Strategy Plans and Section 504 plans in addressing the special learning needs of our students when a formal educational evaluation has been obtained. The development of these plans involves any and all members of the student's learning community (i.e. student, parent, teachers, counselor, principal, tutor, etc.) and is regularly maintained throughout each year. More information regarding these plans is available from the SNA counseling office.
If a guardian is concerned that a student has special learning needs and would like to pursue assessment options, inquiries about referrals for formalized testing can be directed to the SNA counseling office.
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Admission of Special Needs Students
Before admitting a student with a diagnosed disability, our school will consider:
- The severity and degree of the disability.
- The level of support needed from special services or any special equipment the student may require.
- Class size and the availability of resources.
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The standardized testing program is designed to identify individual student academic strengths and weaknesses in addition to measuring the SNA curricular program. In conjunction with the testing program of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Grades 1 - 8 are tested each spring. Parents are notified of the results when we receive them, shortly before the end of the school year.
Textbook and teacher-made tests in the various subject areas are administered throughout the school year to determine mastery of skills and understanding of content.
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