Academic Support

St. Mary’s Academy is a college preparatory high school. We are proud of our curriculum and the learning and skills it provides to our students and graduates. To maintain the integrity of our program, St. Mary’s Academy does not modify its curriculum or change what a student is taught or expected to learn. However, we strive to accommodate by adjusting instruction or access to the material- for example by adjusting the physical environment, the formatting or timing. 

Accommodations are offered to students that have a current Classroom Accommodation Plan (CAP). When authoring the plan, families, students, and our coordinator will discuss the appropriateness of available accommodation. Below is a list of the most common accommodations: 

• Preferential seating 

• Learning Ally for audio books 

• Calculator 

• Record lectures with teacher permission 

• Voice to text technology 

• Computer use  

• Screenshot notes, problems, or assignments 

• Noise cancelling headphones  

• Non distracting fidgets 

• No scantron 

• Limited extended time 

• Testing alternate setting 

Initiating a CAP at SMA is a collaborative process between parents/guardians, student and SMA’s CAP coordinator. Parents/guardians should contact SMA’s CAP coordinator to share concerns, student needs, diagnosis, and documentation. The CAP will be drafted by SMA’s CAP coordinator, reviewed by parents/guardians and student, and signed by all parties. The CAP will be shared with the student’s teachers, can be reviewed, and revised as needed.

CAP 2024-25 TEMPLATE

St. Mary’s Academy has a three-tiered support system for students. We are proud to offer such comprehensive support and are committed to communication with parents/guardians for student success. 

• Classroom Accommodation Plan (CAP): An academic support plan that will support a student in all classes, requires documentation of a current learning difference 

• Study Block: A supervised block built into a student’s schedule to proactively support a student’s workload, time management and executive functioning growth 

• TA Study Support Enrollment (TASS): A supported study block where three teachers and our Academic Support Specialist are available for targeted work on specific assignments, classes and content review 

• Personal & Academic Counselors: Three full time counselors are available for SMA students for social, emotional and academic support 

SMA uses the College Board Standard for qualification for a Classroom Accommodation Plan (CAP). Eligibility for a CAP requires thorough documentation of a current diagnosis (learning difference, ADHD, mental health or medical condition) that impacts academic performance. Documentation from a healthcare professional, psychological evaluation report and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP) are most commonly submitted. Documentation of the need must be current (within 3 years). 

College Board Documentation guidelines require that the documentation thoroughly address these seven areas: 

• Clearly stated diagnosis 

• Students’ current information and presenting concerns 

• Students’ educational, developmental and medical history  

• Testing and data to support the diagnosis 

• Functional limitation described 

• Recommended accommodations and justifications 

• Evaluator’s professional credentials established 

Please note that a simple letter from a doctor or therapist is not sufficient documentation of a learning difference, ADHD, mental health challenge or medical condition. 

Here is letter that can be shared with medical professionals to guide documentation

Students identified as an English learner are eligible for testing supports for the SAT, PSAT and at St. Mary’s Academy. Students and families should work with the CAP Coordinator to develop and implement a CAP. For testing purposes the College Board provides translated test directions, use of approved bilingual word-to-word dictionaries and 50% extended testing time. 

All testing accommodations for the PSAT, SAT and AP exams are managed by the College Board. St. Mary’s Academy does not determine who does and does not qualify for accommodations on these tests. Students must request accommodations from the College Board at the time of registering for these tests. The College Board will seek documentation from SMA to determine eligibility.  

The ACT is not affiliated with the College Board. St. Mary’s Academy will submit accommodation data for eligible students with an active CAP to the ACT. The ACT will then determine who qualifies for documentation.  

St. Mary’s Academy Classroom Accommodation Plans do not transfer to college and are not shared by SMA with colleges. Students should work with SMA’s college counselors for guidance and seek information from the college’s office for disabilities. Students with a CAP will be provided with a pdf copy at the end of their Senior year. 

Our school is committed to supporting students with unique medical needs through the creation of individualized medical accommodation plans. These plans are designed to ensure that each student receives the necessary support and adjustments to thrive in their educational environment. 

To develop a medical accommodation plan, parents or guardians must provide documentation of the student's medical diagnosis and specific needs. This documentation allows us to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers and tailor accommodations to best support the student's health and academic success. 

To enhance the academic success of our students, our school actively collaborates with a variety of outside professionals, including educational consultants, therapists, and specialists. These partnerships are designed to provide additional support and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. 

With a signed release of information from parents or guardians, we can share relevant student information with these professionals. This ensures a coordinated approach to each student's educational plan, fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically.  

SMA warmly welcomes new families and students with learning differences. Families can contact Ashley Sheridan, VP of Students, to discuss learning plans, accommodations, provide documentation and plan for a smooth transition. New accommodation plans are written and/or revised each August and September.