I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14
Educational Student Support: What is it?
The Educational Student Support (ESS) program is designed to provide academic support to students with diagnosed learning differences in a college preparatory setting. Our program most often includes students with the following:
- Mild to moderate challenges in reading, written expression, and math
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
We only provide accommodations taken from the psycho-educational recommendations but may not include every recommendation. Additionally, students must demonstrate the intellectual potential to master a college-preparatory curriculum.
The goal of the program is to provide personalized support in order to maximize strengths of each student. We strive to help students realize that struggles in life are a way that God works in us and through us. We also focus on strategies to help students become self-advocates and guide them through the process of self-awareness. We encourage our students to grow as Jesus did – in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).
In order to create an educational support plan, a psycho-educational evaluation is required. This document must meet the following criteria:
- Administered by a clinical, school, or educational psychologist
- Current (within 3 years)
- State a specific learning difference or diagnosis
- Multiple batteries of assessments
To continue enrollment in the program, a new diagnostic report is required every three years. Enrollment in the program is limited. Upon acceptance, a mandatory, yearly fee is required. Admission to the program is permitted throughout the year. A student’s enrollment is automatically renewed each school year if testing is current unless the parent requests removal. If a student withdraws from the program but later requests admittance, the original enrollment process must be completed.
At Prince Avenue Christian School, we understand the importance of connecting with students and collaborating with parents. It is the strong partnership we establish with our families that allows us to meet the needs of our diverse learners. Our Educational Student Support program instills a remarkable degree of confidence, creates a love of learning, and teaches students to advocate for themselves. ESS is housed in our on-campus Learning Center, and the Director of ESS will review all psycho-educational testing reports and monitor the use and implementation of accommodations.
Kelly Vandagriff
Director of Educational Student Support
M.Ed.: Mississippi State University
BS: Auburn University
20 years in Education
- Georgia Teaching Certificate
- ACSI Certification
email Email Kelly