At the Franciscan School, supporting students academically is central to our mission. When a student needs extra help in the classroom, whether that’s with reading, math, attention, or processing, our first priority is partnership. We begin with support from the classroom teacher, but when additional help is needed, we turn to the Educational Team.

The Educational Team at TFS includes the classroom teacher, a learning specialist (either K-5 Learning Specialist Celina Manville or Middle School Learning Specialist LeAnne Allen), the school counselor, and the appropriate dean. The team also includes the child's parents and any outside professionals who may be evaluating or serving the child. Meetings begin with listening while teachers and parents share observations and concerns, and together they brainstorm strategies to support the child’s academic journey.

“When a school and families partner with trust and transparency,” says Mrs. Manville, “miracles happen. We see it all the time.” 

If a student is formally diagnosed with a learning need and has a psychoeducational evaluation report submitted to the TFS Educational Team, which is current within three years, the school is equipped to offer a wide range of accommodations and interventions based on the student’s unique profile. These supports might include: Accommodations like preferential seating, testing support, read-alouds, cue/transition cards, fidget tools, visual checklists; Interventions such as individualized or small group academic support, either in the classroom or in a quiter setting, led by our Learning Specialists; reading remediation through our certified reading interventionist, Mrs. Shannon Milligan, for students with diagnosed reading challenges. 

At TFS, the most common academic challenges we encounter include specific learning disabilities in reading or math, attention difficulties like ADHD, processing disorders, and fine/gross motor or sensory challenges addressed through occupational therapy. 

Both Mrs. Manville and Mrs. Allen work closely with students, teachers, tutors, and therapists to maximize student success. 

“Middle school services focus on providing a supportive environment that fosters independence and a love of learning,” shares Mrs. Allen. “Our goal is to help students recognize their gifts,  learn to advocate for the resources they need, and build confidence in their abilities.”

Academic support doesn’t happen in isolation. It is bolstered by strong, engaging curricula. This school year, TFS is proud to launch CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) for ELA in grades K–5, complementing the school’s established Envision Math program used in K–8. Both programs are rich with opportunities to reach all learners, including those who may benefit from a different approach or added challenge. Academic enrichment is also supported through dynamic programs in fine arts, STREAM, and electives.

True to our Catholic identity, TFS embraces its call to serve every child. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirmed, “We applaud the increasing number of our school administrators and teachers who have taken steps to welcome these children and others with special needs into our Catholic schools” (Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, 2005). That commitment is alive and well at TFS.

“I am so proud to work at The Franciscan School,” shares Mrs. Manville. “I believe all children deserve the right to a truly Catholic education, including students who have academic challenges. We are not just a private school, but rather a Catholic one, one that strives to serve both the educational and spiritual needs of children.”

And Mrs. Allen shares, “After leaving TFS, we’ve had many students tell us that our program had a positive impact on their lives, which is incredibly meaningful.”