Student Academic Services

Academic coaching sessions are designed to help students develop and reach academic goals with a focus on the skill, will, and self regulation domains of learning. Students will work with the learning specialist to identify personal strengths and locate learning strategies that can help students overcome barriers to success and maximize academic achievement. Academic coaching typically lasts 4-6 sessions, 30 minutes each, and will take place during the student’s free block in the office of the learning support specialist. Students can access academic coaching by making an appointment with the Learning Specialist.

For additional information please reach out to Katie Dickson.

Tutor Lab Peer Tutoring services are offered during free blocks and are a valuable resource for students seeking academic support. Students can access peer tutoring by appointments or on a drop in basis when available. Located in the St. Francis Library, these services provide a comfortable environment where students can ask questions, clarify concepts, and receive guidance from their peers who have a deep understanding of the subject matter. Peer tutors offer support in core subject areas as well as areas critical to academic success including but not limited to the following:

• Understanding or reviewing a concept taught in class
• Studying for a quiz or test
• Brainstorming for a paper or project
• Giving feedback on a draft or outline of an essay
• Serving as a practice audience for a presentation
• Offering tips on time management, study skills, and organization

If you would like to schedule a session with us during your free block, click here for the Tutor Lab Appointment Page

St. Francis High School provides two elective study skill courses, each lasting a semester, specifically designed for students in grades 9 to 12 grade. These courses aim to assist students in achieving their academic objectives by enhancing their learning and study skills. Academic Strategies (9th grade only) and Applied Academic Strategies (9th -12th), focus on teaching effective study techniques, test-taking strategies, and refining organizational and time management abilities. The curriculum is based on evidence-informed learning approaches, with the freshman course explicitly instructing students in these strategies and the 9-12th grade course incorporating and applying them to their current workload. Both courses utilize a small group learning environment, where students receive regular feedback, individualized support, and opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills to their current coursework.

The Learning Support Specialist offers a series of workshops  that will focus on persistent topics such as test anxiety, study skills, executive functioning, and final exam preparation. Dates and topics are announced through the weekly Parents Newsletter and/or monthly Counseling & College Newsletter.

This summer course for 9th grade students begins before freshman year and helps students prepare for the academic challenges and build community and confidence. With a focus on English and Math, students gain study skills and academic content knowledge to support their progress all four years at St. Francis.  

St. Francis affirms that all students entering our campus are given the opportunity to receive a quality Catholic education in a supportive environment. Our formal accommodation plans provide appropriate in-class accommodations for students with diagnosed unique learning or medical needs.

In order to design a formal accommodation plan that meets the unique needs of the student, St. Francis requires a current psychoeducational evaluation (3-5 years) and/or medical evaluation (1 year) on file to ensure the accommodation plan addresses student needs in the least restrictive environment. 

The evaluation(s) should fit the following criteria: 

1. Diagnosis should be clearly stated.
2. All information should be current.
3. History should be presented.
4. Functional limitations should be described.
5. Recommended accommodations should be justified.
6. Evaluator’s professional credentials should be listed. 

If you have questions or would like to submit documentation to the Learning Support Specialist @ kdickson@stfrancishs.org. Once submitted, the evaluation(s) will be reviewed to determine what accommodations to include in the plan. 

pplications for testing accommodations for College Board (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, Advanced Placement) and ACT exams are available through the Registrar. 

It is the responsibility of the parent/student to initiate the request for standardized testing accommodations. Requests are completed and submitted by St. Francis on behalf of the student, and must be submitted within the strict application deadline dates set forth by College Board and ACT. Please note, accommodations listed on our plan are not guaranteed to be approved by ACT or College Board. Each entity has detailed guidelines outlining their documentation requirements. You can review the guidelines here: ACT and SAT/AP.

For more information on dates and deadlines or to request more information, please contact Katie Dickson.