Department of Learning and Academic Support (LAS)

The Academy

The Academy at JSerra Catholic High School, created in 2020, serves and supports students in our greater community with more impactful learning challenges. This program is based on the State of California’s standards for high school diplomacy where students receive grade-level instruction in a more holistically supportive learning environment. Small group instruction and personalized case-management, as well as the co-teaching model for select courses, are all used to create a learning environment where students feel they can thrive while having equitable access to their learning.

Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Each Academy student is provided an Individual Learning Plan that outlines their approved accommodations. All plans are individualized and based upon the student’s learning needs and what is outlined in their learning profile. While recommendations made by psychologists, teachers or other learning professionals will be considered, all accommodations are ultimately approved by the program's director and align with the Orange County Diocesan guidelines for providing academic support.

Testing Center (Room 1125)
All Academy students have access to the Testing Center as a part of their ILP. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., the Testing Center provides SERP students a distraction-limited testing environment for them to take all tests and quizzes.

Office Hours (Room 1229)
Our mentors are available for all students in Academy. As with all teachers, our mentors schedule their own office hours before and after school, creating structured and balanced access throughout the week for our students.

LAS Advisory Class
This is a dedicated period of academic support available to all Academy students. Each class operates in a small group environment (10:2 student-to-teacher ratio) and is designed to support students in three keys ways:

1. Academic Support — Mentors aim to reinforce concepts students are learning in the classroom in various subjects. They work with students in small groups or one on one based on need and availability. Support is also provided for short and long-term planning. We work collaboratively with our students for them to learn strategies to be successful at JSerra. Together, we help students develop a more organized approach to learning and schoolwork.
2. Individualized Academic Advising — Each Academy student enrolled in a study skills class is assigned a personal mentor for the academic school year. This mentor, known as their "number one advocate," meets weekly with each of their students to discuss their academic progress. Mentors also work with the student on “academic forecasting” where they analyze what is upcoming and develop an academic plan of attack. This assists students in developing key executive functioning strategies.
3. Executive Functioning — Strategies are taught in weekly lessons to improve in key areas of executive functioning. Students are exposed to academic strategies to assist them in:

• Sustained attention
• Task initiation
• Goal directed persistence
• Time management
• Metacognition
• Cognitive flexibility
• Working memory
• Planning and organization

In addition to the above, we also work on helping students adopt a growth mindset where students work on developing resiliency, GRIT, and perspective toward their academics.

ApplicationS for 2024-2025

Applications are reviewed upon receipt. We strive to respond as promptly as possible. 

The priority application deadline is December 15.

To receive testing accommodations for the HSPT, please apply by the following deadlines:

APPLY NOW

Note: If you are a current JSerra student, please reach out to Drew Clute directly instead of completing the online application.

Questions?

Learn more by contacting us at las@jserra.org.

Additional Contacts
Director of Learning & Academic Support Drew Clue - 949.493.9307 Ext. 1201 or dclute@jserra.org
LAS Administrative Assistant Nicole Roldan - 949.493.9307 Ext. 1107 or nroldan@jserra.org

Academic Coaching Program (ACP)

JSerra Catholic High School's Academic Coaching Program serves students who have been determined internally by a team comprised of members of our Counseling Department, Learning and Academic Support Department, Faculty and Administration to be academically at risk. Our team takes many factors into consideration such as GPA, course work, HSPT scores, teacher input and test scores. ACP students receive supports in the following areas:

• Access to an LAS Advisory Class with a maximum of 15 students with 2 teachers
• Executive functioning skills lessons
• Progress meetings with one of the teachers held weekly
• Academic support

Note: this program does not require applications. If you have questions, please reach out to your student's Academic and College Counselor. 

Questions?

Learn more by contacting us at las@jserra.org.

Additional Contacts
Director of Learning & Academic Support Drew Clue - 949.493.9307 Ext. 1201 or dclute@jserra.org
LAS Administrative Assistant Nicole Roldan - 949.493.9307 Ext. 1107 or nroldan@jserra.org