Department of Learning and Academic Support (LAS)

JSerra Catholic High School recognizes the unique gifts of students diagnosed with learning challenges. We provide focused academic support tailored to students’ individual needs. The Learning and Academic Support program strives to help students realize their potential and empower them to achieve their academic, social, and spiritual goals.

JSerra has developed two programs to meet the needs of our students: Student Educational Resource Program (SERP) and Academic Coaching Program (ACP).

SERP
Academic Coaching

SERP

Student Educational Resource Program (SERP)

JSerra's Student Educational Resource Program is an academic support program that provides services and supports to JSerra students with diagnosed learning and attention challenges. We strive to take a collaborative approach in this process with parents, students, teachers, and counselors to ensure that our students are holistically supported. This approach empowers students to thrive in their pursuit to be the best versions of themselves in mind, body, and spirit.

Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Each SERP student is provided an Individual Learning Plan that outlines their approved testing and classroom 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
All SERP 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 3201 or 3101)
Our mentors are available for all students in SERP. 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 SERP 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:

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.
Individualized Academic Advising — Each SERP 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.
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

Applications are reviewed upon receipt. We strive to respond as promptly as possible. Please contact Denise Pascoe via EMAIL if you are interested in applying to SERP.

Questions?

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

Academic Coaching

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.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

More detailed information about the required documentation and the admission process can be found in the document below.

DOWNLOAD

To apply to SERP, please contact Mrs. Denise Pascoe via EMAIL.

FAQs

ARE THERE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH LAS?

Does a diagnosis from our family doctor qualify my child for services?

What testing is required? Which assessments should the psychologist preforming my child’s assessment use?

Do the accommodations and supports my child received in middle school automatically transfer to high school?

What is the school’s role in applying for and securing testing accommodations for my child on PSAT, SAT, AP and ACT exams?

Both the College Board (PSAT, SAT and AP exams) and ACT have their own application process to request testing accommodations. We will assist families in the process of applying for these accommodations but being a member of SERP does not guarantee that the student will receive accommodations on either ACT or College Board exams. Both the College Board and ACT require that the student requesting testing accommodations be currently in a support program and are receiving testing accommodations that mirror the request that is being applied for.

Does my student have to take the HSPT if applying for SERP?

Yes, all students applying to SERP must take the HSPT. The HSPT results serve as an important informational tool for us to assess course placement and provides valuable information regarding learning challenges.

To receive accommodations for the HSPT, students must have already been accepted in our LAS Department as accommodations are provided through JSerra. If you would like to apply for SERP, please complete our SERP application.

In order to ensure we have enough time to review applications, please submit the SERP application and the required documentation at least one week in advance of the HSPT.

Note: Accommodations received in middle school do not automatically guarantee accommodations at JSerra.

My student qualifies for SERP but I would prefer he does Academic Coaching (ACP). Can he do both?

"Each child learns a different way. SERP provides this support for my child and for all the students in the department."

~ The P. Family, '20

College Decisions

Class of '24

Baylor University

Belmont University

Boise State University

California Baptist University

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

California State University, Fullerton

Cedarville University

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chapman University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Concordia University, Irvine

DigiPen Institute of Technology

High Point University

Loyola Marymount University

Point Loma Nazarene University

Saddleback College

Saint Mary’s College of California

Southern Methodist University

Summit College

Texas Christian University

University of Arizona

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Mississippi

University of Southern California

University of Utah

Victoria University of Wellington

Class of '23

Auburn University
Baylor University
Boise State University
Boston University
Cal Poly
California State University-Monterey Bay
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chapman University
Fordham University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Gonzaga University
Loyola Marymount University
Northeastern University
Orange Coast College
Saddleback College
Saint Edward's University
Salt Lake Community College
Santa Barbara City College
Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University
Texas Christian University
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Arizona
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Mississippi
University of Oregon
University of Utah
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Westmont College

Class of '22

American University
Arizona State University
Baylor University
Boise State University
Cal State San Marcos
Chapman University
Colorado State University Fort Collins
Concordia University IrviAne
Franciscan University of Steubenville
High Point University
Holy Cross College
Louisiana State University
Montana Technological University
Orange Coast College
Pace University, New York City Campus
Purdue University-Main Campus
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saddleback College
Saint Mary's College of California
Southern Methodist University
UCLA
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Arizona
University of Iowa
University of Oregon
University of Utah
Vanguard University of Southern California

TESTIMONIALS

THE T FAMILY ('19)

We chose JSerra because of the SERP program. We heard from a close friend that it was invaluable to their daughter and can now attest firsthand that it has been a true blessing to our son. Last year as a freshman, the transition to a much larger school and heavier homework load was overwhelming. But the teachers in his SERP class guided him through. He was supported academically with organizational skills, and emotionally, which gave him the confidence to persevere through the transition and ultimately achieve a 4.0 in his second semester. All the SERP teachers, which my son insists are the best in the school are behind him and encouraging him. As a mother who has walked his learning journey with him, I can’t express the gratitude I feel that they not only advocate for him, but also more importantly, have taught him how to advocate for himself.

Our son takes advantage of the distraction-free testing center where he is able to ask for clarification and/or use extra time as needed on tests. He is so comfortable with Mrs. Dale that he goes directly to her via email in the event he has issues with scheduling or teachers. During the SERP period, he gets help with any subject that he needs tutoring on and enjoys the camaraderie with other kids.

The school and the SERP department have done a wonderful job creating an atmosphere in which the kids are respected and not judged. My son feels no stigma in being in the program. On the contrary, he feels proud and lucky to be in SERP because he recognizes how much it helps him.

JSerra is an excellent school with teachers who really care about our children. Communication with all the teachers is encouraged and they are very responsive. This is especially obvious in SERP.

My husband and I have marveled at our son’s growth, confidence, and feeling of empowerment in just one year. With a grateful heart, I thank the SERP program for being a primary factor in this process of growth where he has been given the tools to recognize and reach his true potential.

The W Family ('20)

As we wind down to the last week of our first year at JSerra, we wanted to send you a letter of gratitude and thanks for providing such excellence in education and support to our child! This year has been a true blessing to the entire family. Our daughter, who prior to this program would labor for hours on end doing homework without complaint, is now moving right along, absent of all the stress and self-doubt she formerly felt in elementary and middle school. We are happy to report she is finishing her freshman year with either a 3.9 or 4.0.

The SERP program at JSerra is more than we ever hoped or dreamt was possible. Because of the program, which works in complete alliance with the wonderful JSerra teachers, our daughter has literally flourished and grown in confidence and achievement beyond what we thought would ever be possible! Working with the SERP team, and you Denise, has our daughter not only looking forward to learning, but actually enjoying school. When asked by anybody how she likes high school, our otherwise mellow mannered girl, describes with enthusiasm how much she loves school and how much appreciation she has for her SERP support program! Her success this year, and feelings of self-confidence and accomplishment, we owe to you and your amazing team! Thank you so very much for all that you do and for this wonderful, amazing program you have created and fostered to help those who learn differently.

Cathy Johnson (Zachary '15, Kira '16)

Both of my children attended JSerra Catholic High School. JSerra afforded both of my children with opportunities they would not have had at other high schools.

One of my children is dyslexic and my other child has a great love of learning in which he was able to be challenged academically. JSerra was able to meet both of their unique needs.

The SERP department was able to offer my dyslexic child accommodations that enabled her to access the curriculum. She has now since graduated from college and has a great job. This would not have been possible without the JSerra SERP team!

I appreciate the SERP team and am forever grateful for each and every one of them.

Utility Container

Mobile Menu Trigger (container)

Off Canvas Container (Do Not Edit)

Close Button

Site Info Container

Menu

Department of Learning and Academic Support (LAS)

SERP

Student Educational Resource Program (SERP)

ApplicationS

Questions?

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching Program (ACP)

Questions?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

FAQs

ARE THERE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH LAS?

Does a diagnosis from our family doctor qualify my child for services?

What testing is required? Which assessments should the psychologist preforming my child’s assessment use?

Do the accommodations and supports my child received in middle school automatically transfer to high school?

What is the school’s role in applying for and securing testing accommodations for my child on PSAT, SAT, AP and ACT exams?

Does my student have to take the HSPT if applying for SERP?

My student qualifies for SERP but I would prefer he does Academic Coaching (ACP). Can he do both?

College Decisions

Class of '24

Class of '23

Class of '22

TESTIMONIALS

THE T FAMILY ('19)

The W Family ('20)

Cathy Johnson (Zachary '15, Kira '16)