The Benilde Program

Roncalli Catholic Benilde Program

Benilde Open House – November 10th, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Gustafson Center

Candidate Interviews – December 2020 – January 2021

THE BENILDE PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY: To teach students how they best learn so they become successful students

Starting in the fall semester of 2017, Roncalli Catholic instituted the Benilde Program, which provides daily academic support for students who are able to cognitively adhere to a college preparatory curriculum, but may have educational needs that can make it difficult for them to achieve their full potential on their own.

The philosophy of the Benilde Program is that students attend the same classes, participate in the same clubs and extra-curricular activities and meet the same requirements as their peers. To help them succeed, the Benilde instructor will promote academic and self-advocacy skills, which will increase the probability of success. The students involved in the Benilde Program are successful because they attend a core class over the summer to lighten their academic workload, may take classes out of sequence, attend a daily Benilde class, learn advanced study skills, test-taking techniques, and other strategies for maximizing academic success. The ultimate goal of the Benilde Program is to teach each student how they best learn so that they are successful in college and beyond.

Download the Program Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Benilde Program?

The nationally recognized Benilde Program provides daily academic support for students who are able to cognitively adhere to a college preparatory curriculum but may have educational needs that can make it difficult for them to achieve their full potential on their own. The Benilde Program was developed at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., and was named for innovative Lasalian educator, St. Benilde Pierre Romancon.

Who will the Benilde Program benefit?

Roncalli Catholic’s Benilde Program accepts students who are able to cognitively adhere to a college preparatory curriculum but may have educational needs that can make it difficult for them to achieve their full potential on their own.

How does it work?

Each day, students attend a direct instructional Benilde period focused on developing and strengthening written language, reading comprehension and verbal communication skills within the context of the curriculum. During this instruction, students are taught strategies to improve higher-level reasoning skills and self-management. Students are motivated and engaged in the learning process. The philosophy of the Benilde Program is that students attend the same classes, participate in the same clubs and extra-curricular activities, and meet the same requirements as their peers. To help them succeed, an instructor will promote academic and self-advocacy skills, which will increase the probability of success in high school and beyond.

What are the benefits?

Advanced study skills
Test-taking strategies
Self-advocacy Metacognition (learning about learning)
Daily parent communication
Self-awareness
Post high school planning
Ability to take classes out of sequence Daily Benilde class coaching from our Benilde director
Monthly progress reports

How do I apply?

In order to participate in the Benilde Program, students must apply to Roncalli Catholic and the Benilde Program separately. Students are identified through the school’s application process; parents are encouraged to describe any challenges their student has that may indicate a strong match to the program. As part of the application process, students must submit a complete intellectual educational evaluation (i.e. Individual Education Plan, 504 plan, or other documentation).

Direct contact with the Benilde Director is encouraged to begin the application process as space is limited. lcritchfield@roncallicatholic.org.

What will be the format of the accelerated summer course?

The accelerated summer course will be for four weeks during the month of June. Class will be held in the morning at Roncalli Catholic. The course will be an online format that will be directed by and done collaboratively with the Benilde Director. Taking a core class during the summer will lighten the course load during the school year.

How long will my student need to be in the Benilde Program?

Students are allowed to stay in the program all four years of their high school career if needed. Most students stay in the program for one to two years. The main goal of the Benilde Program is to help students learn the skills necessary to be successful in high school and then be able to utilize them independently in preparation for college.

What will the daily Benilde class be like?

Students will cover various skills necessary to maximize their success at Roncalli Catholic. Areas such as self-advocacy, test-taking strategies, organizational skills, and study skills will be taught. The Benilde class will be able to adapt to individual student needs as necessary.

What other schools have taught the Benilde Program?

The program started in Washington D.C. at St. John’s College High School and has become a nationally recognized program. RCHS will be the first school in Nebraska to implement the Benilde Program.

About Our Director

Hi! I am Leah (McGrew) Critchfield, the Benilde Director at Roncalli Catholic High School. I grew up in a small farming community where faith, family, and education were important. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. I always admired teachers because of their ability to help others. I wanted to be in a position where I could help students develop a love of learning even if it was difficult for them. I started my education career teaching middle school special education for three years in Columbus, Nebraska. I then moved to Australia where I relief taught in special education schools for six months. I then served as a special education teacher for the Papillion-LaVista School District for two years. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a K-12 Special Education certification from Peru State College and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. I could not be happier to be a part of the Roncalli Catholic family.

For more information on this exciting and innovative program, please contact Mrs. Critchfield at lcritchfield@roncallicatholic.org.

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