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.

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.

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 Taking a core class during the summer will lighten the course load during the school year. 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). If you have any questions, please email benilde@roncallicatholic.org.