Inclusion Through Expanded Services

“No child should be denied his or her right to an education in faith, which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation.” -Pope Benedict XVI

Many Catholic high schools in our region and across the nation are successfully incorporating students with disabilities into their schools, including schools like Bishop O’Connell that strive to maintain a rigorous college prep curriculum.

Bishop O’Connell offers expanded services so that students with cognitive and intellectual disabilities can have access to a Catholic education in an inclusive high school environment. This environment allows the student with disability to grow academically, socially and spiritually with their peers.

Students receive support in the general education classroom, and individual or small group instruction when appropriate.

What does an inclusive Catholic education at O'Connell mean?

• Students receiving expanded services benefit from the expertise of three teachers with their master's degree in special education.
• The collaboration between general education teachers and the expanded services team is foundational to our successful inclusive approach.
• Individualized Catholic Education Plans serve as a guide for each student’s education.
• Trained peer mentors support individualized learning while growing personally through their experiences.

Become a Peer Mentor

Peer mentor applications are accepted each spring. Find out more...

Thank You to Our Foundational Supporters

The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund
KOVAR - Virginia Knights of Columbus
Porto Charities
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