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.
Bishop O'Connell Expanded Services includes the following:
• Modified curriculum
• Individualized accommodations for classroom and testing
• Small group and/or individual instruction
• Classroom interventions
• Peer support
• Assistive technology
• Individualized Catholic Education Plan
Students receiving Expanded Services will receive a Certificate of Completion rather than a traditional Bishop O'Connell diploma.
Become a Peer Mentor
Peer mentor applications are accepted each spring. Find out more...
In the News
Answering the Call to Inclusive Catholic Education
Mar. 6, 2017
Basketball Club profiled on WUSA9
Jan. 20, 2017
Expanded Services receives generous gift
Oct. 18, 2016
More Catholic schools welcome special needs students
Arlington Catholic Herald
Jan. 28, 2016
Porto Charities presents check for Expanded Services
Oct. 27, 2015
Faith drives mother-daughter special-ed duo
Arlington Catholic Herald
Oct. 7, 2015
Bishop celebrates Mass for special angels
Arlington Catholic Herald
Oct. 6, 2015