The ACES Program at Pius XI
(formerly known as "Special Studies")
The Accommodations for Classroom Engagement and Support (ACES) program (formerly known as "Special Studies" is a college-prep, ungraded, non-credited resource program which provides academic support for students who have been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities or similar educational disabilities by a local school district or private child psychologist. A student who has met criteria will work with the same resource teacher from freshman through senior year. ACES is staffed by certified special education teachers, and all students are fully mainstreamed into the standard Pius XI classroom curriculum.
In the ACES resource room, students receive one-on-one and small group support, as well as peer tutoring. The focus is on supporting successful engagement and performance in the standard curriculum. Students work on understanding their disabilities and how they affect their learning; identifying individual compensatory skills (i.e., extra test time, graphic organizers, etc.) needed for academic success; developing organization, time management, study, and test-taking skills; effectively communicating with others and advocating for themselves; and identifying and planning for their post-secondary academic and career goals.
Staffed by two certified special education specialists, ACES serves approximately 60 students each year, all of whom have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. Through ACES Pius XI students have been achieving academic excellence, personal growth, and spiritual development for nearly 50 years. While many students in this program may have disorders that impact their ability to read and write, others have disorders that impact their ability to understand number-based information, or may have certain neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or mental health concerns which impact their learning. Our program is often specifically sought out by parents of students with learning disabilities and our specialists perform a thorough evaluation and intake of potential students to ensure that our program can meet their specific needs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​Our certified specialists work closely with students, their teachers, and counselors to provide personalized support. This team approach ensures that all students can access our broad curriculum offerings effectively. In addition to providing time and academic support, an important component of this program is transition planning. From the moment a student enters Pius XI, we begin preparing them for their next steps, whether that be higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce. Our approach for students in ACES is no different. Our specialists work with students to identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations, and then develop a transition plan tailored to their goals. In the nearly 50 years of its existence, the special studies program has seen over 700 students graduate and approximately 75% go on to pursue post-secondary education, including professional and advanced degrees. Through the program, students learn that their disability does not define them and need not limit their dreams.