Where Support Leads to Success
Direct Admission For 9th-grade, Only
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.
While many student in the Benilde Program receive support throughout their four years at St. John’s, several are in the program for only two years. The program is designed for students with potential to succeed as life-long learners who plan to attend competitive four-year colleges and universities.
Alumni from the program have attended schools such as Bucknell University, Catholic University, Northwestern University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, and Villanova University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, a Benilde student...
- Has a sincere interest in attending St. John’s College High School.
- Demonstrates average to above-average cognitive abilities.
- Has a diagnosed learning difference documented by a psycho-educational evaluation completed within three years of application to the program.
- Demonstrates the ability to manage the demands of a college preparatory curriculum and learn in a classroom of 21 students.
- Demonstrates the ability to navigate social situations adeptly.
- Is emotionally healthy.
- Does not have a history of behavioral problems that would interfere with classroom learning.
To develop strong writers within content areas
To develop strong readers who can interpret text across the curriculum
To develop strong communicators who demonstrate knowledge and mastery of content
To develop strong math problem-solvers
The Benilde Program supports students with...
A restructured course schedule to reduce our students' homework load*
One scheduled 40-minute period of direct strategy instruction per day
Multisensory strategy instruction within the content areas
Emphasis on improving executive functioning and self-management
Strong focus on the how, when, and why of technology use
Blended learning summer history courses
* Homework load and assignments are not decreased or altered for any student. In addition, the curriculum is not changed or modified.
All St. John's students are required to take a minimum of two years of foreign language study. Students in the Benilde Program have a revised foreign language schedule.
Students begin foreign language study in 10th grade.
Spanish language instruction is taught by teachers specifically trained to work with students with learning differences.
Support is provided on an individual basis.
Testing accommodations are facilitated by Benilde faculty and adapted using the suggestions on the student’s psycho-educational evaluation.
Teachers receive an accommodations profile for each Benilde student and collaborate regularly with Benilde faculty.
Benilde Homework Club is available to students three afternoons a week.
During our annual October Open House Benilde Program Director Dr. Galiher gives a detailed presentation during our annual October Admissions Open House. Attendance is highly encouraged.
- For additional information, contact the Admissions Office at 202-363-2316, ext. 1069.
Complete the St. John's application, check the box indicating interest in the Benilde Program, and state your interest in the personal statement.
Submit a complete neuropsychological evaluation completed by a licensed psychologist within three years of application to St. John's. The evaluation must include diagnoses, summary, and recommendations.
Schedule a visit day.
Register for the HSPT.
Incoming 9th-grade Benilde studentsmust attend a summer orientation session. The purpose of the orientation program is to:
- Help students become familiar with St. John's, the Benilde Program, and instructional tools and applications
- Familiarize students with campus buildings
- Introduce students to fellow peers
- Review requirements for summer assignments