The Zacchaeus Program
The Zacchaeus Program is a college preparatory program designed for high functioning students with documented learning disabilities. Recognizing that students with learning disabilities are often excluded from parochial schools, the Zacchaeus Program helps students to understand and address their special learning needs in order to fulfill their academic, physical, artistic, social and emotional potential. It employs a faculty team approach, small classes, multi-sensory methods that include technological academic accommodations, and individual attention. Coursework within the Zacchaeus Program meets the University of California A-G requirements.
Students in the Zacchaeus Program have some sheltered courses where they are in smaller classes only with other Zacchaeus students. Zacchaeus courses are offered for four years in English, three years in Social Science, and two years in Science. The rest of the day Zacchaeus students are mainstreamed with the rest of the student body. Graduating students meet all of the requirements to attend a four-year college or university.
QUALIFYING FOR THE ZACCHAEUS PROGRAM
Profile of a Zacchaeus student
- Average or above average intelligence
- Learning processing deficit
- Significant aptitude-achievement discrepancy
Professional Evaluation
Applicants to the Zacchaeus Program must submit a psycho-educational report containing a diagnostic statement that identifies a specific learning disability. The professional who evaluates the student’s eligibility and performs the testing must be licensed and/or certified in the field of learning disabilities.
Required tests:
Each student’s diagnostic report must include at least one aptitude test and one full achievement test battery.
Mandatory Aptitude Test
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV or Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery III
Mandatory Achievement Test
Wechsler Intelligence Achievement Test (WIAT II) or Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery III
Additional tests may include:
Wide-Range Achievement Test – III
Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test
Nelson-Denny Reading Test
Test of Written Language (TOWL)
Math Test Level (standardized)
The psycho-educational report* based on the test results should describe the student’s functional educational limitations, strengths, and weaknesses in learning and the recommended academic accommodations for the student’s specific disability.
*A psycho-educational report may take as long as six weeks to complete. If you have not previously obtained a report, we strongly recommend that you begin the process immediately. The report must follow the requirements above and should be no more than two years old.
Additional Requirements:
In addition to the regular student application, families must also complete a supplementary Zacchaeus application. The Zacchaeus application includes a Diagnostic Statement (to be completed by the documenting professional) and a Release of Information (to be completed by the parent.)
ZACCHAEUS COURSES
- English 1-Z
- English 2-Z
- American Literature-Z
- World Literature-Z
- Integrated Science-Z
- Biology-Z
- World History-Z
- United States History-Z
- Economics-Z
- Government-Z
SPECIAL ZACCHAEUS EVENTS
- Zacchaeus Retreat
- Zacchaeus Parent Night
- Ashland trip
- Zacchaeus Information Night
To learn more about our program, attend our Zacchaeus Information Night on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7 pm in the Community Center. Or contact our Admissions Office for more details.