Learning Support

Supporting Different Learners

Here at Castilleja, we've found that students with learning differences thrive when the faculty and staff focus on these four key questions as we develop curriculum and bring it into practice:

Are the student's needs met with reasonable, school-approved accommodations while meeting curriculum expectations?
Is there a strong and collaborative relationship between the school and the family?
Is the student taking full advantage of the available resources?
Is the student's self-esteem in a positive and healthy state?

Types of Learning Differences We Support

Castilleja considers all requests for accommodations needed by students with documented disabilities and conditions. We know that each student has a unique way of learning, which is why we are committed to creating a learning community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

To learn more about learning differences, please visit understood.org to find resources to help parents and students understand the terminology and context of all types of learning differences.

Accommodations at Castilleja

Castilleja’s accommodation plans are based on the recommendations listed in the student’s documentation. Any approved accommodations must be appropriate for a college-preparatory environment. Castilleja does not permit modifications to the curriculum.

Accommodations include (but are not limited to):

Extended time on assessments (time and one half)
An alternative classroom in which to take examinations (whenever possible)
The use of a basic four-function calculator during examinations
The use of a computer during examinations and class lectures
Permission to use audio versions of readings and text
Use of assistive technology devices and software
Permission to take additional breaks
Consultation with the Learning Specialist on organization, planning, self-advocacy, learning strategies, and technology for academic support

FAQs

What Is the Process for My Child to Request School-Approved Accommodations?

To maintain a fair and equitable process for providing accommodations, Castilleja requires the following(all four criteria must be met):

Students must have documentation of their diagnosis or medical condition by a qualified professional.
Documentation must be current: learning or attention differences diagnosed within the last three to five years and medical or mental health conditions diagnosed in the previous year.
Documentation must demonstrate an academic limitation or interference.
Recommended accommodations are justified based on the impact of the diagnosis.

If a Castilleja student has documentation that meets the above criteria, their parents should make an appointment with Castilleja’s Learning Specialist to initiate the process for requesting academic accommodations.

Next, our Learning Specialist (and Counselors, in the case of mental health conditions) will meet with families to discuss the documentation and learn more about the student’s educational experience. After the initial meeting, our Learning Specialist may gather additional input for the formal accommodation plan, which may involve connecting with the student’s teachers, consulting with an outside provider(s), communicating with the evaluating professional, and/or observing the student in class. Next, our Learning Specialist will share a formal Castilleja accommodation plan with the family and student and meet with them to explain how each accommodation can be provided.

How Can I Request Accommodations?

If your child has a documented disability or medical condition or a possible learning difference

Please make an appointment with our Learning Specialist to initiate the process of requesting academic accommodations. Even if you are unsure if your child will need accommodations, it is helpful to consult with our Learning Specialist.

If your child is struggling in any of their classes despite strong effort and preparation, there may be a reason to investigate their learning profile through an outside psych-educational evaluation. Our Learning Specialist is available to consult with families to discuss pre-referral strategies along with the pros and cons of going through this type of evaluation.

What is the Process for Securing Accommodations on College Board (PSAT, SAT, and AP)?

The organizations that administer standardized tests have stringent criteria for approving accommodations. Students who qualify for accommodations at Castilleja may not be eligible for the same accommodations during these tests.

Before a student can take any of the College Board exams (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, SAT, or AP) with accommodations, they must request the accommodations from and be approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities. Usually, such requests are made through Castilleja, making the process easier and more efficient. More information can be found on the College Board website.

Castilleja’s Learning Specialist will contact students with formal accommodation plans to initiate the process of applying for College Board accommodations. Please contact the Learning Specialist if you have any questions about when to request accommodations for College Board exams.

Before a request for accommodation can be submitted, the student’s parent or guardian must sign the Parent Consent Form and provide the signed form to the Learning Specialist. Next, Castilleja’s Learning Specialist submits the required information and requested accommodations.

The College Board will review requests for accommodations and send a “Decision Letter” within two to seven weeks. If accommodations are approved, the decision letter will provide test-by-test details and the student's eligibility code, which is needed for SAT registration.

If accommodations are not approved, the decision letter will explain the College Board’s rationale and any additional information needed to re-apply for accommodations. Castilleja’s Learning Specialist will coordinate with students and families to review the decision letter and determine the next steps.

What is the Process for Securing Accommodations on the ACT?

ACT, Inc., the organization that administers the test, is separate from the College Board and their application for accommodations is also completely different. The most important distinction is that the student must first register for the ACT in order to request accommodations.

Please watch this linked walkthrough video of the registration process so that students can request accommodations.

After you register for the ACT, you will receive a confirmation email with information on the next steps to take to request accommodations. Please forward this email to Castilleja’s Learning Specialist. The parent/guardian will also need to provide Castilleja’s Learning Specialist with a completed Consent to Release Information to ACT (PDF) form. Next, our Learning Specialist will submit the accommodation request to ACT, Inc. Requests must be submitted before the late registration deadline for each ACT test.

The ACT, Inc. will review requests for accommodations and send a “Decision Notification” within ten business days. If accommodations are denied, you can ask the ACT to reconsider a request by working with Castilleja’s Learning Specialist to submit additional documentation to support the requested accommodations.

ACT Special Testing at Castilleja

Castilleja cannot administer Special Testing for all of the testing windows. You must coordinate with the ACT (319-337-1332 or email actaccom@act.org) to find an alternative testing location if your child wants to register for an ACT during one of the Special Testing Windows not offered at Castilleja.

The following months are the only times when Castilleja will administer the ACT through Special Testing.

September (Seniors Only)
February
June
July