The Catherine Learning Program

Our Mission

At the heart of the Catherine Learning Program is the belief that every student has the ability to thrive when she understands her individual learning style and is given the tools to self-advocate, organize, and persevere.

The CLP helps students build:

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Executive functioning and organizational habits
Self-awareness and confidence

Through small-group instruction and close collaboration with faculty, the CLP nurtures the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—just as Catherine McAuley envisioned.

The Catherine Learning Program (CLP) is grounded in the enduring values of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, who believed deeply in the life-changing power of education—especially for those facing obstacles to learning and opportunity.

Is CLP for Your Learner?

Students who enroll in the Catherine Learning Program often:

Have diagnosed learning differences and benefit from guidance in using accommodations or educational supports
Need help with organization, time management, or prioritizing tasks
Benefit from structured support in completing reading, writing, or math assignments
Thrive with help managing academic stress and self-regulation
Are still developing the executive functioning and academic maturity needed to meet the demands of a rigorous high school curriculum

In the CLP, we walk alongside students as they develop the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to flourish—both at Gwynedd Mercy and in the future.

Inside the Program

The Foundation Course

Customized Ongoing Support

At the end of freshman year, each student—together with her family and the CLP Director—determines the best path forward:

Full-Time Support: Participation in the Foundations II course
Part-Time Support: Regular check-ins with learning specialists

Personalized support may include:

Academic progress monitoring
Creation of task lists
Organization of physical and digital materials
Breaking down long-term assignments
Preparation for assessments using effective study strategies
Positive reinforcement and emotional coaching

Each CLP journey is intentionally flexible, designed to grow with the student and provide the right level of care for lasting confidence and success. A minimum two-year commitment ensures the continuity and depth of this developmental process.

The Admission Process

Admission to the Catherine Learning Program is thoughtful and collaborative, designed to ensure the best fit for each learner’s needs.

Prospective families indicate interest in the CLP as part of the regular Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School application. After acceptance to GMAHS, students are invited to a secondary review process led by the CLP Director. Required documentation of a formal diagnosis includes one of the following:

A recent neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation (within 3 years)
A Multidisciplinary/Act 89 evaluation from a public school or intermediate unit (within 3 years)
A clinical or medical report from a qualified healthcare provider (within 1 year)
A parent meeting and/or student interview may also help to ensure a strong mutual fit.

The CLP is designed for students who are ready to engage in a supportive, skill-building environment as they develop the confidence and tools to unlock their full potential.

Please note: Interest in the CLP does not influence admission to Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School.

ADMISSION PROCESS

Meet the Director

Ms. Lisa Spleen, M.Ed.

Titles: Director of Catherine Learning Program

Email:

“The greatest reward is seeing a student find her confidence, embrace her strengths, and realize her challenges don’t define her. That transformation—the moments I'm privileged to foster—are why I do this work. That's Mercy."

- Lisa Spleen