Admissions Process

Students apply for admission into the Catherine Learning Program at the same time they apply for admission to Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. In addition to the regular admissions process, the following is required for consideration into the program:

•New student admission to the program is based upon students' past academic achievement, current academic goals, and diagnostic testing (*see provided list), as well as contact information of an educator familiar with your daughter’s learning needs and the parent(s).

•Internal admission is based on student progress and is assessed by the CLP Director in conjunction with teachers and administration as they make placement recommendations for the following academic year.

The following admissions form is intended for current GMAHS students only.

Admissions Form

Admissions & Enrollment

Application

Acceptance to Gwynedd is required first.
CLP applicants for the Class of 2026 should refer to the admissions application for next steps.
Teacher/educator reference information is provided on the application.
Interview with parents/guardian and student will be conducted.
All students accepted to the CLP are required to maintain Gwynedd academic standards outlined in the student handbook.

Acceptable Forms of Documentation

One or more of the following that has been completed within three years of the CLP application. Documentation must be updated and maintained throughout HS.

A recent neuropsychological or psycho-educational evaluation that provides clear evidence of a specific learning disability and/or learning difference with suggested reasonable educational supports in school.
Achievement: The results, including standardized scores and grade equivalents, of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV) or the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). Either must be accompanied by a thorough interpretive report by the qualified evaluator.
Alternate achievement assessment will be considered with the approval of the Director of the Catherine Learning and GMAHS Administration. Both numeric scores and a narrative report, which interpret a perceived or diagnosed learning disability, are required.
Audiological and/or visual screenings including suggested reasonable educational supports.
A clinical or medical report that contains the diagnosis, full DSM, along with an explanation of tools that were used to determine the diagnosis, the date of determination, and suggested reasonable educational supports in school.

Cognitive Testing: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, (WAIS-IV), including index scores or the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability. -The WASI (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence) is not acceptable.

Enrollment

Student is required to exhibit a desire to learn and grow academically while demonstrating a seriousness of purpose and willingness to implement strategies assigned by the Learning Specialist
Student has CLP learning support class rostered. This is a Pass/Fail course annually that the student will earn one credit per year.
The Learning Specialist will collaborate with all parties involved ensuring your student is academically supported. These parties include: Administration, Teachers, Parents, and Tutors
Supporting documentation for admittance to the program must be updated (within three years) for
a) continuation in CLP
b) use of educational supports at Gwynedd; and c) request of accommodations for ACT or SAT.
Education supports offered for qualifying students at Gwynedd include: Preferential Seating; Extended time on assessments (50%); Use of Testing Room; Assistive technology (e.g. text to speech, audio books) with approval from Admin; and Other Accommodations - approved by Administration. It is Gwynedd’s policy that modifications to curriculum, assessments or assignments are not permitted or granted to any student.
Gwynedd Mercy High School shall at all times have the discretion to determine which, if any, educational supports are provided to students, and the time, manner, and duration of the educational supports that can be utilized with students. Additionally, while Gwynedd Mercy High School is able to provide some educational supports to students with mild learning differences, other students may require more intensive special education programming pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is not available at Gwynedd Mercy but is provided through enrollment and attendance in a public school district.
All students in CLP will adhere and follow all student regulations outlined in the Gwynedd Student Handbook.

Catherine Learning Program

Catherine's Legacy