Patron History

Benilde Romancon was born at Thuret, France on June 13, 1805, and christened Peter. He studied at the Christian Brothers school at Riom and joined the Brothers in 1820, taking the name Benilde, after he had been refused two years earlier. He headed the Brothers' school in Billom, and in 1841, he founded a school at Saugues, where he spent the rest of his life. Saugues became a model school, and Benilde was known for his dedication, teaching ability and sanctity. He died at Saugues on August 13, 1862 and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1967. His feast day is August 13th.
                    - Catholic Online                                                  

Program Description
The Benilde Program offers students with learning differences the opportunity to succeed in a college preparatory high school. By using the results of a detailed psycho-educational evaluation, students receive instruction in specific study skills that are designed to help them succeed in the regular classroom.
The Benilde curriculum also covers recent brain research, learning theory and reasons for academic difficulties. Students are enrolled in regular courses at St. John’s and are not isolated from their peers. If qualified, students also have the option of taking honors courses.

The program has received national recognition. In 2000, the National Catholic Educational Association named St. John’s Benilde program as one of 15 national selected programs for Improving Catholic Education. Since its inception in 1998, the Benilde program has received area-wide acclaim for its designed curriculum for Catholic school students with learning differences. In addition, the program offers students the following supports: 

• Restructured course load: Students take one academic course over the summer, allowing for a lighter homework load during the school year. This also allows students to fit the Benilde class into their schedule, where they will work on study skills.

• Classroom Accommodations: Based on individual testing results, students can receive extra time on tests, textbooks on CD, assistance with note taking and several other specific accommodations.

• Foreign Language Assistance: Students who expect to find foreign language difficult may enroll in a specialized foreign language course. This course covers the same curriculum as other courses offered at St. John’s, however the teacher has received special training in working with students with learning differences.

• Consultation: Students and their families receive individual counseling and referral for outside support on issues related to their academic performance, such as the need for medication, treatment for depression or help with improving interpersonal skills.

• Teacher Support: Teachers receive information about the students in their class, and ideas for working with them effectively. Various teaching training in-services are offered. 

The ideal applicant to the Benilde Program: 

• Has a sincere interest in attending St. John’s College High School.

• Has attended Catholic elementary school.

• Has had a psycho-educational evaluation by a licensed psychologist, which indicates that the student has a diagnosed learning difference.

• Has demonstrated the ability to learn in a classroom of approximately 25 students.

• Can handle the demands of a college preparatory curriculum.

• Has demonstrated no emotional or behavioral problems that would significantly interfere with classroom learning.

• Is interested in taking responsibility for “learning how to learn."

The majority of students who participate in the Benilde Program have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or a specific learning disability. However, there are a variety of other conditions that can impact a student’s ability to perform well in school. We have worked with students who have other needs, including those arising from head injury, Tourette’s syndrome and epilepsy.

Accommodations
Accommodations are determined individually based on a student's psycho-educational evaluation. St. John's does not change the curriculum for a student, so no "pass-fail" options are available. We also do not decrease the homework load nor offer different assignments. In this way, parents, teachers, students and college admissions officers can be assured that the Benilde students are learning the same material as their peers.

Admissions Policies

Since there is a tremendous interest in the Benilde Program, parents should be aware that we give priority to applicants according to the following criteria: siblings of St. John's students, children of active alumni, oldest child in the family and all other applicants.

The criteria were established because St. John’s prides itself on being a family school. We give first priority to siblings since to allow families to have all of their children at one school. In giving second priority to active alumni, it encourages our graduates to remain active with the school and honors the wonderful legacy of our active alumni. By accepting oldest children next, we allow families to have the opportunity to enroll their children to a LaSallian school.

Because we do follow the criteria given above, it is highly unlikely that we would room have in the Benilde Program for younger siblings of students who attended other high schools. In addition, we do not accept transfer students to the Benilde Program.

For more information in the Benilde Program, it is highly recommended that you attend an information session given by Eileen O’Toole, Benilde Program Director. The information sessions are available throughout the fall, and a specific schedule can be obtained by contacting the admissions office at 202-363-2316, Ext. 1069.