The Benilde Program is for students with a diagnosed learning difference. The program encourages students through a variety of individually designed activities to become thoroughly familiar with their own learning styles. Once students understand how they learn best, they can then begin applying strategies that work best for them in the classroom and while doing homework. Concurrently, the instructors of the Benilde Program work with the St. John’s faculty to help them understand each student’s learning style and the related implications for classroom practices.

Benilde students are mainstreamed and participate fully in the co-curricular life of the school. The students are not grouped together in one single class, they attend regular classes. Benilde students have a scheduled resource period for extra assistance and skill-building to enable them to progress in the college preparatory program at St. John’s. Benilde students meet daily with a teacher in the Benilde Program in a small group of 6-8 students. Each group of students works on an individual or group activity of relevance to those students.

Benilde students do not take a foreign language during their freshman year. Beginning their sophomore year a Benilde student must enroll in foreign language courses.