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King David, reflecting on how God created him, wrote, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139:14

Student Learning Services (SLS) exists in recognition of the truth that every child is created in the image of God, with inherent dignity and purpose. In His sovereign design, some students are uniquely gifted with learning differences that affect how they process information, acquire knowledge, and demonstrate understanding. These differences may include, but are not limited to, learning, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities.

SLS works in partnership with established PCS and PEC families and their children with learning differences to support their academic journey within the context of a classical Christian education. Our mission is to equip these students with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to engage meaningfully in the rich, rigorous learning environment of the classical classroom, and to grow into all that God, in His providence, has called them to be. 

 

Liz Henderson, Student Learning Services Director 
lhenderson@prov-cs.net

Who is eligible for Student Learning Services?

Children of established PCS and PEC families are eligible for Student Learning Services (SLS) according to the following:

  • For students in grades 1–12 at PCS:  
    • The student has a documented disability that adversely affects educational performance;
    • The student requires specialized support beyond what is provided in the classroom setting; and
    • The student is deemed eligible by the SLS Admissions Council.
  • For PEC Kindergarten (K5) students:  
    • Results of the Search & Teach screening indicate a learning challenge.
    • A formal diagnosis is not required.

The SLS Admissions Council bases eligibility decisions for grades 1–12 on a documented disability adversely affecting educational performance, along with the school's ability to provide effective support within the scope of the program. 

Student Learning Services (SLS) Eligibility Process for grades 1–12 at PCS
  1. Referral Initiation 
    The eligibility process begins in one of two ways:
    • The classroom teacher has implemented and documented multiple in-class strategies to support the student but determines that additional support is necessary, and refers the student to SLS; or
    • The family provides recent, comprehensive diagnostic testing indicating a disability that adversely impacts the student’s educational performance.
  2. Review by the SLS Admissions Council 
    The SLS Admissions Council—composed of the SLS Director, an SLS teacher, the student’s classroom teacher, and the principal(s)—reviews the referral or documentation. The Council will determine one of the following next steps:
    • Recommendation of Additional Strategies: A meeting is held with the parents, classroom teacher, and an SLS staff member to discuss further classroom-based strategies or supplemental support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, academic tutoring, or other interventions outside of the scope of SLS.
    • Eligibility Determination: Confirm that the student meets the criteria for SLS based on submitted information and observed educational needs.
  3. If the Student Is Deemed Eligible for SLS: 
    a. A formal meeting will be scheduled with the parents, classroom teacher, an administrator, and an SLS teacher to determine the appropriate tier of support for the student. 
    b. The family must submit all required documentation.

*Note: For PEC Kindergarten (K5) students, the process begins with a teacher referral and a Search & Teach screening, given parental consent. A diagnosis is not required. Early intervention services are offered based on screening outcomes.  

Student Learning Services Offerings

Student Learning Services (SLS) offers several branches of academic support designed to serve a range of learning needs within the framework of a classical Christian education:

  • Tiers of Support (Tiers 1–3): 

    Students receive appropriate classroom accommodations and, if needed, academic intervention. They are held to the same academic standards as their grade-level peers  

  • The Pleroma School: 

    For students with more complex learning needs, this branch offers a modified academic track while still promoting inclusion and meaningful participation in school life.

  • Early Intervention (Kindergarten): 

    For K5 students showing early signs of learning challenges, this branch provides small-group foundational support using the Search & Teach program.

     

    Tiers of Support and The Pleroma School details
     

"When we received our child's diagnosis, we felt terrified and alone.  If we would have had to leave PCS, our family would've felt even more isolated.  Thanks to PCS and their desire to minister to the whole family, we were able to keep our child at the school we know and love.  With SLS, she was given the extra help she needed, but most importantly, she was given love, hope, encouragement, and understanding, which she needed as much as the academic assistance!"

 

"Student Learning Services has been a true blessing in my daughter's life.  It gave her the tools to overcome the challenges of dyslexia and, most importantly, helped her grow in confidence - a gift we believe came through God's grace.  We are deeply thankful to Providence for providing this incredible support and for the lasting impact it has had on her journey."
 

Enrollment 2026-