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 Team.
• For PEC Kindergarten (K5) students:  
  • Results of an Early Intervention Screening indicate a learning challenge.
  • A formal diagnosis is not required.

The SLS Team 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. 

1.    Initiating the Eligibility Process 

• The parent contacts a school administrator with concern of or documentation of a disability that results in an educational deficit.
• PCS or PEC staff identify a student who may need additional support and notify a school administrator.
• The results of our Early Intervention screening indicate that the student is at risk for academic skill deficits that require targeted intervention.

2.    SLS Team Meeting

• The SLS Team, including a PCS administrator, SLS staff member, and other PCS/PEC staff as appropriate, meets with the family to review the student’s academic progress, current documentation, and to discuss potential next steps. 

3.    Potential Next Steps 
The SLS Team may recommend: 

• Further classroom strategies or outside services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, tutoring) that are outside the scope of Student Learning Services.
• SLS placement if the student meets criteria (see “Who is Eligible for SLS”). 

4.    If the Student Is Deemed Eligible for SLS 

• Services may begin with SLS staff during school hours.
• The family must submit a current (within the last 3 years) educational and/or cognitive evaluation (3rd-12th grade). This evaluation must clearly demonstrate an educational deficit, be conducted by a PCS-approved provider, and be updated every 3 years. Diagnoses from general medical practitioners do not meet eligibility requirements without accompanying educational testing.
• An Academic Discipleship Plan may be developed outlining the student’s disability, SLS placement, accommodations, academic support, and other relevant information. 
   

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:

•    Early Intervention (Kindergarten-2nd Grade): Students receive small-group skills-based intervention targeting foundational areas of need to proactively address learning gaps early and build strong academic foundations. 

•    Targeted Support (3rd-6th Grade): Targeted Support is adjusted by grade level as students mature in their learning needs. Services in grades 3-4 focus on strengthening skill deficits related to a student’s disability, while grades 5-6 shift toward coaching students in learning strategies, organization, and use of accommodations. 

•    Test Accommodations (7th-12th Grade): Students receive accommodations for classroom assessments as needed and learn to advocate for themselves by communicating their needs to teachers.  

•    The Pleroma School: PCS students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities follow a modified academic and graduation track that allows for inclusion and meaningful participation in school life, while supporting each student’s God-given potential.