Rio Lindo Academy just added a new dimension to its academic program. This fall, two teachers, Jenny Schmidt and LeAnn Gariepy opened their classrooms specifically to students who tested below grade level in math and language skills.

Teachers limited the learning resource classes to 12 students so they can provide the one-on-one attention and instruction that students need to get caught up to their grade level. “To identify which students can best benefit from the learning resource program,” said Gariepy, “we looked at each student’s academic history as well as scores from a standardized test given at the beginning of the school year.”

In addition to the specific curriculum, Gariepy and Schmidt track all students on a weekly basis to assure they are making the progress they have planned. This kind of personalized attention plays a big roll in the success of the program.

Students from Applied English III/IV are especially thankful for this type of academic assistance. “This class has helped me to become a better student,” said a Rio senior. “It will help me pass English for the first time during the actual year. I really enjoy this class because it gives me confidence and momentum to do better in all of my other classes.”

Part of the enjoyment of this type of learning resource comes from a teaching style that goes “at a slower pace and in a relaxing way,” said another Rio senior.

“It is a great class for students who like to have a small class and be able to talk to the teacher when they are confused without having to wait for 20 other people,” said a classmate.

Rio Lindo Academy offers the learning resource classes with help from Commonweal Foundation in the form of a grant. Commonweal also provides the Pathways to Success Scholarship for financially challenged families. The financial help makes a difference for students who may get overlooked in the academic world. Schools that receive this grant money must offer a placement test to all entering students to evaluate the needs of every new student. Grades and test scores help to determine a student’s eligibility for entrance into the program.

“It is hard for me to express what this program means to me,” says Schmidt, the program director. “It offers solutions where before there were questions. It has given me the opportunity to nurture students who are so grateful for someone to recognize their need. I can’t imagine doing anything else that could give me this much satisfaction.”

By Karen Nicola, marketing and recruiting director for Rio Lindo Academy.