Philosophy
The Options Program at Eastside Catholic High School supports the belief that high school students with special needs deserve the opportunity, like their college-prep peers, to maximize their academic, social and spiritual potential.
The Options Program offers specialized language-based instruction to a small number of students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. Options courses are conducted in small groups and students’ academic performance ranges from second to sixth grade levels.
The program is unique because the curriculum focuses mainly on academic rather than vocational content; however it does include vocational experience through a careers class, field trips and life-skills math. Although the Options Program is not college preparatory in nature, it provides students with the confidence and skills to succeed in life after high school. Many Options students pursue continuing education opportunities at the community college level.
Student Profile
The Options Program is limited to 20 students and welcomes approximately five new students each year. The student-teacher ratio is 6-1.
Faculty Profile
The core subject areas are taught by five teachers who have experience working with special needs students. Three have Masters degrees. Two teachers are speech and language pathologists who hold Certificates of Clinical Competence from the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association.
Inclusion Opportunities
Students in the Options Program benefit from inclusion opportunities in elective courses such as theology, art, drama, music and PE. Some students, depending on skill level, may take other general education courses as well, including history, technology and science. College prep students have the opportunity to serve as peer tutors for Options students – an experience that many have described as life-changing.
Click here to read 2009 Options Graduate Alex Hartsell's perspective of his time here at Eastside Catholic from his speech given at the 2009 Senior Tribute.
Athletics and Activities
Options students are encouraged to participate in many all-school extra-curricular activities. Many participate in Special Olympics sports as well. A popular club for many students is the Circle of Friends. It is organized by college prep and Options students to encourage socialization and understanding within the broader school community.
Admission
To be considered for admission to the Options Program, students must meet the following criteria:
1. Be at least 14 years of age (entering freshman level). Students may enter the program as sophomores. They may choose to drop back to the equivalent of their freshman year if they wish to attend and it seems appropriate.
2. Demonstrate minimum levels of academic achievement which indicates success in past learning environments. These levels are assessed by the Options Program staff.
3. Be able to interact socially. Students must be able to initiate verbal expressions as well as respond to them.
4. Be able to initiate simple written expression.
5. Be able to work in group situations with a minimum of distractibility to themselves and to others.
6. Demonstrate an interest in the learning process (curiosity and motivation).
7. Show an interest in others and be able to relate in a positive fashion.
8. Provide past school records as well as copies of appropriate medical, psychological or educational evaluations, or treatment summaries.
9. Demonstrate the ability and willingness to participate in the rights and responsibilities of students as stated in the Eastside Catholic handbook.
For additional information about the application process, please contact Director of Admission Helene Wentink Johnson '85.