Boston College High School’s Academic Resource Center (ARC) is available to all BC High students. The ARC is a venue where students can study quietly, collaborate with each other on assignments, or check in with a staff member about strategizing study and executive function skills. The staff in the Academic Resource Center help students to develop the organization, time management, self-advocacy and study strategies necessary to become more successful and independent in high school, college and beyond.
Supports provided by the ARC include:
Setting personal goals and objectives
Teaching self-advocacy skills
Instruction in organization, time management, study skills, test preparation, etc.
Support with creating and utilizing a specific time management/organization system
Social Emotional discussions and planning
Check ins with ARC staff to monitor academic progress
Communication between teachers and ARC staff to manage student strategy and workload
Peer tutoring with National Honor Society Tutors
Creation of accommodation plans for students with documented learning challenges who have submitted appropriate and comprehensive documentation to the ARC ahead of time
Coordination of neuropsychological evaluations through public schools or private practices
Coordination of testing accommodations for standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, AP and ACT exams).
These services complement the academic support students are given by their individual teachers.
The ARC is located in the Corcoran Library, opposite the Hyde Center for Global Education and is open daily from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Academic Accommodations
BC High offers a demanding college preparatory program that welcomes all learners. Students with documented learning disabilities qualify for reasonable academic accommodations through the creation of an individualized BC High Student Support Plan. BC High does not modify curriculum, assignments or expectations.
Possible Academic Accommodations provided by BC High in the classroom include:
Seating – preferential seating (nearest the point of instruction)
Testing – up to 1.5 x for in-class BC High assessments only
Reading – Students may have access to audio books through Learning Ally
Writing – Use of computer as defined by specific and diagnosed learning needs (i.e. dyslexia, dysgraphia). Written tests may be done on a word processor evaluated on a case-by-case basis contingent on diagnosis
Math – calculator use based on documented diagnosis and need
For academic accommodations to be granted, families must complete a request and submit written documentation supporting the need for accommodations. Appropriate documentation includes:
An active IEP or 504 from a previous school
Neuropsychological Testing completed within the last 5 years
Please note that having academic accommodations at one’s previous school does not guarantee that BC High will honor or provide the same supports. When making determinations about academic accommodations, we take into consideration the resources we have available to our student body, and our ability to successfully implement specific academic supports.
Students with academic accommodations through a Student Support Plan have the option of assigned ARC sessions according to individual student schedules. Designated ARC times are treated as a class with mandatory timeliness and attendance. The goal of these sessions is for students to access scaffolding and gradually gain mastery in both self-advocacy and independence. The ARC staff focuses on strategic skill-based strategies rather than traditional course content tutoring.Students are encouraged to communicate directly with their teachers and attend consultation hours, or make an appointment to meet with their teachers for extra help with specific course content.
Meet the ARC Team
The Academic Resource Center Staff includes:
Marilee Bennis – Supervisor of Learning Enhancement – [email protected]
Should I share my son’s IEP, 504, neuropsychological evaluation, or ADHD diagnosis during the admissions process?
Yes! The Enrollment Office will share this documentation with the Academic Resource Center team, who have training in Special Education, accommodations, and academic evaluations. Many students with learning challenges can be successful at BC High. Sharing this information allows families and the ARC to discuss accommodations and assess if BC High can offer appropriate supports.
Will BC High follow my son’s IEP/current Special Education program?
No, “Special Education” refers to legally-binding, individualized learning programs and services, usually in a public school setting. BC High can often support students who have been in Special Education, but we do not offer the same services. The ARC is not a Special Education program.
Does BC High offer a language waiver?
No. Students must take 3 consecutive years of the same language in order to graduate.
How many core classes do students take?
BC High students take 6 courses, which typically includes math, English, science, social studies, modern language, and religion. Students also take Health and Fine Arts (including Music, Art, and/or Drama).
Does BC High have tutors available?
The ARC coordinates the Peer Tutoring program in which students meet with an upperclassmen for a specific subject. Tutoring typically happens before or after school. BC High doesn’t employ tutors.
Prospective Families
Many students with learning differences can be successful at BC High with the supports we offer, but because each student’s needs and current academic environments are different, we encourage families to discuss these needs in more detail with the Enrollment Office.
