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
Study skills and test preparation instruction
Time management and organizational system creation support
Development of perspective taking, communication & problem-solving skills
Check ins with ARC staff to monitor academic progress
Communication between teachers and ARC staff to help students prioritize assignments
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)
Academic resource center
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Resource Center FAQs
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.
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.
No. Students must take 3 consecutive years of the same language in order to graduate.
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).
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.
Academic Resources Center
Meet the ARC Team
Marilee Bennis
School Level:
Department:
Aimee Briglio
School Level:
Department:
Jennifer Fraser
School Level:
Department:
Julia Hurley
School Level:
Department:
Dr. Jeanne Vandenberg
Evaluations & Academic Support Coordinator
