Center for Academic Success
The Center for Academic Success at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School offers supplemental academic support and resources to all students. By providing professional development and consultative resources to faculty, as well as individualized student support through academic skill development and enrichment, the goal is to help build engaged, empowered learners.
The Center for Academic Success is staffed by the school psychologist and learning specialists. The psychologist coordinates the activities of the Center and reviews student evaluations and support services (e.g., Individual Education Plans, Section 504 Plans) to determine the need for support within our curriculum. Individual student education plans are created when disabilities are documented and accommodations are needed. In addition, the psychologist works school-wide with faculty, students, and parents to meet the social and emotional needs of our community.
Learning specialists collaborate with faculty and parents to assist students with the demands of a college preparatory curriculum, enhance student independence, and promote a positive partnership between school and home. They also work closely with faculty to develop a deeper understanding of each student’s strengths and challenges. Providing professional development and instructional resources are an integral part of the Center’s support services.
As the Center for Academic Success develops new programs, it will continue to focus on ways to support the school’s dynamic learning environment, spark new areas of interest, and help in the process of readying students for success in college.
*Note: Fees separate from SSES tuition are charged for the services provided by the Center for Academic Success.
Going into my senior year, I’ve been very well prepared for any academic challenge in front of me. There are so many activities to participate in, and Saint Stephen’s provides me with the kind of individualized learning and help that has made it such an outstanding experience.
-Evan Fruehauf, student
Saint Stephen's is truly a special place. You feel welcomed as soon as you enter the front doors. The level of education our children receive is outstanding. I feel safe just knowing they are there. The faculty and staff are very competent and caring professionals who treat each child as if they were their own. At Saint Stephen's, we are ONE big family!
- Nicole Rodhouse, parent
Saint Stephen’s has done a wonderful job of fostering the talents and ambitions of my two very different children. I love that everyone doesn’t have to
fit the same mold, but rather individuality is both celebrated and encouraged.
- Veronica Van Dyke, parent
The community at Saint Stephen’s is made up of families that all share something in common – we want the best education for our children, with the best
teachers. Saint Stephen’s provides that environment while creating a community for parents to share in the experience.
- Karen and Mark Liebel, parents
Knowing that a great education was the best gift we could give our then 4-year-old daughter, we researched schools in Bradenton and Sarasota and determined Saint Stephen’s was the best. Over the past 11 years, we’ve watched her grow academically and socially under the guidance of the teachers and administrators at our school. It was the wisest investment we’ve ever made.
- Whitney Glaser, parent
Both of our children have thrived at Saint Stephen's. Connor (a junior at Brown Univ.) was very prepared to attend
an Ivy League school. Caitlin, an Upper School student, also loves the engaging learning environment. Saint Stephen's has been our children's second home for many years. Even now, when Connor comes home, he goes to campus to visit his former teachers.
- Vera Lynch, parent
Saint Stephen's was one of our best investment decisions, and it's still paying dividends.
- Dana and Miles Gentry, parents of alumni
Each of my Saint Stephen's teachers served as my counselor/advisor, all genuinely concerned with my individual growth, education and aspirations. This unique community of support continues today, with faculty members working in tandem with more traditional counseling personnel (and College Guidance) to best serve the students.
-Dr. Anum Ahmed, Class of '06
