Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

Exceptional Student Education

At Christ Classical Academy, we believe that every child is wonderfully made in God's image. We believe every child deserves to flourish academically, spiritually, and personally within our classical Christian learning environment, and that includes children with learning differences.

Each student in the program has individualized goals tailored to their unique needs in the domains of communication, social interaction, academics, behavior, and independent functioning. These goals are developed collaboratively by the special education teacher, general education teacher, and parents to ensure they align with the student’s strengths and challenges. Goals are implemented across a variety of settings, including individual, group, and inclusive classroom activities, allowing students to practice and generalize their skills in meaningful ways.

Progress is carefully monitored through ongoing data collection, and the team works collaboratively to adjust strategies as needed ensuring that each student’s growth is celebrated and supported. This approach reflects Christ Classical Academy’s commitment to honoring the God-given dignity of every child and equipping all students to flourish academically, socially, and spiritually within the body of Christ.

Three levels (tiers) of services are offered in the Christ Classical Exceptional Student Education program. Placement is decided upon by the IEP team (special education teacher, general education teacher(s), parents, and student).

Tier Descriptions

Tier 1

Cost: $16,000

Students at the Tier 1 level are on usually on grade level or slightly below grade level and need instructional support to progress, which requires collaboration between the special education teacher and general education teacher. Accommodations are provided through differentiated assessment where students can show their skills in various ways. These students need specialized instruction or behavioral approaches to be successful, but do not require an additional paraprofessional support at all times. Parents receive progress reports for IEP goals on a quarterly basis.

Tier 2

Cost: $20,900

Students at the Tier 2 level are performing at least 1-2 grade levels below and/or have behavioral difficulties that require additional support beyond the classroom management plan. For these students, ongoing planning and collaboration is needed, often requiring an additional paraprofessional support. Curriculum content may be modified as appropriate to teach the same concepts that the general education class is learning, but through differentiated instruction and evidence-based practices. Parents receive progress reports for IEP goals on a monthly basis.

Tier 3

Cost: $27,800

Students at the Tier 3 level are typically significantly below grade level in one or more academic and/or behavioral areas, which requires individualized instruction and/or behavioral approaches throughout the school day. Students at this tier level need carefully planned lesson development and specific techniques to deliver instruction within the context of the general education classroom. The content is related to the general education classroom curriculum but may also focus on instruction for independent functioning, social and communication skills.