Atlanta Catholic Schools Expand Program Supporting Students with Learning Differences
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If you’ve ever watched your child navigate school systems that seem designed for everyone but them, you know the ache of wanting more options. You’ve probably wondered whether faith-based schools could offer the understanding and flexibility your family needs. That instinct is worth following – Catholic schools across Atlanta are actively building programs to welcome children who learn differently, proving that inclusive education and strong academics can absolutely go hand in hand.
TL;DR
Atlanta's Archdiocese is expanding its Open Doors program from two pilot schools to twelve locations supporting students with reading, writing, and math differences.
Six students across five schools currently participate with modified curricula, with all sixteen archdiocesan schools expected to eventually offer support services.
The program provides individualized accommodations including adjusted vocabulary, reading levels, and instructional pacing through trained facilitators.
This expansion reflects a national trend of Catholic schools developing specialized programs that welcome students with diverse learning profiles.
Families interested in the program can contact Director Lisa Cordell to learn about available supports and enrollment options.
Open Doors Program Expands Across Atlanta
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is significantly expanding its Open Doors initiative, growing from two pilot schools to twelve schools that will support students with reading, writing, and math differences, as well as autism and speech-language needs. The program, which launched under former superintendent Diane Starkovich, provides individualized accommodations and curriculum modifications while keeping students integrated in their school communities.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. He made each of us uniquely in his image,” said Lisa Cordell, Director of Open Doors and former principal at Our Lady of the Assumption School. Currently, six students across five archdiocesan schools participate with modified curricula, with plans for all sixteen schools to eventually offer support services. Trained facilitators work with students to adjust vocabulary, reading levels, and instructional pacing based on individual needs.
Atlanta’s expansion reflects a broader shift happening in Catholic education nationwide. Dioceses from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. are developing specialized support programs, with many schools adopting research-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham instruction for students building reading skills. For families who value faith-based education, these developments mean no longer having to choose between their values and their child’s learning needs.
Understanding how children process language differently has become central to these programs. The science is clear: with appropriate instruction, children who read differently can develop the same neural reading networks as their peers. Schools like St. John Neumann in Lilburn are proving this daily, where students receiving accommodations also thrive in activities like student council and yearbook – demonstrating that learning differences never limit a child’s potential for leadership and creativity.
Author Quote"
God doesn’t make mistakes. He made each of us uniquely in his image.
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What This Means for Families
For parents considering Catholic education, Open Doors offers a promising model. Students qualify for support across a range of learning profiles including reading differences, handwriting challenges, math processing differences, and attention regulation needs. The program’s facilitators work directly with classroom teachers to ensure accommodations are implemented consistently throughout the school day.
While school support is invaluable, consistent practice at home accelerates progress dramatically. Brain research confirms that targeted, daily exercises – even just five to ten minutes – create measurable changes in reading circuits. Parents don’t need to wait for school programs to begin strengthening their child’s skills. The combination of school accommodations and home-based skill building creates powerful momentum that benefits children in ways either approach alone cannot match.
Key Takeaways:
1
Program Expands to Twelve Schools: Atlanta's Open Doors initiative is growing from two pilot locations to twelve Catholic schools, bringing individualized learning support to more families across the archdiocese.
2
Faith and Inclusion Work Together: Catholic schools are demonstrating that strong academic standards and accommodations for diverse learners are fully compatible, opening doors for families who want both.
3
Home Practice Amplifies School Support: Parents can strengthen their child's skills at home with targeted daily exercises, creating powerful synergy with classroom accommodations.
Building Toward Broader Inclusion
The Archdiocese’s commitment to expanding Open Doors to all sixteen schools signals a fundamental shift in how Catholic education approaches learning differences. Rather than viewing accommodations as special exceptions, schools are recognizing that varied learning profiles are simply part of the diverse tapestry of any student body. This mindset change matters as much as the practical supports themselves.
For families wanting to understand their child’s unique learning profile, a comprehensive analysis can identify specific strengths and areas for skill development. Whether your child is thriving with school accommodations or you’re still searching for the right fit, knowing exactly how your child’s brain processes information empowers you to advocate effectively and support their growth at home. The Open Doors program demonstrates what’s possible when schools and families work together with a shared belief in every child’s potential.
Every child deserves an education that sees their potential rather than their struggles, and parents know their children better than any diagnostic label ever could. Programs like Open Doors prove what’s possible when institutions commit to developing skills rather than sorting students into limiting categories. Too often, families face a system designed around averages rather than individuals – one that offers accommodations as exceptions rather than recognizing that varied learning profiles are simply part of human diversity. If you’re ready to stop waiting for a system that wasn’t designed for your child, the Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan – and you keep that plan even if you decide it’s not the right fit. Your child’s brain is capable of remarkable growth, and you have the power to support it.
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