Departments
Special Education and the Intensive Support Program
At Loretto College School, we are proud to be a warm and inclusive school where students with exceptionalities are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive. Our Special Education Department is deeply committed to helping each learner reach their full potential by creating a positive, student-centered environment rooted in dignity, respect, and care.
Using a blend of best practices, differentiated instruction, and responsive supports, we ensure that every student with special needs has access to meaningful learning opportunities. For each student, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed to outline their academic goals, accommodations, and preferred learning strategies, grounded in their unique strengths and needs.
Students are supported by a dedicated Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), who works closely with them, their families, and classroom teachers to monitor progress and adjust supports as needed. Our inclusive classes are designed to foster success, with instructional, environmental, and assessment accommodations that promote credit accumulation and personal achievement. The Resource Room is always available as a quiet, welcoming space for one-on-one or small group support, help with assignments or tests, access to technology, or personalized coaching in learning skills and self-advocacy.
Students with a Gifted designation also have access to enrichment opportunities, including leadership roles, mentorship, and participation in our STEAM program, encouraging them to stretch their thinking and explore their passions in new and exciting ways.
Our ultimate goal is to help every student build confidence, grow in independence, and successfully transition from high school to their chosen post-secondary path—prepared, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams.
Intensive Support Program (ISP)
At Loretto College, our Intensive Support Program (ISP) provides a nurturing and individualized learning environment where students with exceptionalities are supported with care, dignity, and high expectations. ISP teachers deliver personalized academic and adaptive skill instruction based on each student’s IEP, with a focus on independence, integration, and successful post-secondary transitions.
The program supports learning in areas such as functional academics, life skills, culinary arts, social communication, physical education, mindfulness, and the arts. Vocational training is central, with in-school and community work experiences tailored to student interests and guided by transition plans beyond high school.
Students are active members of the school community, participating in classes, lunch, assemblies, liturgies, clubs, and special events. With appropriate modifications, they may also join academic classes and have full access to shared school spaces.
We use evidence-based strategies and assistive technology—including Smart Boards, iPads, and learning software—to enhance instruction. Learning is hands-on and experiential, with opportunities such as weekly cooking classes, grocery shopping, the Sowing & Growing program, in-school boutiques, transit training, and local excursions.
At Loretto College, we believe the most powerful learning happens through real-world experience. Our ISP students are encouraged to explore their potential and grow with confidence in a caring and inclusive community.
Resource Room
The Resource Room is available to individuals or groups of students in Special Education who need accommodations such as assistance with assignments or tests. These students ask their regular classroom teachers to use the Resource Room for a quite space to work, to use the computers for writing or editing assignments and projects, and to access one-on-one or small group re-teaching of concepts/curriculum.
A SERT is available in the room to see students for extra support during the school day; if arranged ahead of time, students may also drop in on their lunch, before or after school.
Gifted Program
A wide variety of enrichment activities are available to students at Loretto College Secondary. Students are given the opportunity to challenge themselves through the Math, Science and Technology Program.