Academic Resource Class (ARC)
The Academic Resource Class (ARC) is an elective support program for middle school students who benefit from targeted academic and executive functioning instruction. Grounded in Sacred Heart School’s mission and the touchstones of Faith, Community, and Academic Excellence, ARC provides a differentiated and inclusive learning environment that recognizes each student’s unique strengths, learning profile, and areas of growth. The program is designed to strengthen students’ access to the core curriculum while fostering independence, self-advocacy, and long-term academic success.
Program Framework
ARC follows a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and implements evidence-based instructional practices to support student achievement and growth. Student placement is determined through a comprehensive review of multiple data sources, including formal and informal assessments, educational psychological reports, Student Support Plans, and teacher and parent input.
ARC Support Structure
ARC services are tailored to meet individual student needs and may include:
- ARC Instructional Support
Students receive targeted academic instructional support and executive functioning skill development aligned to their learning needs. - ARC Instructional Support with External Collaboration
Student needs are supported through ARC instruction in coordination with outside academic or therapeutic services, with ongoing collaboration to ensure aligned strategies and consistent implementation across settings.
Academic Resource Class Classroom Video
Learn more about our incredible ARC Program by watching the video above!
ARC Team
Curriculum: The 4 Success Strands to ARC
1. Executive Skills by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare: The executive skills are the foundation or base to our everyday living and success. These 11 basic skills help us plan and organize events/activities, build confidence, establish strategies and reach personal goals. Students will self-evaluate and develop strategies to improve each executive strand.
2. Simply Study Skills by Barbra Stewart: This systematic program helps students gain control over his/her organizational skills and develop the foundation that provide a structure to understand how our brain learns. The Simply Study Skills program will reinforce multisensory instruction and help students find and utilize the best study strategies to maximize academic success.
3. Curriculum Support: Pre-teach and re-teaches core skills in reading, math and language. Supports learning methods, provides testing support and note taking skills along with material management support on a daily basis after school.
4. Risk Free Learning Environment: ARC is an elective class that creates a positive learning environment for students to take risks, ask questions, seek help and feel supported by peers and the teacher. This class provides more time for students to re-think, re-learn and master academic concepts. Most importantly, students learn to be an advocate and celebrate each other’s success as well as their own.
Middle School Resources for 2025-26 School year
- Middle School Procedures Checklist
- Middle School Class Resources (coming soon for the 2025-26 school year)
ARC Tuition
Tuition for the Academic Resource Class is $2,500 per student annually.