At St. Mary School, we believe every child can succeed when provided with the right tools, strategies, and support. Our Resource Program is grounded in the belief that learning differences should not be barriers to achievement—but opportunities for personalized growth.

A School-Wide Commitment to Inclusive Learning

St. Mary School is proud to be a leader in providing targeted, supplemental support that goes beyond core instruction. We are working to become a flagship school in the South Bay for serving a broad spectrum of learners through evidence-based instructional practices and collaborative support systems.

Orton-Gillingham Training for All Educators

In an exciting step forward, all of our core teachers will complete Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Level training by the 2025–2026 school year. This course equips our educators with powerful techniques to support students with reading and writing challenges.

While OG is traditionally used in special education settings, our decision to train all core teachers is a unique and forward-thinking move—allowing every student to benefit from structured, multisensory literacy instruction within the classroom.

What is OG?

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a structured, multisensory, and personalized way to teach reading, writing, and spelling. Originally designed for students with dyslexia, it benefits all learners by making literacy instruction clear and accessible.

Explicit – Direct, clear instruction
Multisensory – Uses sight, sound, touch, and movement
Structured & Sequential – Lessons build on prior knowledge
Diagnostic & Flexible – Adjusted to meet student needs

How Will This Impact Your Child?

  • Supports all types of learners learners with research-backed strategies
  • Builds confidence & understanding in literacy

OG helps struggling readers and strong readers improve their skills.

Tiered Support & Individualized Services

Our resource specialist is a certified Associate Level Orton-Gillingham Educator and a trained Educational Therapist. She provides Tier 3 services and coordinates Learning Support Plans (LSPs) for students with learning, medical, or behavioral diagnoses. These plans are created in partnership with families, teachers, and specialists to ensure consistency and success.

Early Detection

We provide screening and learning identification for all students.

“We believe that early reading support and diverse teaching methods set the stage for lifelong success, empowering every child to reach their full potential.”

– Reading Support Teacher

Additional Support Services

  • Academic Prep Program: Available to students in grades 5–8 with a relevant diagnosis, our opt-in small group program builds skills in time management, organization, planning, and study habits.

  • On-Campus Counseling: In partnership with the Bill Wilson Center, we offer weekly on-site therapy sessions during the school day, now expanded to two days per week to better meet student needs.