Learning Support
Program Overview
Riordan offers students in the RSP a tiered structure of support to meet their individual needs, with flexibility as the student moves through the college preparatory curriculum. A designated faculty coordinator for each Tier facilitates communication between students, faculty, and parents about accommodations, grades, and other aspects of academic life.
At Archbishop Riordan High School, we appreciate and celebrate the diversity of learning styles.
Since 1994, the Resource Specialist Program (RSP) has served students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning disabilities, helping them succeed in Riordan's rigorous college-prep curriculum and prepare for academic careers beyond high school. For close to three decades, the program has been a national model for students with learning differences.
In addition to developing individual strategies for academic success, the program uniquely teaches students to become advocates for themselves in the classroom, among their peers, and in the community. Receiving support from the RSP is just one aspect of a student's Riordan experience, which is also filled with athletics, activities, community service opportunities, and friendships.
The core philosophy of RSP is that students can receive accommodations to support the way they learn without modifying the curriculum in any way.
For additional questions about the program and financial aid specific to the RSP, please contact:
Ms. Stephanie Lundin
Director of RSP
slundin@riordanhs.org
415-586-8200 ext. 373
How to Apply
In addition to Archbishop Riordan's regular online application, students interested in applying to the RSP must submit a recent (within three years) psycho-educational evaluation that shows a diagnosis of a mild to moderate learning disability, NVLD, ADD/ADHD, or any OHI.
If you need to get an updated evaluation for your student, please see this document for more information.
After submitting your application, you will receive further instructions regarding the RSP admissions process including a supplement and group interview in January.
RSP Fees
Tier 1 - $6,000
Tier II - $10,000
Tier III - $22,000
Tier 1:
For students who primarily need testing support and homework help.
This college-style "drop in" support program is designed for students with strong advocacy skills. The goal is for all students, regardless of what tier they start in, to move to Tier 1 before graduation.
Tier 2:
For students who need both academic and testing support.
This moderately structured program emphasizes executive function, reading, writing and testing support for students with language-based learning differences and/or attention issues.
Tier 3:
For students who need intensive, individualized academic and testing support.
This heavily structured support program has the same emphasis as Tier 2 but takes place in a smaller group format and with more oversight from an instructor. This includes 1:1 tutoring during the school day by certified staff and social skills support as needed.
RSP Courses
In their first and second years, Tier 2 and 3 students take courses designed specifically for individuals in the RSP: two UC-accredited English courses with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio taught by instructors with extensive experience in special education. For students in need of math support, there is also an Algebra Booster course. Beyond these courses, students follow the regular academic curriculum.
POD Classes
RSP also includes a structured study group called a POD that uses specific interventions to help students in their area of need. The overall goal of the POD class is to not only provide students the time, space, and support to do the things that have always been difficult for them, but also give them the tools to effectively use the things that come easily to them in an academic setting. POD instructors help students get organized, create an academic plan, and follow through on that plan. This may be include homework help and test prep, developing study skills, or specific divisional needs such as SAT/ACT practice. Students in Tier 2 have one POD class, while students in Tier 3 have two POD classes every day. Tier 1 students have no RSP classes.
POD classes are flexible to allow students to get support as needs arise, and most importantly, are structured for students to cultivate relationships with other learners and derive strength and inspiration from their fellow classmates.
Goals of PODs Include:
- Students will be able to articulate their own academic strengths.
- Students will be able to articulate their in-class and testing accommodations and explain how and why those accommodations support their specific learning difference.
- Students will be able to identify and use specific planning and execution strategies to make a plan for completion that reflects their learning style.
- Students will be able to articulate what it means to have a growth mindset and resources that work for them.
Riordan's RSP is a lifeline to students with learning differences who want to succeed.
RSP Parent
Self confidence. The importance of that is immeasurable and that is what the RSP program at Riordan has given my son.
RSP Parent
Recent College Acceptances for Students in RSP
Catholic University
CSU Monterey Bay
Lewis & Clark
Morehouse College
San Diego Christian College
San Francisco State
San Jose State
Santa Clara University
St. Mary's College
UC Berkeley
University of Arizona
University of San Francisco
Washington State
Partners & Resources
Children’s Health Council
Riordan partners with the Children’s Health Council (formerly PEN), a coalition of parents, educators, students, and community members, to empower and bring academic success to students with learning and attention difficulties.
UCSF Dyslexia Center
The UCSF Dyslexia Center is a world-renowned research institute located in San Francisco. Leaders here use an interdisciplinary approach to understand dyslexia and develop best practices to promote the strengths and potential of each individual.
The Space
Students have access to the RSP Lab on campus where they can meet with staff, take tests, and receive help with research projects, term papers, and other coursework. These classrooms are designed with the needs of a student with learning differences in mind, and they are equipped with the latest technology to aid learning.
Meet The RSP Staff
The highly-trained educators who work in Riordan’s resource program are committed to the success, growth, and progress of all students throughout their high school careers. An RSP student has access to multiple qualified support staff members from the moment he walks in the doors until 4:00 pm every day. Also, the staff meets with all RSP families at least three times a year and are always available for email or phone questions.
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