Optimal Learning Program

The Optimal Learning Program (OLP) provides students with mild learning differences an opportunity to fully participate, contribute and excel in the classroom. Students who are enrolled in the OLP are provided with the necessary accommodations to be empowered and reach their fullest academic potential.  Any student requiring accommodations at ACS Athens must be enrolled in OLP. Modifications are not offered at ACS Athens. 

The Child Study Team (CST), consisting of the school’s Principal, the K-12 Counseling-Psychologist, the Counselor(s), the OLP Specialist and the OLP Coordinator, plays a vital role in ensuring students are supported academically and socio-emotionally. This team also determines which programs offered by the school will most effectively meet the students' needs and will provide opportunities for them to reach their goals. The OLP Specialist works closely with teachers to differentiate the students' curriculum and adjust their learning experience to suit their individual needs.

A full battery of psycho-educational assessments, (either administered by in-house, or non ACS Athens based psychologists), must be completed prior to enrollment in the OLP. Based on the findings and subsequent report, standards and goals are set according to the individual needs of the referred student and are reflected through the Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Effective strategies are developed by the OLP Specialist and are shared with all teachers working with each student. OLP offers four types of support (OLP Class, OLP Consultation, Individual Support Plan (ISP) and Inclusion).

OLP Class takes the place of an elective course in students' schedules and meets three times a week for 65 minutes, like any other course block. Students enhance their academic skills and work towards goals, outlined in the student’s ILP. Small group instruction and cooperative learning activities are incorporated to complement their learning abilities. OLP Class, serves as a support service designed to provide students with tools and strategies tailored to their unique needs.

OLP Consultation is an intermediate level of support, through which students are supported during 20 minute weekly check-ins with the OLP Specialist.

Students in Individual Support Plan (ISP) have no contact with the OLP Specialist, yet they have access to all accommodations listed in their current psychoeducational report.

OLP realizes the importance of addressing all students' needs in the classroom, and supports faculty with differentiated instruction strategies and content delivery through the Inclusion Model. This model is effective in pairing a special education teacher with a content area teacher. This model aims to reach a greater number of students in the mainstream classrooms.

For new students: enrollment in OLP Class, OLP Consultation or Individual Support Plan (ISP) is determined by the OLP Coordinator and OLP Specialist, and recommended through the Admissions letter.

For returning students: enrollment in OLP Class, OLP Consultation or Individual Support Plan (ISP) is determined by CST, and recommended to parents. Enrollment transfers to the next academic year, unless changes in support are recommended by CST.