At Liberty Christian School in Huntington Beach, we believe that every child is made in God's image and designed uniquely for His purposes. Through our L.E.A.R.N. Academy, we provide specialized support for students with learning differences within a nurturing Christian environment.
Personalized Christian Education for Diverse Learning Needs
This distinctive program empowers students from kindergarten through 12th grade to achieve academic success while developing their God-given potential.
What Makes L.E.A.R.N. Academy Different?
The Liberty Educational Advancement Resource Network (L.E.A.R.N.) Academy stands apart from other special needs programs through its integration of:
- Biblical foundation - Recognizing each child's unique design and purpose
- Academic excellence - Providing accommodations without compromising standards
- Personalized approach - Tailoring support to individual learning needs
- Mainstream integration - Including students in general education with appropriate support
- Spiritual nurturing - Developing the whole child spiritually, emotionally, and academically
As our program foundation verse states in Colossians 1:10: Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you LEARN to know God better and better.
Meet Our Director: Jannette Martes
Jannette Martes brings over 20 years of experience working with special needs students to her role as L.E.A.R.N. Academy Director. With a Master's degree in Special Education, she provides expert leadership and passionate advocacy for students with learning differences.
Mrs. Martes feels blessed that God has given her a ministry of working with special needs students and their families for over two decades. She is a motivated teacher and counselor who provides support in a positive environment, adept at working within students' limitations while helping them achieve attainable goals. Her specialty is teaching and working with students with neurological and emotional issues.
Mrs. Martes also serves as Liberty Christian's Vice Principal, College Advisor, and Jr/Sr Bible & Academic Dean, ensuring that L.E.A.R.N. Academy students receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.
Our Approach: Meeting Each Student Where They Are
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy follows a clear framework that guides our educational approach:
Lead
We lead students toward academic success through:
- Identifying specific learning challenges
- Developing individualized learning plans
- Setting achievable goals with appropriate accommodations
- Celebrating progress and achievements
Equip
We equip students with the tools they need by:
- Providing specialized academic support
- Teaching effective learning strategies
- Building study skills and organizational techniques
- Developing self-advocacy capabilities
Advocate
We advocate for each student through:
- Coordinating with classroom teachers on accommodations
- Facilitating parent-teacher communication
- Identifying and accessing appropriate resources
- Ensuring students receive needed support services
Resource
We resource students and families by:
- Acting as a liaison for special services
- Connecting families with relevant community resources
- Providing parent education and support
- Offering specialized learning materials and technologies
Navigate
We help students navigate their educational journey by:
- Monitoring progress in mainstream classes
- Adjusting support as needs change
- Preparing for transitions between grade levels
- Planning for post-graduation success
Comprehensive Support Services
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy offers a range of accommodations and services to support students:
Academic Accommodations
- Note-takers and scribes for students who struggle with written output
- Audio books and texts for reading challenges
- Extended time on tests or assignments
- Oral testing alternatives
- Assignment modifications when appropriate
- Preferential seating arrangements
- Chunking material into manageable segments
Specialized Support
- Reinforcement in reading and math skills
- Executive functioning development
- Study skills instruction
- Test-taking strategies
- Organizational techniques
- Self-advocacy training
Monitoring and Coordination
- Regular progress monitoring in mainstream classes
- Teacher coordination to ensure consistent accommodations
- Parent-teacher communication facilitation
- Ongoing assessment of effectiveness of supports
- Adjustments to accommodate changing needs
Program Goals: Empowering Student Success
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy is dedicated to achieving specific goals for each student:
- To MEET THE NEEDS of each student spiritually, emotionally, and educationally
- To ENABLE STUDENTS to be successful in mainstreamed classes with accommodations and/or modifications
- To GIVE CONTINUING REINFORCEMENT in reading and math skills
- To MONITOR THE STUDENT in mainstreamed classes
These goals guide our approach, ensuring that students receive the support they need while being challenged to reach their full potential.
Partnership with Parents
A key component of the L.E.A.R.N. Academy's success is our strong partnership with parents. We recognize that parents are essential partners in their child's educational journey, and we work closely with families to ensure consistent support.
Our L.E.A.R.N. Academy Handbook emphasizes that parental support is expected through continuous follow-up of the student's work at home. Parents must demonstrate the necessary "behind the scenes" support in order for their student to remain in the program.
This partnership includes:
- Regular communication about progress and challenges
- Home reinforcement of skills being developed at school
- Participation in creating and updating individualized learning plans
- Collaboration on strategies that work best for each student
Enrollment and Investment
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy is available to students from kindergarten through 12th grade who have been diagnosed with learning or emotional challenges. Our goal is to provide support in the least restrictive environment possible.
There is an annual fee of $2,200 for grades K-12 for support services within the L.E.A.R.N. Academy, in addition to regular tuition. This investment provides specialized support that enables students to thrive in a Christian educational environment.
The enrollment process includes:
- Completing the L.E.A.R.N. Application
- Providing current diagnostic information or IEP documentation
- Meeting with the L.E.A.R.N. Academy Director
- Determining appropriate level of support needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of learning differences does the L.E.A.R.N. Academy support?
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy works with students who have various learning and emotional challenges, including but not limited to: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, processing disorders, and mild to moderate emotional challenges. Each student's needs are evaluated individually to determine if our program can provide appropriate support.
How is the L.E.A.R.N. Academy different from public school special education services?
While public schools provide excellent services for many students, the L.E.A.R.N. Academy offers the unique combination of specialized academic support within a Christian educational environment. Our program addresses not only academic needs but also spiritual and emotional development, with a focus on each student's God-given purpose and potential.
Do L.E.A.R.N. Academy students participate in regular classes?
Yes! Our goal is to include students in mainstream classes with appropriate accommodations and supports. The level of inclusion depends on each student's individual needs and abilities. The L.E.A.R.N. Academy staff works closely with classroom teachers to ensure successful integration.
What is the teacher-to-student ratio in the L.E.A.R.N. Academy?
The L.E.A.R.N. Academy maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention. Support may be provided through pull-out services, push-in classroom support, or a combination of approaches, depending on student needs.
Take the Next Step
If you're seeking a Christian education that can accommodate your child's learning differences, we invite you to explore the L.E.A.R.N. Academy at Liberty Christian School. Our dedicated team is committed to helping each student discover their identity in Christ while developing the skills they need for academic success.
To learn more about the L.E.A.R.N. Academy or to schedule a consultation, please contact our admissions office today. We look forward to partnering with your family to support your child's educational journey!