ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Venerable Lejeune Program for Students with a Cognitive Impairment
“As pleased as we are with the academics, the religious aspect is the highlight of the program. Going to Mass twice a week and being around other faithful students helps us raise our son to be a good Catholic in this society. We are very happy this opportunity presented itself for our son and pray that it can benefit many more students.”
—Joe and Julie Humphreys, Parents of Lejeune student, Luke ’28
The Lejeune Program
The Venerable Lejeune Program is an inclusion program designed for students with a cognitive impairment. The program enables students to earn a certificate of completion within the authentic Catholic community at FGR.
The program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. Students in the Lejeune Program participate in general education classes along with a peer mentor and also work with the Lead Teacher, Mrs. Liz Shafer, who designs the curriculum to incorporate additional academic content, life skills, and virtue education.
Profile of a Venerable Lejeune Program Student
- Reading and math skills are at a 1st-4th grade level
- Can follow class routines, instructions, and policies with the support of a peer mentor
- Has independence in eating, toileting, dressing, and personal care
- Would like to receive an authentic Catholic education at Father Gabriel Richard High School
Sample Daily Schedule
Post-Certificate of Completion Options
There are several post-secondary options for students who receive a Certificate of Completion in the Venerable Lejeune Program at FGR. These opportunities include post-secondary inclusion college programs, vocational schools, continued special education services at a local district through IDEA, or entering the workforce.
Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors are upper classmen who are selected and trained to support each Lejeune program student in their general education classes. A peer mentor is assigned to each student during each class period the Lejeune participant joins in a general education course. The mentor is there exclusively to provide guidance and support for the Lejeune participant during that course. Mrs. Shafer supervises and provides ongoing training for peer mentors. Each peer mentor spends one semester with the Lejeune participant, getting to know him or her and understanding and providing for their learning needs. This approach allows general education students an opportunity to develop a deep relationship with the Lejeune participant and practice servant leadership.
Students interested in becoming peer mentors reach out to their counselor during their junior year to be considered for their senior year. Those selected attend a day-long training provided by the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame Program for Inclusive Education in South Bend, Indiana.
Admission Requirements and Documentation
- Family interview
- The most recent educational testing, no more than three years old
- A current IEP/ISP or ICEP
- Completed application: A completed application is required for consideration for the Lejeune Program. (Please click here to begin, selecting the form for the Venerable Lejeune Program.)
- Transcript from current school
- “Shadow” Day at Father Gabriel Richard High School
Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact the Venerable Lejeune Program Lead Teacher, Liz Shafer at lshafer@fgrhs.org.