Academic Support for Students

We offer a range of academic supports as students develop proficiency, including Special Education services, tutoring, and a Summer Academy for students in grades K-5.

Special Education

Our Special Education services are based on an inclusion model in which special educators support students in their regular classes and provide extra assistance through a resource period. Services offered include instruction in reading, writing, and math for students who struggle in these areas.

Special Education services are provided by a special educator, a speech and language therapist, and an occupational therapist. To access these services, students must be diagnosed with a specific disability as determined by Paul Cuffee School’s multidisciplinary Special Education Team.

Tutoring and Other Support

In addition to Special Education, PCS offers a range of other academic support services, including after-school tutoring, Saturday School, and English Language Learner supports for students whose first language is not English. In addition, all students have a study period with instruction that may focus on a particular content area, offer enrichment experiences, or general study assistance.

After-school tutoring is available four days a week and includes content area tutoring and computer lab time. Saturday School runs every Saturday for students who need to make up work to reach proficiency in particular classes as part of a work contract, and for students who have missed school. Summer supports vary depending on the needs of our students, and can include summer work contracts, tutoring, and summer mini-courses.

Lower School Summer Academy

Paul Cuffee Lower School (grades K-5) offers a two-week Summer Academy for students who are at risk for regressing or losing key skills during the summer months. During these two weeks, students receive intensive support in mathematics and literacy. Differentiated instruction is tailored to each student’s unique learning style and modalities. Summer Academy staff are passionate about making learning fun and engaging, closing achievement gaps, and building the confidence and self-esteem of each student.

Title 1 Funding

Title 1 is a program created by the United States Department of Education to distribute federal funds to schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. Funding is made available to Paul Cuffee School each year to provide support in literacy, math, and other areas for students who need extra help to reach proficiency. Title 1 also funds our tutoring and our Summer Academy.

 

PCS BY THE NUMBERS

Average Class Size: 20
Current Enrollment: 820
Students of Color: 96%
Female Students: 51%
Male Students: 49%
Free/Reduced Price Lunch Eligibility: 82%
Multi-Language Learners: 19%
Students Receiving Special Education Services: 13%
Total Employees: 168
BIPOC: 45%
Female Employees: 75%
Male Employees: 25%