Saint Scholastica Academy

A new division of Monte Cassino opening Fall 2027

Introducing St. Scholastica Academy

As a Benedictine school, Monte Cassino has always responded to the evolving needs of the greater Tulsa community while remaining rooted in our core values of community, hospitality, and a love of learning. We are proud to announce the opening of St. Scholastica Academy, an exciting extension of our mission that will provide bright students with language-based learning differences a scientifically based, specialized education designed to help them thrive.

A division of Monte Cassino, St. Scholastica Academy combines intensive, individualized instruction with the opportunities of a vibrant school community. Students will receive the specialized support they need while participating in athletics, electives, extracurricular activities, school traditions, and the relationships that make Monte Cassino unique.

St. Scholastica Academy reflects our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Who We Serve

Opening in Fall 2027, St. Scholastica Academy will welcome its inaugural class of bright, second- and third-grade students with a primary diagnosis of a language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia. Our program is designed for students who have the intellectual ability to engage with grade-level concepts but benefit from a different approach to learning. Benefitting from scientifically-grounded instruction, individualized support, and a nurturing school community, students discover that they can succeed—and love learning. The Academy may not be the appropriate setting for students whose primary needs are unrelated to language-based learning differences, who require behavioral, emotional, or therapeutic services beyond the Academy's scope, or whose educational needs exceed the staffing, programming, and support services we are able to provide.

What is Dyslexia?

Click here to listen to a TED talk by Kelli Sandman-Hurley to learn more about dyslexic brain function and the neurodiversity of the human brain.

Learning To Learn

All students need and deserve a solid foundation upon which they will continue to grow as lifelong learners. Early learning begins with ensuring students have a strong base of skills in reading, oral and written communication, and number sense and math concepts. As students master these base skills they develop strategies for using these skills to unlock meaning, to problem solve, and to begin systematic self-evaluation.

Our Goals

Close the gap between performance and potential.
Develop new neural pathways for reading, writing, and spelling.
Build a deep understanding of math concepts.
Foster a learning culture that is intellectually engaging and promotes curiosity, perseverance, resiliency, and a growth mindset.
Develop skills needed for critical thinking, independence, self-advocacy,  organization, planning, and time management.
Educate Monte Cassino faculty and families and the larger regional community about dyslexia and its lifelong impact by providing information, support, and resources.

Caitriona Harris, Head of St. Scholastica Academy and REACH

Every student deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and confidence that comes with reading and learning successfully. There is nothing more important than when a child knows, 'I can do this.'

Our Educators

Educators cultivate a joyful, supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow in confidence, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Our distinctive 5:1 student-to-educator ratio creates the individualized learning experience students need to make meaningful progress in language and literacy while building the confidence to thrive.

Academy educators are highly trained in scientifically-grounded, multisensory structured language instruction and multisensory mathematics. As Orton-Gillingham-trained professionals—the gold standard in dyslexia education—our educators provide explicit, systematic instruction tailored to each student's unique learning profile, empowering bright learners to achieve lasting success.

Curriculum

The Academy's schedule is designed for maximum literacy development. Students receive 4.5 hours of intensive language and literacy instruction each day and participate in electives and PE. Key components of the student’s schedule include:

Orton-Gillingham lesson
Oral reading practice
Independent reading
Written language instruction
Mathematics instruction
Religion and Humanities
Integrated STEM experiences
Arts (music, visual art) and physical education

Learn More About St. Scholastica Academy

Informational Session
July 30th, 2026 4 p.m.
Lower School Library
Click here to RSVP
Ms. Caitriona Harris will present an overview of the Academy's structure, curriculum and how your student will grow more confident and learn more every day.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Academy

List of 19 frequently asked questions.

Why is Monte Cassino opening St. Scholastica Academy now?

St. Scholastica Academy was created in response to a growing need in Tulsa and across Oklahoma for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. At Monte Cassino, we believe every child is uniquely gifted by God, and some students simply need a different approach to unlock their potential.
Building on the success of our REACH program and our commitment to innovation in Catholic education, St. Scholastica Academy expands our mission by providing scientifically-grounded instruction within a nurturing Benedictine community. Students will benefit from structured literacy, small class sizes, and individualized support while participating in the broader life of the Monte Cassino campus.
As we start our second century, the academy reflects our enduring Benedictine values of hospitality, community, and a love of learning—ensuring more students can experience the confidence, joy, and success that come from an education designed to help them thrive.
Who is St. Scholastica Academy designed to serve?
Students most likely to thrive at St. Scholastica Academy are those whose primary academic challenge is related to reading, language and auditory processing, written language, or other language-based learning needs, especially dyslexia, and whose needs align with the Academy's specialized instructional model. The ideal student profile includes:
- A diagnosis of dyslexia or another language-based learning difference
- Significant reading challenges requiring specialized instruction
- Intellectual ability to engage with grade-level concepts
- The ability to participate successfully in a structured classroom setting
- Strong family partnership and parental support
- A willingness to engage in intervention
- Social-emotional readiness for a small, collaborative learning environment
What is the admissions process?
Applying to St. Scholastica Academy will begin through Monte Cassino School's traditional admissions process and with assessments specific to the Academy. A family meeting is a critical component of the process. Success in the Academy depends not only on student readiness but also on strong alignment between the family's expectations, commitment, and educational vision and the Academy's instructional model. The admissions process is designed to ensure that each student admitted to the Academy is an appropriate fit and can benefit from the intensive support provided. Admission decisions will be made by Caitriona Harris, Head of St. Scholastica Academy and REACH in collaboration with the admissions team. The process:

1. Inquire – Begin the process by reaching out to Admissions to discuss your goals. Contact our team at 918-746-4238 to begin the admission process.
2. Application - Apply online at montecassino.org/how-to-apply. An application to St. Scholastica Academy requires:
- A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation conducted by a licensed psychologist is required by spring of 2nd grade and for all entering third graders. Components of this evaluation include cognitive, achievement, and adaptive testing, such as: WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children), WIAT (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test), WJII (Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement IV), and CTOPP 2 (Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing- 2^nd Edition)
- Teacher Recommendations
- Student Records – Report cards etc.
3. Campus Visit and Assessment - Once determined that placement is appropriate, the applicant is invited to spend a day at Monte Cassino. Students will spend time with peers experiencing our campus life after which St. Scholastica Academy teachers will assess reading, spelling, written expression, and math skills.
4. Decision - Upon completion of all above requirements an admission decision will be determined and communicated within three weeks.
What is the timeline for admissions decisions?

The Academy admissions cycle is aligned as closely as possible with Monte Cassino’s traditional admissions calendar. However, because the St. Scholastica Academy admissions process is slightly different, admissions decisions may be made throughout the year on a rolling basis, as qualified candidates complete the process. Upon completion of required documentation, evaluations, assessments, and meetings a decision will be determined and communicated within three weeks.
How are students taught at the Academy?
St. Scholastica Academy utilizes Orton-Gillingham principles and scientifically-grounded practices recognized as the gold standard for educating students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
The Academy is designed to provide intensive, systematic, explicit, and multi-sensory instruction to address students' literacy needs. The school day is intentionally structured to support language development, reading proficiency, written language growth, and confidence.
Structured Literacy is the foundation of the Academy's instructional program and includes:
- Phonological awareness and phonics
- Spelling
- Vocabulary development
- Morphology
- Fluency
- Oral reading
- Reading comprehension
- Writing
How will writing instruction be delivered?
Correct letter formation is addressed at all grade levels. Third-graders learn cursive. Written language instruction is an essential component of the Academy's program and occurs at least three times each week. Students receive direct instruction on:
- Handwriting
- Written expression
- Sentence construction
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Composition
What math intervention approaches will be utilized?

The Academy uses Monte Cassino's mathematics curriculum, incorporating supplemental manipulatives, visual models, and multisensory instructional strategies to support student understanding. Instruction emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and mathematical confidence.
What does a typical student schedule look like?
The Academy's schedule is designed for maximum literacy development. Students receive 4.5 hours of intensive language and literacy instruction each day and participate in electives and PE.
Key components of the student’s schedule include:
- Orton-Gillingham lesson
- Oral reading practice
- Independent reading
- Written language instruction
- Mathematics instruction
- Religion
- Integrated STEM experiences
- Humanities
- Arts (music, visual art)
- Physical education
- Students in the Academy do not participate in foreign language instruction. Instead, instructional time prioritizes literacy development and integrated STEM experiences.
How will Academy students interact with the rest of the student body?
A core component of the Academy is maintaining strong connections to the broader Monte Cassino community. Students will participate alongside Monte Cassino peers in:
- Specials (Art, music, PE)
- School-wide activities (pep rallies, field days)
- Community events (Octoberfest, performances)
- Faith formation (weekly Mass)
Will students receive speech-language or occupational therapy?

Students receiving outside speech-language or occupational therapy services may schedule those services during the school day when appropriate, at parents’ expense.
How will student's progress and growth be measured?
Students receive continuous feedback and encouragement throughout every lesson, allowing them to make corrections, strengthen skills, and build confidence in the moment. Teachers closely monitor each student's progress during instruction, providing immediate guidance and adjusting pacing, practice, and support based on individual learning needs. This responsive and individualized approach helps students master concepts more effectively. Student growth and success will be measured through multiple data points, including:
- Classroom performance
- Progress monitoring data
- Reading fluency measures
- Reading comprehension measures
- Written language samples
- Benchmark assessments
- Standardized assessments
How is St. Scholastica Academy different from Monte Cassino REACH?

St. Scholastica Academy is a separate division within Monte Cassino that serves students with language-based learning differences who require specialized instruction delivered through a dedicated educational model.

REACH is a program that supports students who need accommodation, intervention, and additional support within the traditional classroom setting.
How many students will you be accepting?
The target enrollment for the inaugural 2027–2028 school year is 20 students. This intentionally small launch allows St. Scholastica Academy to establish its instructional model, refine systems and processes, and ensure a high-quality educational experience for students and families. The Academy's subsequent growth model is intentionally phased:

2027–2028
- One second-grade class of 10 students
- One third-grade class of 10 students
- Total Academy Enrollment Capacity: 20 students
2028–2029
- Addition of one fourth-grade class of 10 students
- Total Academy Enrollment Capacity: 30 students
2029–2030
- Addition of a fifth-grade class of 10 students
- Total Academy Enrollment Capacity: 40 students
Leadership will evaluate enrollment demand, student outcomes, staffing, facilities, and long-term strategic priorities to determine whether to add additional sections.
Who will lead the Academy?

Ms. Caitriona Harris is the Head of St. Scholastica Academy and REACH. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified in LETRS training.

In addition to providing leadership for the Academy, she will oversee admission decisions, student support services, instructional implementation, family communication, and ongoing program development. During the Academy's inaugural year, Ms. Harris will work closely with second- and third-grade Academy classroom teachers and their assistants to establish the Academy's culture, instructional model, and operational systems.
What qualifications and training will Academy teachers have?
St. Scholastica Academy is led by highly qualified educators with expertise in literacy instruction, dyslexia, and language-based learning differences. Teachers have:
- strong classroom experience
- a deep understanding of the Science of Reading
- structured literacy
- multisensory instructional practices
- experience working with struggling readers
Lead Academy teachers will pursue ongoing professional learning in scientifically grounded approaches, such as Orton-Gillingham and the Wilson Reading System, and pursue advanced credentials in dyslexia instruction.
How will the Academy be staffed?
A 5:1 student-to-adult ratio is the cornerstone of St. Scholastica Academy's instructional model, creating an environment where students benefit from individualized instruction, real-time feedback, ongoing progress monitoring, and close, supportive relationships with their teachers.

Each classroom includes
- One lead teacher
- One instructional assistant
- Approximately ten students
Additional support includes:
- Access to Monte Cassino counseling services
- Collaboration with outside providers such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists as needed at parents’ expense.
Where will St. Scholastica Academy be located on campus?

For Fall 2027 the St. Scholastica Academy classrooms will be located in the Lower School.
What is the tuition for the Academy?

Tuition for St. Scholastica Academy is $23,000 per year.
What financial aid will be available?
Yes. St. Scholastica Academy families will have access to Monte Cassino School's financial aid program. Financial aid applications will follow Monte Cassino’s current process and will be reviewed in accordance with established school policies and procedures.

In addition, families enrolled in St. Scholastica Academy may also be eligible to utilize a variety of educational funding opportunities to help offset educational costs and make the Academy more affordable for families, including:
- Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program
- Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship Program
- Go for Catholic funding opportunities
These resources may be combined when permissible.
The Admissions Office, along with Ms. Harris will assist families in understanding eligibility requirements and navigating the application process, particularly for programs such as the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship.

The business office’s goal is to ensure that qualified students have access to the Academy regardless of financial circumstances.

Monte Cassino Catholic School
2206 South Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74114
P. (918) 742-3364 F. (918) 742-5206