Christopher Columbus High School

A Catholic School for Young Men in the Marist Tradition since 1958
Academics

Learning Support

Services for Students With Special Needs

As part of our commitment to help students achieve academic success, Christopher Columbus High School has an on-staff Learning Specialist who works closely with families whose children have unique learning needs. All requests for accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Columbus’ Learning Specialist Ms. Betty Vinson, who works in partnership with CCHS administration to ensure appropriate compliance and follow through with special learning plans are created for students in need.
 
Educational Support Via:
  • Coordinating curricular development for students with varying exceptionalities
  • Reviewing all psycho-educational evaluations and Individual Educational Plans (IEP) and acting as liaison between students and teachers to assure that all accommodations are being appropriately executed
  • Working along with department heads and teachers to assist in the implementation of curriculum
  • Observe students in classroom settings based in teacher’s request to help with appropriate practices
  • Meet regularly with students of designated groups to address academic issues and concerns
  • Provide the maximum level of support for students utilizing all resources (study hall, peer tutoring, etc.) provided by Columbus
 
Guideline & Accommodation Requests

All requests for accommodations must be accompanied by a recent (within 3 years) psycho-educational evaluations and Individual Educational Plans (IEP). The assessment and the request should be sent to Ms. Betty Vinson. Accommodations will not be granted without submission of professionally administered assessments.

Desmond Family Success Center

Guided by the Marist Brothers of the School, the Desmond Family Success Center serves as a cross-area initiative that meets the evergrowing needs of our diverse student body. Our mission is to cater to the whole student through all-inclusive wraparound services, which equip our students with the necessary skills, resources, and support to become young men of character in the classroom and the community.
 

CONTACT:

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Beatriz Vinson

    Ms. Beatriz Vinson 

    Director, The Desmond Family Success Center
    ext. 2231
  • Photo of Denise Ramirez

    Ms. Denise Ramirez 

    Test Accommodations Coordinator
    ext. 2296

What to Expect

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman Year

    Making the transition from middle to high school can be an exciting, albeit intimidating process. Often times the student body at Columbus is larger, and some Explorers feel lost. For others, the surroundings might be the same, but the academics are challenging and the expectations are much higher.

    We advise all Columbus students to explore everything and not to worry about college admission outcomes just yet – this way their passions are more personal and not just for a college application down the road.

  • Sophomore Year

    Sophomores will hear about the PSAT/Pre-ACT and will need to prepare. Both tests give you a good gauge to see where each Explorer stands before junior year.

    During sophomore year we also start to introduce Explorers to different types of colleges, as well as what colleges look for to evaluate whether applicants are a good fit.
     

  • Junior Year

    Junior year is a decision and planning period. Each Explorer should be thinking about and getting a head start on college applications, which will be here before you know it.
      
    PSAT results are known and each Explorer should start to sign up for the SAT/ACT.  It is important to schedule the first SAT early enough to take it more than once if needed.

  • Senior Year

    Senior year is action time. This is the year each Explorer will apply and be accepted to colleges! 

    College Applications
    The summer before senior year, we ask the each Explorer start gathering his application materials. In the fall, he should start asking teachers for recommendations, and finalizing paperwork and transcript with the Center for College & Career Guidance.

    Testing
    If you’re not happy with your SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Test scores, take the tests one final time in fall!
Christopher Columbus High School | 3000 SW 87 Avenue | Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 223-5650
Brotherhood, Faith, and Scholarship define the Marist Brothers Catholic education at Christopher Columbus High School.  By making Jesus Christ known and loved and creating an inspiring academic and extracurricular environment, we prepare young men for higher learning and a life-long commitment to leadership and service through Gospel and Marist values.

Columbus is fully accredited by Cognia and is a member of the Marist Association of Secondary schools, the National Catholic Education Association and the Independent Schools of South Florida.