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

At Christopher Columbus High School, we are dedicated to supporting the academic success of every student. All requests for accommodations are managed by Ms. Denise Ramirez, who works closely with families to ensure students receive the support they need. Our on-staff Learning Specialists, Ms. Betty Vinson and Ms. Stephanie Fernandez, collaborate with the administration to develop and implement personalized learning plans, ensuring compliance and providing the necessary resources for students with unique learning needs.
 
Educational Support Includes:
  • Coordinating curriculum development to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities
  • Reviewing psycho-educational evaluations and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and serving as a liaison between students and teachers to ensure proper execution of accommodations
  • Collaborating with department heads and teachers to support curriculum implementation
  • Observing students in classroom settings, as requested by teachers, to provide guidance on best practices
  • Meeting regularly with designated student groups to address academic challenges and concerns
  • Maximizing support for students by utilizing all available resources, such as study hall and peer tutoring, offered by Columbus
 
Guideline & Accommodation Requests
All requests for accommodations must include a recent (within the last three years) psycho-educational evaluation or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). These documents, along with the request, should be submitted to Ms. Denise Ramirez. Accommodations cannot be granted without the 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 3 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
  • Photo of Stephanie Fernandez

    Ms. Stephanie Fernandez 

    Learning Specialist
    ext.

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.
Christopher Columbus High School has been selected as a 2024 Cognia School of Distinction and is fully accredited by Cognia, as well as a member of the Marist Association of Secondary Schools, the National Catholic Education Association, and the Independent Schools of South Florida.