Helping students learn with confidence
Every student learns differently. ELCA’s MERIT Program (Multi-faceted Educational Resources and Instructional Technology) provides targeted academic support for students with identified learning differences, helping them become confident, capable, and increasingly independent learners.
Students remain engaged in ELCA’s grade-level, college-preparatory curriculum while receiving support designed around their individual learning needs.
MERIT services are not traditional tutoring or specialized instruction. Some students may benefit from additional tutoring outside of the MERIT Program.
We're ready to partner with you
We believe students thrive when families, teachers, and support specialists work together.
Our desire is to equip each student with the tools, confidence, and perseverance needed to experience success in the classroom while continuing to grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
It is a privilege to partner with families as we prepare students to impact the world for Christ.
Support designed for the student
MERIT works alongside students, families, and classroom teachers to create a more complete picture of how each student learns best.
Depending on the student’s needs, support may include:
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Individual learning profiles and intervention plans
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Classroom accommodations and academic support
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Collaboration with classroom teachers
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Regular progress updates for parents
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Parent and teacher conferences
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Coordination with outside evaluations and IEP meetings
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Direct, indirect, or comprehensive student support
Students must be able to meet the curriculum requirements of their grade level.
STARS | Grades K–2
Strategies Targeted at Reading Success
STARS helps young readers strengthen foundational literacy skills using an approach based on Orton-Gillingham principles.
Through structured, multisensory learning, students develop skills in:
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Phonemic awareness
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Phonics
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Vocabulary
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Fluency
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Reading comprehension
Students use sight, sound, touch, and movement to make stronger connections between letters, sounds, and words.
Average Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
FACS | Grades 3–5
Fluency and Comprehension Skills
FACS provides focused reading support for elementary students who need additional help developing strong reading processes.
Students work within ELCA’s grade-level standards while strengthening fluency, comprehension, and confidence across subject areas.
Small class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualized support based on each student’s needs.
Average Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
GROW | Grades 3–5
Grasping Reasoning, Operations and Whole Numbers
GROW provides targeted mathematics support while keeping students aligned with ELCA’s grade-level curriculum.
Students strengthen skills in:
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Number sense
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Algebraic thinking
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Data and measurement
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Fractions
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Mathematical reasoning
Instruction incorporates additional review, practice, technology, and visual, auditory, and hands-on learning experiences.
Average Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
MERIT CLASSES
Middle & High School
MERIT classes provide middle and high school students with the opportunity to complete academically rigorous coursework in a smaller learning environment.
Courses may be available in:
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Math
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Science
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History
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Language Arts
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Foreign Language
Classes follow ELCA’s grade-level curriculum while incorporating embedded accommodations, alternative instructional methods, and application-based learning.
The goal is not simply academic success today, but helping students develop the strategies and independence they need for future success.
Average Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
Enrollment is limited and requires an identified learning need or teacher recommendation.
ARROWSMITH
Grades 3–Middle School
The Arrowsmith Program is designed to strengthen cognitive capacities connected to specific learning difficulties through individualized cognitive exercises.
Students may work in areas related to:
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Reading and writing
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Mathematics
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Comprehension
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Logical reasoning
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Executive function
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Visual and auditory memory
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Processing
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Attention
The program seeks to help students strengthen learning skills while growing in confidence, independence, and perseverance.
ELCA is currently the only school in Georgia offering the Arrowsmith Program.
SPEECH SERVICES
ELCA partners with an on-site private speech therapist who provides speech evaluations, therapy, and complimentary screenings for students.
Screenings may assess areas such as:
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Articulation
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Language development
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Fluency
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Communication skills
Families interested in speech services may contact Student Support Services for additional information.
Who Qualifies for MERIT?
Students receiving MERIT services must have an identified learning difference supported through an appropriate evaluation.
Areas of need may include:
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Reading
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Written expression
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Mathematics
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Receptive or expressive language
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Organization and executive functioning
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Attention
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Processing
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Speech and language
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Sensory or spatial organization
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Fine or gross motor skills
Students must continue to meet the curriculum expectations of their grade level. Before services begin, Student Support Services will review the student’s records and current evaluations to determine eligibility and the appropriate level of support.
Additional fees apply for students enrolled in Student Support Services programs.
