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At Holy Child, we value the uniqueness of every student. 

We believe that what makes each girl unique should foster joy in learning and exploration. Holy Child teachers are known for the individual attention they provide, and with the help of our Coakley Center for Innovative Learning, they connect our intellectually challenging and energizing college preparatory curriculum with each girl’s strengths and passions to bring out her best.  We promise that where you excel, we will challenge you—and where you need assistance, we will support you. 

Our curriculum offers challenging academics in every subject, while small classes allow teachers to know each student as an individual learner and provide personal attention. Our faculty continually implement research-based best practices shared through the Coakley Center. Hands-on experiences, independent projects and extracurricular opportunities enrich students’ learning beyond the classroom in countless ways. 

As our teachers work closely with students, they identify when additional support is needed. This could range from a walk-in session at the Writing Center or Math Lab to learning strategies courses for students with diagnosed learning differences. The goal is for all students to become independent learners who know themselves as learners and advocate for support when necessary.  

The Coakley Center offers professional development and education for faculty and administrators. It educates teachers on new research informing teaching and learning in and outside the classroom. It also partners with teachers in developing action plans and implementing accommodation plans. 

Recent seminars offered include: 

  • Reducing Testing Anxiety 

  • Preparing Students for Assessments 

The Coakley Center educates parents on new educational research and works with parents in recognizing their daughters’ strengths to help them reach their full potential. 

Recent parent seminars include: 

  • Strategies for Student Success 

  • Study Skills Workshop 

  • Navigating Accommodations for College Testing 

“The bold shift to comprehensively develop faculty who are competent in differentiated instruction, classroom management, and assessment has a more significant impact on positive academic and emotional outcomes for students than any other curricular initiative.” 
Erica Herro and Molly Bozzo,
Authors,“Neurodiversity and Differentiation,” Independent Teacher Magazine, Spring 2017 
 

 

Nicki Iadarola ’02, M.S. 

Head of Academic Support 

301-365-0955 x2230 

Nicki Iadarola majored in psychology at John Carroll University. Post-graduation, she worked as a learning specialist at St. John’s College High School in their Benilde Program. In 2009 she returned to Holy Child to help start a program for students with learning differences. She received her master’s degree in special education from Marymount University in 2018 and has recently become a Dyslexia Practitioner with Wilson Reading Program certification.  

All students take part in Holy Child’s college preparatory program. Through the Coakley Center we provide academic accommodations for students with ADHD and specific learning disabilities, allowing them to access the challenging academic curriculum.