Unique Students, Specialized Services
Each student comes to Girard with specific and individualized needs. To meet these needs, Girard provides a variety of support services to ensure our students can meet their full potential.
Student Support Services at Girard College
Each student comes to Girard with specific and individualized needs. To meet the diverse needs of our students, Girard’s Student Success Team offers a comprehensive range of support services aimed at helping every student reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. The team is composed of licensed clinical social workers, behavior support specialists, academic counselors, and a Family Engagement Coordinator, all led by the Director of Student Success.
Grounded in a Whole Child approach, the mission of the Student Success Team is to provide coordinated, wraparound services that empower students to thrive—both at Girard and beyond.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
At Girard, we prioritize the success and wellbeing of every student through a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This structured, collaborative framework provides tiered interventions that promote academic achievement, positive behavior, and social-emotional development.
As part of this model, Girard offers both individual and group counseling to support students in several key areas:
- Academic struggles – helping students build motivation, manage academic stress, and develop effective study habits and organizational skills.
- Behavioral challenges – addressing self-regulation, impulse control, and positive decision-making.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) – supporting students in developing emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships.
These counseling services create safe, supportive spaces where students can receive personalized attention and guidance tailored to their needs.
In addition to counseling, we provide targeted academic interventions such as reading and math support, delivered by trained interventionists using evidence-based strategies. Our goal is to close learning gaps, build confidence, and accelerate progress. Girard also offers related services including speech therapy and occupational therapy to support students’ communication, sensory, and motor development needs.
Our MTSS framework reflects Girard’s deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic education—ensuring that every student has the opportunity and support to thrive.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Partnership
Through our partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Independence Blue Cross, Girard offers on-campus access to high-quality mental health services. CHOP’s School Based Mental Health Program collaborates with our Student Success Team to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.
In addition to direct services, this partnership enhances our ability to provide timely resources and education to students, families, and staff—further strengthening our community’s ability to support social-emotional growth and behavioral wellness.
Family & Caregiver Engagement
We believe that student success is deeply rooted in strong school-family partnerships. Our Family and Caregiver Engagement programming fosters open communication and collaboration between school and home. Through events, workshops, and regular outreach—including our Family Engagement Association (FEA)—we create opportunities for families to be active partners in their child’s academic and personal development.
When families are engaged, students benefit emotionally, socially, and academically. Together, we create a nurturing “home away from home” where all families are valued members of the Girard community.
