The John E. Browning, S.J., '46, Learning Center represents Saint Peter's Prep's commitment to providing a more structured environment in which students who learn differently can receive the learning support they need to succeed at Prep and beyond. Founded in the Fall of
2007, the center was created through a generous grant by the William E. Simon Foundation and from the donations of Prep parents and benefactors.

The Browning Center is staffed by learning specialist Ms. Elizabeth Benedict, and is supported by Vice Principal Ms. Mary Durante.

The Browning Center staff serves Prep students with identified learning differences. The goal of the program is to provide support for continued development of skills and to increase each student's understanding of his learning strengths and needs as he becomes his own advocate. The students are fully integrated into the academic life of the school.

The Browning Center is equipped with study carrels, desktop computers, laptops, classroom textbooks and reference materials, study guides, and test preparation books and materials for SATs and ACTs. Also, a library of resource books and materials for teachers is available.

Students are scheduled for two or three academic periods per cycle. These visits are scheduled for a time when students would otherwise have a free period in their day; thus, they do not miss any of their regularly scheduled classes. Some students choose to schedule themselves before or after school or during their lunch period. Students meet with Ms. Benedict in groups no larger than four students,although the more typical number is two or three. Student interaction with Ms. Benedict is highly individualized.

Saint Peter’s Prep is extremely grateful to the William E. Simon Foundation for its commitment to this important initiative, which is allowingtalented young men who learn differently to not only survive at Prep, but to thrive in this school’s rigorous college preparatory program. Support from the Simon Foundation has enabled Prep to offer financial aid to those students of need who wish to participate in the Browning Center.

For more information, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Benedict at benedicte@spprep.org or 201-547-6467

The John E. Browning, S.J., '46, Learning Center is named for the late Father John Browning, Prep's former principal, student counselor, religious studies teacher, track & cross country moderator, and Higher Achievement Program founder/director. Father Browning had a special love for Prep's students, and it is in his memory that the learning center program has been dedicated.

The William E. Simon Foundation supports programs that are intended to strengthen the free enterprise system and the spiritual values on which it rests: individual freedom, initiative, thrift, self-discipline and faith in God. William Edward Simon was a businessman, a Secretary of Treasury of the U.S. for three years, and a philanthropist.