If you’re a parent who would Googles “schools for dyslexia near me,” make sure you read this article before deciding on the school.
“Schools for dyslexia near me” is a search term many parents with dyslexic children type into Google at some point. This is no surprise, given that every parent of a dyslexic child wants them to reach their maximum learning potential.
If you’re looking for dyslexia schools in your area, today we’ll share some of the best options in the United States you shouldn’t miss.
What to look for in a school for dyslexia
If you have a dyslexic child, choosing the right school for them is an important step. The choice can make a huge difference in whether the child feels happy and relaxed or struggles to keep up in class.
Below are qualities you should look for in schools to make sure you make the best choice.
Qualified teaching staff
Some dyslexic children need a one-on-one teaching approach. Make sure the staff at the school you’re considering has specialist qualifications for teaching dyslexic learners.
Understanding of the Orton-Gillingham Curriculum
Dyslexic students require a unique learning style. The Orton-Gillingham approach is the curriculum that teaches reading and writing to dyslexic students in the most efficient way.
The methods used in this approach are research-based and have been in use for over 80 years. They are the most common teaching model for one-on-one learning. The Orton-Gillingham-based approach focuses on the specific learning needs of every student.
It’s also common to use this method for small group instructions.
Good assistive technology
A good school for students with dyslexia allows them to use laptops in class. This way, the learners can rely on assistive, multisensory programs that make it easier to follow the lectures. They can use text to speech programs to boost the quality of their written work and overcome their language-based learning differences.
Option of classroom tools
Check whether the school supports classroom tools that help dyslexic children reach their full potential. This can include affordable tools such as contrasting colors on posters, using dyslexia-friendly fonts, handwriting tools, etc.
Some other things to look for in schools for dyslexic children:
- Suitable policy on copying from the board
- Students are given handouts rather than asked to copy from the board
- Good teaching ethos
- Special education delivered in small groups
- Strong dyslexia advocacy
- Supportive learning environment
- Evidence-based teaching program
The best schools for dyslexic children
Swift School for dyslexia
Swift School is a leading school in Roswell, Georgia that specializes in teaching dyslexic students. The school is dedicated to preparing dyslexic students and those with similar language-based learning differences for success in life.
The school has high standards that support research-based training in various instructional approaches.
The Siena School in Silver Spring
The Siena School is a private dyslexia school in Silver Spring, Maryland. The school has an education program that focuses on individualized instruction, uses multisensory and research-based techniques, and provides flexible accommodations for students.
The school is designed for special education students with mild to moderate needs who need help with reading, writing, decoding, math, and oral expression. The school also accepts students with mild ADHD symptoms.
The Windward School
The Windward School is a day school for students with dyslexia and other language-based disabilities. The school has two campuses in White Plains, New York, and one on the Upper East Side in New York City.
Windward remediates the condition of the student and prepares them for mainstream school, middle school, or high school environments.
Jemicy School in Maryland
The Jemicy School is a special education school in Owings Mills, Maryland. The enrollment is open to grades 1-9. The program focuses on students with dyslexia and takes place in personalized, small group instruction.
The school has separate lower school, middle school, upper school prep, upper school programs, performing arts, 3D design, athletics, and many other programs.
Rawson Saunders School
The Rawson Saunders school in Austin, Texas, is a full-curriculum school for grade 1-12 students with dyslexia. The school has been operating for over 25 years and offers numerous programs like summer school, tutoring, academic language therapy, and others.
The school works with students who also experience dyscalculia or dysgraphia.
Lawrence School
Lawrence School is a grades K-6 and 7-12 school with more than 50 years of experience teaching students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. The school serves Northeast Ohio students.
The program is based on multisensory instruction, attention (stripped-down classrooms), content mastery, and structure (organizational strategy and direct teaching).
Park Academy
Park Academy is an elementary, middle, and high school for dyslexic students in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The school’s mission is to empower learners with learning disabilities to reach their full potential and excel academically.
The school has a unique counseling program to support students by providing social coaching, developing individualized learning plans, and creating a nurturing environment.
Introducing Speechify – the dyslexia teaching tool
Speechify is a great assistive technology tool for learners with dyslexia. The tool uses text to speech technology to read any text out loud, including printed books, eBooks, SMS messages, web pages, and more.
This software has helped millions of people with learning disabilities be more productive by becoming faster readers and more efficient note-takers. Thanks to its universal compatibility, Speechify is available for iOS, Mac Android, and Windows operating systems. It also comes as a Chrome browser extension.
If you’re interested in Speechify, you can find out more by visiting the social media page or trying the software for free starting today.
FAQs
What program is best for dyslexia?
Other than the programs in this article, Lab School in Washington and PACE Academy in South Carolina are some of the best schools for dyslexic students.
Can dyslexics go to normal school?
Most dyslexic students can attend regular schools so long as they get proper assistance for reading and writing.
Can I get funding for my dyslexic child?
Numerous grants across the country are available for families with dyslexic children. For example, the Dyslexia Services Foundation offers treatment for low-income children at no (or minimal) cost to their families.
Is home schooling better for dyslexia?
Home schooling is a good option for children with dyslexia who require systematic, individualized instruction that isn’t accessible in local traditional schools.
How does dyslexia affect the brain?
Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written material. This makes it more challenging to spell, recognize, and decode words.
What are the symptoms of dyslexia?
Late talking, issues remembering numbers, letters, colors, and nursery rhymes, not forming words correctly, and acquiring new vocabulary slowly are some of the early signs of dyslexia.
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