Private School for Dyslexic Kids in New York

The Kildonan School:
Located in Amenia, Dutchess County NY, The Kildonan School is an accredited, co-educational day and boarding school for children and teenagers with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Only 90 miles north of New York City, we offer educational programs for elementary, middle and high school students (Grades 2-12). Boarding programs are available for students in grades 7-12, with 5-day & 7-day options available.

Educational Programs for Kids & Teens with Dyslexia:

- Elementary School (Grades 2-6)
Our goal is to unlock the power of each student's dyslexic brain. Classes in literature, math, history, science, and the arts stimulate and challenge students to think independently and creatively, to use all their senses to observe and evaluate, and to collaborate effectively to solve problems. The one-to-one tutorial is designed to meet every student's unique needs and abilities in a safe and private setting. Our rural setting and equestrian program create a balance between academic demands and healthy outdoor activity. Technology provides our students with tools to access information independently and share it regardless of their decoding and encoding skills.

- Middle School (Grades 7-8)
Our middle school curriculum expands upon and extends the elementary program, featuring hands-on, project-based, multisensory learning that prepares our students for the demands of the challenging high school academic program. We strive to balance challenging curricular goals with an understanding of the unique intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of seventh and eighth graders with specific learning needs. With a program and a place to call their own, Middle School students can spend their transitional years in a safe environment in which they can experience new ideas, develop their skills and social relationships, and discover their strengths.

- High School (Grades 9-12)
Our academic program endeavors to aid high school students in developing their skills in problem solving and thinking, listening, speaking, spelling, reading, writing, and mathematics. Courses are selected from each of the academic departments: Literature, Arts, Mathematics, History, and Science. Language skills are taught most explicitly and systematically in the daily, individualized Language Training session with the student’s Orton-Gillingham tutor. Our talented and unique faculty seek to support and nurture students in their development of creativity, critical thinking skills, care and concern for others and their environment, ability to use good reason and judgment, and personal independence. Average class size is eight students so that teachers can provide individual attention and students have many opportunities for self-expression.

We offer the SAT to our students in the Spring of their 11th grade year and in the Fall of the 12th grade year. Approximately 95% of our Seniors apply to colleges and all are accepted to at least 90% of the schools where they apply. Transition planning begins during the 11th grade year when students and families begin a self-assessment experience to determine whether college or another post secondary program is most appropriate.