Philadelphia Private Programs for Dyslexia / Learning Disabilities

Center School:
Philadelphia Private Schools for Dyslexia Learning Disabilities and Language-Based Special Education: Located in Abington in Montgomery County, PA, Center School is a non-profit, co-educational independent day school for children ages six to fourteen who have experienced difficulties with reading and language development. The majority of Center School classroom teachers are master's-educated, certified reading specialists. Our staff have been trained by Schools Attuned. Most students use school district buses to travel to and from Center School. Typically, school districts will provide transportation if their boundaries are within ten miles of Center School.

Education Programs:

Center School is committed to providing a supportive educational setting for students who have experienced difficulties in learning. These children have often established cycles of failure and frustration in prior educational settings, and breaking these cycles is our top priority. Center School is dedicated to designing educational programs which foster each child’s maximum academic, social, and emotional development.

Our students benefit from instructional techniques which accommodate their unique learning styles and make the most of their individual strengths. Students are encouraged to take risks and not to be intimidated by mistakes or the need to seek assistance. The ability to work through difficult situations using positive problem-solving skills enhances student potential in all areas. Positive outcomes and meaningful successes are key factors in enhancing self-esteem.

The core of Center School’s philosophy is the belief that the ability to effectively use language is crucial to academic success. The curriculum reflects this and students are given ample opportunities to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Teachers use a variety of methods and programs to teach reading skills like phonics, decoding, and comprehension. Students can practice their reading skills in all curriculum areas.

Lower School Program:
The Center School program involves diagnostic teaching, small group instruction, and a cooperative team approach to education. We emphasize the development of language and related skills while providing a strong foundation in all areas of the curriculum. While reading and language development form the core of all classes, all subjects necessary to future success are taught, including math, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education. The program also recognizes the importance of development in the affective domain to a child’s success in school.

Classes are structured to help students learn how to become better organized and develop good work habits. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the strategies they need to become independent and confident learners.

Middle School Program:
Center School runs a Middle School for students aged 12 to 14. The goal of the program is to help students experience growth in academic, organizational, and social/emotional arenas which promotes the independence needed to succeed in high school. While maintaining the overall goals of Center School, the Middle School helps students learn how to be successful in high school and beyond. Students take a full schedule of classes. Teachers provide supports for students, then teach the strategies and processes necessary for success.

Students learn to effectively use technology to their benefit. Gradually, the students gain the independence they need to apply their learning to new academic situations. The Middle School program is process-oriented, meaning that students learn how particular strategies work, when to apply them, and why they are important.