Dyslexia Private Schools Near Me: How to Find the Right School for Your Child

Dyslexia affects how the brain processes language, making it challenging for students to decode words and understand phonetic relationships. That’s why students with dyslexia often struggle with reading, writing, and sometimes even speech.

This can make school challenging and anxiety-inducing, especially because traditional schools aren’t typically equipped to help students with dyslexia be successful. Large classrooms make it harder for dyslexic students to focus, ask for help, and receive the differentiated instruction that they need.

The solution for many students is two-fold:

Smaller classrooms – A smaller classroom and a lower student-to-teacher ratio comes with several benefits. Students are more comfortable asking for help, teachers can better spot gaps in learning, and students get more time on a subject or lesson.

Personalized instruction – Smaller classrooms – especially in the 1-to-1 setting – give teachers the ability to personalize instruction for each student, spending extra time on challenging concepts or adapting their teaching style to make lessons more accessible and easier to understand.

Personalized instruction also includes mentorship and helping students build strong learning habits. Take something as simple as organizing a backpack: for students with dyslexia, clear organization reduces cognitive load, allowing them to focus on processing language and completing assignments. When materials are organized and easy to find, students can spend their energy on learning rather than searching for supplies or tracking down misplaced papers. These essential aspects of learning are often overlooked in traditional schools.

In this article, we cover private schools across the U.S. that help students with dyslexia excel academically and socially, including options in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, New York, and more.

But first, let’s discuss what to look for in a private school.

What to Look for in a Dyslexia Private School (and Questions to Ask)

Every student with dyslexia has unique needs, shaped by factors like the severity of their learning difference, their grade level, co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or anxiety, and their previous school experiences. Some students may need intensive remediation in reading fundamentals, while others might require support primarily with writing or organization. Understanding your child’s specific profile is crucial when evaluating school options.

When evaluating private school options for your dyslexic student, pay close attention to:

Class size and individualized attention. The ideal scenario for dyslexic students is truly personalized instruction. Look for schools that can provide one-to-one attention or very small group settings with supplemental one-to-one instruction.
This allows teachers to customize the pace, content, and teaching methods to each student’s specific needs and learning style. Often, this simple change from a large classroom to a smaller, one-to-one classroom is enough to bring about positive changes in a student’s academic career. They’re able to express themselves, ask questions, and move at a pace that matches their needs.
Teaching methodologies. Effective dyslexia schools often employ research-based methodologies such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or other structured literacy approaches. These methods should be implemented through multisensory techniques that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways. Schools should be able to explain their approach clearly and show how they adapt these methods to individual student needs.

Social and emotional support. Dyslexia often impacts a student’s social life and self-esteem. The right school will address these challenges through intentional support, peer interaction opportunities, and a school culture that celebrates neurodiversity and individuality. Students should feel accepted and understood, not stigmatized for their learning differences.

Technology and accommodations. Leading private schools will incorporate assistive technology such as text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and other tools that help students access curriculum content. They should also provide appropriate accommodations like extended time on tests, alternative assignment formats, and flexible presentation options.

Questions to Ask Potential Schools

Here are some questions you can ask principals, administrators, and teachers as you evaluate whether or not a school is a good fit for your child:

Can you describe the teaching methodologies you use and how you adapt them for dyslexic students?
What is your student-to-teacher ratio, and how much individualized attention does each student receive?
How do you help students build confidence and address the social-emotional impacts of dyslexia?
What assistive technology and accommodations are available to students?
Can you share examples of how former students with dyslexia have progressed at your school?
What specific training do your teachers have in dyslexia and language-based learning differences?
How do you communicate with parents about their child’s progress and challenges?

Fusion Academy: A Personalized Approach to Dyslexia Education

Fusion Academy is an accredited private school that uses a one-to-one learning model to help students with dyslexia excel academically and socially. All of our campuses can teach grades 6 to 12, while some can teach 4th and 5th grade as well.

Our one-to-one method is ideal for students with dyslexia because it:

Gives students a welcoming classroom environment where they can take their time and ask for help.
Allows teachers to focus on one student at a time so the teacher can personalize their instruction towards the student.
Eliminates the fear of embarrassment or social anxiety that often prevents dyslexic students from participating in class.

Here’s how Deborah Mussomeli, Fusion Los Gatos Parent, describes how Fusion Academy helped her daughter who had been struggling with dyslexia:

“My daughter was a senior in high school when she was first introduced to Fusion Academy. She had always struggled with dyslexia and had many challenges with both English and math. Her self-esteem had been completely destroyed by her public school, its teachers, and administrators. She was made to feel stupid and that her struggles were all her fault. She was beaten down, blamed for her problems, and was on the verge of quitting school altogether. She then went to Fusion Academy.

In the first week, my daughter, for the first time in many years, came home happy, confident, and feeling great about her day. It was completely different from the environment she had endured for 11.5 years in public school. She suddenly felt that she could do anything and actually succeed in school. She said she learned more in one day than she had that entire semester at her public school. She believed in herself. Her confidence was off the charts. She felt loved, supported, and motivated to learn. Fusion Academy saved my daughter from giving up on herself.”

Below, we take a closer look at how Fusion Academy helps students with dyslexia thrive.

Our Unique One-to-One Learning Model

At Fusion, our core course offering is our one-to-one learning model. This model allows teachers to fully customize the learning experience toward each student’s unique needs. For dyslexic students, this means the teacher can immediately identify where the student is struggling and experiment with different evidence-based, multisensory methods such as:

Color coding materials
Phonetics training with flashcards
Using audiobooks for reading assignments
Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods
Creating personalized vocabulary lists
Alternative assignments and projects for book reports

It also means teachers can be mentors to students. At Fusion, most of our teachers only take on 6–8 classes a semester. Our teachers are not overwhelmed with students, which gives them time to focus on each one individually

Our model has proven effective in several ways:

First, Fusion students’ achievement scores grow 41% more in a school year than their peers nationally.

Second, data shows that Fusion students are prepared to continue their education after high school. Here are some academic success metrics from our 2024 class:

99% of applicants were accepted to a 4-year college
87% of Fusion students attended their first-choice school
58% received merit scholarships, with an average award of $51,547

Fusion Academy statistics: 99% college acceptance, 87% attend chosen college, 58% receive merit scholarships

How We Customize Learning for Students with Dyslexia

Learning at Fusion is personalized from the very beginning. During the admissions process, we gather background information on each student, including their previous school experience and specific challenges. We conduct initial assessments, including:

Measures of Academy Progress (MAP®): These assessments measure student achievement and growth in mathematics, reading, language usage, and science, providing insights into a student’s current academic level compared to national peers.
Mindprint: This cognitive assessment identifies each student’s learning strengths and challenges, helping teachers understand how to best approach instruction for that individual student.

Based on these evaluations, we create an education plan and work with the student to choose appropriate classes and course types.

We have an extensive course catalog and offer different course types, including:

Essential courses: Non-college preparatory courses that fulfill high school graduation requirements, while providing additional support and scaffolding
College preparatory courses: Standard college-prep curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education
Honors courses: Advanced coursework for students ready for additional challenge
AP® courses: College-level courses where students can earn college credit depending on test scores

Students can choose different course types for different classes. For example, a student with dyslexia might take an Essential English course to receive additional support with reading and writing, while taking a College Preparatory science course where their dyslexia has less impact on their performance.

This allows us to create a tailored school schedule where students are being challenged academically at the right level for each course.

Dedicated Time on Campus to Complete Schoolwork

Fusion Academy Students studying in the Homework Café

In traditional school systems, students with dyslexia often feel frustrated because they can succeed in the classroom with a teacher’s support, but then struggle when doing homework independently at home.

At Fusion, homework doesn’t have to come home. We make this possible in two ways:

First, we help students develop and strengthen their executive functioning skills. This means building their abilities as learners overall, not just helping them succeed in a single class.
Second, students have dedicated time in the Homework Café as part of their daily schedule. Here, students can work alongside other peers, either collaboratively or independently, with faculty available to support. With minimal distractions, the Homework Café helps students focus and complete schoolwork more effectively.
This structure ensures students complete their work during school hours with support available when needed, removing a major source of family stress and conflict around homework. For students with dyslexia, having immediate access to teachers and assistive technology during independent homework time is particularly valuable.

A Tight-Knit and Welcoming Community

Most Fusion Academy campuses have a maximum of ~100 students. All of the students on campus will have gone through a similar enrollment program, making a custom learning plan with the Head of School and other campus administrators. Fusion Academy teachers work with between 6–8 students a semester and there are Fusion team members who help with creating a positive, supportive, and community driven environment. All of this works together to create a welcoming, tight-knight community where students know they belong.

Our campuses have dedicated social spaces where students break for lunch and can meet for clubs or events.

Our campuses also feature a diverse student body, welcoming:

Helping Students Become Members of Their Community

Fusion Academy students packing meals for seniors

Students from our Upper West Side campus preparing meals for local seniors.

Fusion campuses regularly organize community-based projects such as:

Making dog treats for animal shelters
Volunteering at local soup kitchens
Making gift packages for women’s shelters

These initiatives often begin as student suggestions and are planned collaboratively, fostering leadership skills while making a positive community impact.

Academic Programs Fusion Academy Offers

Full-Time Programs: For middle school and high school students, offering a wide variety of classes and course types, including both Honors and AP® courses.
Classes for Credit: Students can take individual classes, instead of enrolling in a full-time program. This part-time model is ideal for students who need help making up a grade, getting ahead in a specific subject, or supplementing their current school’s offerings. Students can take just the classes where they need additional support while remaining enrolled in their current school.
Tutoring and Mentoring: Fusion provides flexible tutoring options for students who need additional support to fill learning gaps, build confidence, or improve in specific subjects.

Our tutoring services include:

Subject-specific tutoring in areas such as algebra, chemistry, English, geography, history, and physics.
A Math Remediation program designed to address foundational gaps in mathematical understanding.
A Reading Remediation Program that uses evidence-based methods to improve reading skills and comprehension.

Our academic programs follow our one-to-one or small group models, ensuring each student receives completely personalized attention and instruction methods tailored to their learning style.

List of Fusion Academy Campuses Across the US

Below is a list of Fusion Academy campuses current at the time of writing. To see if any new locations have opened, you can check here. All of our campuses are equipped to help students with dyslexia succeed:

Arizona

California (Bay Area)

California (Sacramento Area)

Folsom

California (Los Angeles Area)

California (Orange County Area)

California (San Diego Area)

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Illinois (Chicagoland)

Maryland

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Minneapolis

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Franklin

Texas

Virginia

Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C.

Washington State

Seattle

We also offer an online school for students who want to learn virtually. Our online school follows the same personalized learning model. Online students can enroll in full time programs, take specific classes for credit, enroll in tutoring programs, and more. Plus, our online students have dedicated virtual spaces where they can study and complete their classwork with their peers.

Learn More About Fusion Academy

To learn more about personalized learning at Fusion Academy, you can:

Other Top Dyslexia Schools to Consider

While Fusion Academy’s one-to-one model provides unmatched individualization, there are other schools across the country that specialize in serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences:

Notable Schools by Region

Northeast

Carroll School (Massachusetts) – Grades 1–9, specifically designed for students diagnosed with dyslexia
Landmark School (Massachusetts) – Grades 2–12, boarding and day school with small classes and one-to-one tutorials
The Windward School (New York) – Grades 1–9, focuses on remediating dyslexia to help students return to mainstream schools
The Laurel School of Princeton (New Jersey) – Grades 1–12, individualized instruction in small reading and math groups

Northeast Boarding

Eagle Hill School (Massachusetts) – Grades 8–12, coeducational college preparatory boarding school
Forman School (Connecticut) – Grades 9–12, college preparatory school specializing in dyslexia and ADHD

Southeast

Currey Ingram Academy (Tennessee) – K–12 day and boarding school using evidence-based instructional practices
The Siena School (Maryland/Virginia) – Grades 4–12, specializes in language-based learning differences

West

Westmark School (California) – Grades 2–12, college preparatory school with research-based methodologies

These schools typically offer smaller class sizes than traditional schools and use specialized teaching methods, though none provide the true one-to-one instruction available at Fusion Academy.

Making the Transition to a Dyslexia School

Preparing Your Child Emotionally

Transitioning to a new school can be anxiety-provoking, especially for students who have struggled in previous educational settings. Involve your child in the decision-making process and help them understand how the new school will better meet their needs. Emphasize that the move is about finding the right fit, not because they have failed.

Academic Transition Considerations

Work with both the previous school and new school to ensure a smooth academic transition. Share previous evaluations, IEPs, and any documentation about what teaching methods have been successful. Understand that there may be an adjustment period as your child adapts to new teaching methods and expectations.

Building a Support Team

Coordinate between the school, any outside therapists, and family members to create a comprehensive support team. Ensure all team members understand your child’s needs and are working toward consistent goals.

Measuring Progress

Establish clear metrics for measuring your child’s progress, both academically and socially. At Fusion, we provide daily progress reports and regular assessments to track improvement. Consistent communication with teachers and administrators helps ensure your child is making expected progress.

Resources for Parents of Dyslexic Children

Recommended Books, Podcasts, and Websites

Dyslexia in the Classroom: Signs, Support Strategies, and Success Stories
International Dyslexia Association
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
The Dyslexic Advantage by Brock and Fernette Eide
Learning Ally for audiobooks and reading support
How to Identify and Support Children with Dyslexia

Parent Support Groups

Many communities have local support groups for parents of children with learning differences. The International Dyslexia Association maintains a directory of local branches and support groups.

Professional Evaluations and Assessments

If your child hasn’t been formally evaluated for dyslexia, consider seeking a comprehensive evaluation from a licensed psychologist or educational specialist who specializes in learning differences.

Contact Information for Fusion Academy Locations

To learn more about how Fusion Academy can help your dyslexic child thrive academically and socially, visit our website to find the campus nearest you.

You can fill out our information request form to connect with our admissions team and schedule a campus visit.

You can also take Fusion Academy’s Learning DNA Quiz. This short quiz will help you better understand how your child learns and provide tips to help them shine academically.