Dyslexia schools In Maryland: Everything You Need to Know

Maryland has a variety of independent schools and tutoring centers dedicated to supporting students with dyslexia. The state has also initiated a task force and pilot program to address dyslexia, which are positive steps forward. 

While early assessment is now required, effective remediation is not yet guaranteed, so parents need to stay vigilant about the support their child receives in their local school.

This article will guide you through some of the top dyslexia-friendly schools in the area, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision for your child's education.

The schools recommended have been carefully evaluated based on their specialized programs, the dedication of their staff, and their use of proven teaching methods. 

We’ve spoken with parents, educators, and experts, and seen firsthand what works. The schools that made the list have shown a real commitment to helping students with dyslexia succeed, both academically and personally.

We want to make sure you have the information you need to choose a school where your child will feel supported, understood, and encouraged to reach their full potential. As you explore these options, know that each recommendation comes from a place of care and understanding, with your child’s best interests at heart.

Each school offers unique programs tailored to support the learning needs of students with dyslexia.

What is the Percentage of Dyslexia Amongst Students In Maryland?

In Maryland, specific learning disabilities are the most common type of disability, making up 28% of all cases, as reported by the The Maryland State Department of Education. This significant percentage highlights the widespread need for targeted educational support and resources for students with learning challenges.

The state recognizes the importance of addressing these needs, but it remains crucial for parents and educators to ensure that students receive the appropriate interventions and support to help them succeed academically.

Legislation and Policies for Dyslexia In Maryland

The Ready to Read Act was first implemented in the 2020-2021 school year. It includes legislation and regulations (COMAR 13A.03.08) that require local education agencies (LEAs) in Maryland to screen kindergarten students, along with identified first, second, and third graders, for potential reading difficulties.

The act mandates that identified students receive supplemental reading instruction, and it also requires progress monitoring, annual reporting, and program evaluations.

LEAs must report data to the Maryland State Department of Education, including the number of students screened, those identified as at risk, and those who received additional reading support, along with other relevant information.

What Type of School Is Best For a Dyslexic?

The ideal schools are the ones where students can learn without all that unnecessary stress weighing them down.

Plus, these schools are all about recognizing the unique strengths that come with dyslexia, like creativity and thinking big-picture.

If your kid has a special interest, whether it's engineering, chess, music, or anything else under the sun, these schools give them the time and space to chase their passions.

Forget about just hunting for "reading programs" right away because, believe it or not, dyslexic students often thrive when their reading lessons align with their interests.

Now, here's the deal: if your child isn't loving school and isn't coming home all pumped up about learning, it might be time to explore other options. And guess what? That's perfectly okay – even awesome.

You can take your child out of a place that doesn't fit, even if you don't have the next school lined up right away. It's a powerful message to your child that you're in their corner and ready to support them.

Let them take a breather, catch up on some sleep, and in the meantime, you can figure out the next steps together.

Looking for learning difference/dyslexia friendly schools? Here are some must ask questions to help you pick the right dyslexia friendly school for your child.

Before attending your meeting, do a bit of background research. The more you know about dyslexia, teacher education programs and intervention programs, the more targeted you can be with your questions and the better you will understand the answers.

Support Services for Students with Dyslexia in Maryland

Maryland offers a variety of support services for students with dyslexia, ranging from specialized schools to tutoring centers and advocacy organizations.

These resources aim to provide the necessary tools, strategies, and environments to help students with dyslexia thrive academically and personally. Below are some key support services available in Maryland:

Specialized Schools

1. The Siena School (Silver Spring, MD): The Siena School is dedicated to educating students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia. The school offers a curriculum that integrates multi-sensory instruction, individualized learning plans, and small class sizes to support students’ academic and social-emotional growth.

2. The Chelsea School (Hyattsville, MD): The Chelsea School focuses on students with language-based learning disabilities and offers a supportive environment that includes individualized instruction and a curriculum designed to build both academic skills and self-confidence.

3. The Auburn School (Baltimore, MD): While primarily focused on students with autism spectrum disorders, The Auburn School also supports students with dyslexia through its personalized learning plans and multi-sensory teaching methods.

Tutoring and Learning Centers

1. Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers (Multiple Locations in MD): Lindamood-Bell provides specialized programs for students with dyslexia, focusing on reading, comprehension, and math skills. Their centers offer individualized instruction based on the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

2. The Dyslexia Tutoring Program (Baltimore, MD): This program offers free one-on-one tutoring services for students and adults with dyslexia. Tutors use multi-sensory methods to teach reading and writing skills, helping students overcome their learning challenges.

Advocacy and Support Organizations

1. Decoding Dyslexia Maryland: Decoding Dyslexia Maryland is a grassroots movement focused on raising awareness about dyslexia and advocating for better support and services in schools. They provide resources, workshops, and advocacy training for parents and educators.

2. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Maryland Branch: The IDA Maryland Branch offers resources, support, and educational opportunities for parents, educators, and students. They provide information on dyslexia, effective teaching methods, and local resources for families.

Public School Support

Maryland Public Schools’ Special Education Services Public schools in Maryland are required to provide support for students with dyslexia under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that outlines the specific accommodations and services the student will receive, such as specialized instruction, assistive technology, and extra time on tests.

Assistive Technology

1. Learning Ally: Learning Ally provides audiobooks and other resources specifically designed for students with dyslexia. This service is widely used in Maryland schools and can be a valuable tool for students who struggle with reading.

2. Kurzweil 3000: This assistive technology software is used in many Maryland schools to support students with dyslexia. It provides text-to-speech functionality, enabling students to hear the text as they read, which can improve comprehension and retention.

Also read Dyslexia Schools In Florida

Best Dyslexia schools In Maryland

Maryland is home to several exceptional schools that provide specialized education and support for students with dyslexia. These schools offer unique services that cater to the individual needs of each student, helping them to overcome learning challenges and achieve academic success.

Below are some of the best dyslexia schools in Maryland, highlighting the unique services they offer:

The Siena School (Silver Spring, MD)

   - Unique Services Includes:

     - Multi-Sensory Instruction: The Siena School uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching, which involves using sight, sound, touch, and movement to help students grasp complex concepts. This method is particularly effective for students with dyslexia.

     - Individualized Learning Plans: Each student at Siena has a personalized learning plan that is tailored to their specific needs, ensuring that they receive the right level of support and challenge.

     - Art and Technology Integration: The school integrates arts and technology into the curriculum, allowing students to express their creativity and develop critical thinking skills in non-traditional ways.

The Chelsea School (Hyattsville, MD)

   Unique Services Includes:

     - Executive Function Coaching: Chelsea School provides specialized coaching to help students develop executive function skills, such as organization, time management, and goal setting, which are often areas of difficulty for students with dyslexia.

     - Small Class Sizes: The school maintains small class sizes, allowing for more personalized instruction and close teacher-student interactions.

     - Transition Support Program: Chelsea offers a transition program that prepares students for post-secondary education or career opportunities, focusing on building independence and self-advocacy skills.

The Summit School (Edgewater, MD)

   Unique Services Includes:

     - Language Remediation Program: The Summit School has a strong emphasis on language remediation, offering intensive reading and writing support for students with dyslexia through research-based interventions.

     - Orton-Gillingham Approach: The school employs the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured, sequential, and multisensory method of teaching reading that is highly effective for students with dyslexia.

     - Social-Emotional Learning: Summit integrates social-emotional learning into the curriculum, helping students to develop resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills alongside their academic studies.

The Katherine Thomas School (Rockville, MD)

   Unique Services Includes:

     - Speech and Language Therapy: Katherine Thomas School provides in-house speech and language therapy, which is crucial for students with dyslexia who may struggle with language processing.

     - Occupational Therapy: The school also offers occupational therapy to address fine motor skills, sensory processing, and other areas that can impact academic performance.

     - Integrated Arts Program: The school’s arts program is designed to complement academic learning, providing creative outlets for students and enhancing their engagement and motivation.

The Auburn School (Baltimore, MD)

Unique Services Includes:

     - Social Skills Curriculum: Auburn School has a specialized curriculum focused on developing social skills, which is essential for students with dyslexia who may face challenges in social interactions.

     - Small, Supportive Community: The school fosters a small, close-knit community where students receive individualized attention and support from faculty and staff.

     - Focus on Strengths and Interests: Auburn School encourages students to explore their strengths and interests, offering a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs that align with their passions.

The Highlands School (Bel Air, MD)

   Unique Services Includes:

     - Individualized Education Program (IEP): The Highlands School offers individualized education plans tailored to meet the specific learning needs of each student, with a strong focus on reading and language skills.

     - Orton-Gillingham-Based Instruction: The school utilizes the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured, multisensory technique designed specifically for students with dyslexia.

     - Intensive Reading Program: Highlands provides an intensive reading program that focuses on phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension, using evidence-based strategies to improve literacy.

Fusion Academy (Rockville, MD)

   Unique Services Includes:

     - One-on-One Teaching: Fusion Academy offers personalized, one-on-one instruction for all students, allowing for a highly tailored educational experience that meets the unique needs of each student with dyslexia.

     - Flexible Scheduling: The school offers a flexible scheduling system, enabling students to learn at their own pace and in a way that fits their individual learning styles.

     - Holistic Approach: Fusion Academy integrates academic, social, and emotional development into its curriculum, providing a well-rounded education that supports the whole child.

The Children’s Guild School of Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)

Unique Services Includes 

     - Trauma-Informed Education: The Children’s Guild uses a trauma-informed approach to education, which is beneficial for students with dyslexia who may have experienced educational trauma or anxiety related to their learning challenges.

     - Therapeutic Services: The school offers a range of therapeutic services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling, integrated directly into the students’ daily routines.

     - Customized Learning Plans: Each student receives a customized learning plan that addresses their specific academic, social, and emotional needs, helping them achieve their full potential.

The Nora School (Silver Spring, MD)

   - Unique Services Includes:

     - Supportive Learning Environment: The Nora School provides a small, supportive learning environment where students with dyslexia and other learning differences can thrive without the pressure of a large, traditional school setting.

     - Focus on College Preparation: The school is known for its strong emphasis on preparing students for college, offering personalized guidance and support throughout the college application process.

     - Project-Based Learning: The Nora School uses project-based learning to engage students in meaningful, real-world problems that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion

These additional schools in Maryland offer specialized programs and unique services designed to meet the diverse needs of students with dyslexia. From arts-integrated curricula to trauma-informed education and one-on-one instruction, these schools provide a variety of approaches to ensure that each student receives the support and resources they need to succeed. By exploring these options, parents can find the right school that aligns with their child’s learning style and educational goals.