Mill Springs Academy (millsprings.org), a Christian school for students in first through 12th grade, describes its program as structured and nurturing for students with learning disabilities. The school also has chorus, band and theater classes. For parents looking for a small school environment, Aleksander Academy (aleksanderacademy.org) has a student body of about 30 in grades two through eight. It creates individual learning plans for students who haven't been successful in a traditional environment.
Most of the private schools in Georgia for students with learning disabilities are located in Atlanta, the state capital. The Howard School (howardschool.org), for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, doesn't sort children into grades until they reach age 14. Instead, students are grouped by age and academic ability. The Schenck School (schenck.org) focuses primarily on dyslexia and uses the Orton-Gillingham academic program to teach language skills. The Atlanta Speech School (atlantaspeechschool.org) serves students who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who have language-based learning disabilities. The Wardlaw School, one of several programs under the umbrella of the Atlanta Speech School, teaches preschoolers through sixth graders.
With a five-to-one student-teacher ratio, Pathways Academy (pathwaysacademy.org) gives first through sixth grade students personal attention. The school uses the Wilson reading system to educate students with reading difficulties. The MDE School (mdeschool.com) is a newer program, founded in 2009 for kindergarten through eighth grade students who have special medical or learning needs. The school features a home school environment to encourage friendships, and students have access to speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Chatham Academy (chathamacademy.com), which enrolls students in first through 12th grade, uses a variety of teaching materials for its students, including Orton Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell and the Wilson reading system. Students are grouped by age and skill level, and the structured program teaches skills that will help them be successful when they transition to a traditional public or private school. Class sizes are kept at nine to 10 students and the total enrollment is about 90.