Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
Some text some message..
 
HOME  ACADEMICS  TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTER 

Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia

Building a foundation for academic success.

Darlington is the only school in Northwest Georgia offering a program specifically designed to support students with dyslexia. The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) is a specialized, fee-based program within the Teaching and Learning Center focusing on students in grades 1–5. Students with a diagnosed language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia, may qualify for this comprehensive program that provides necessary remediation to students while simultaneously enabling them to receive the full Darlington experience.

Program Highlights

  • Intensive Daily Instruction: Students receive 90-120 minutes of daily, small-group literacy instruction from Orton-Gillingham-trained learning specialists, totaling 450 minutes of targeted support each week.
  • Research-Based Methodology: Our approach combines the proven Orton-Gillingham method with the Five Pillars of Reading emphasizing encoding, decoding and cursive writing through multi-sensory instruction.
  • Grade-Level Integration: Learning specialists skillfully blend remediation with age-appropriate curriculum, ensuring students develop essential literacy skills while staying connected to their grade-level content.
  • Seamless Integration: This structured literacy program is woven into the regular school day, enabling students to participate fully in Darlington's comprehensive academic and exploratory programs without missing essential classroom experiences.
  • Collaborative Partnership: Learning specialists create comprehensive Student Support Plans and work closely with classroom teachers to implement effective accommodations across all learning environments.
  • Transformative Journey: Most students complete the program after 2-3 years, demonstrating significant gains in automatic word recognition, reading fluency and writing ability that prepare them for lifelong academic success.

Criteria

  • The student must apply to and be accepted to Darlington.
  • Participants must have a diagnosed language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia, by a licensed clinical psychologist.

Ongoing Support

Even after we celebrate the completion of the Accelerated Learning Program, students continue to be supported by the Teaching and Learning Center throughout their time at Darlington. The Teaching and Learning Center provides ongoing Direct and Consult Services with learning specialists serving as strategic advisors who work closely with teachers to implement evidence-based strategies and accommodations.

Cost: Regular tuition plus $6,000 program fee

For more information about the Teaching and Learning Center, please contact Jess Laliberte, director of the Teaching and Learning Center.

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT
Meet Jessica Laliberte

Jessica Laliberte directs the Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia, bringing over 25 years of educational expertise to Darlington's transformative learning support initiatives. With extensive training in Wilson and Orton-Gillingham methodologies, as well as decades of classroom teaching and leadership experience, she pioneers innovative approaches that transform how students, families, and educators work together.

Learn More
LEARNING SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
Meet Julia Houston

With more than 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Julia Houston works with students enrolled in Darlington's Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia. She holds numerous certifications, including a Reading Endorsement and a Special Education (General Curriculum) and Dyslexia Endorsement, and has completed the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s Comprehensive IMSE Orton-Gillingham Training.

Learn More
LEARNING SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
Meet Celeste Rivers

With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Celeste Rivers is passionate about sharing the gift of reading. A certified Wilson FUNDATIONS Facilitator who is also trained in Language Essentials for Teachers in Reading and Spelling as well as Orton-Gillingham, she works with students enrolled in Darlington's Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia.

Learn More
LEARNING SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
Meet Molly Jordan

Molly Jordan is an Orton-Gillingham-certified Classroom Educator who works with students enrolled in Darlington's Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has spent the majority of her career as a classroom teacher and is skilled at serving the needs of students with different learning profiles.

Learn More

Glenn Teaching and Learning Center

Founded in 2006, Darlington School’s Glenn Teaching and Learning Center provides individualized academic support to students Pre-K to 12 with identified learning differences.

LEARN MORE

Request a Visit

The best way to learn more about the Accelerated Learning Program for Dyslexia is to set up a campus visit.

LEARN MORE


Continue your Darlington journey.

Request Information Schedule a Visit Apply for Admission