THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY

 

“I wish there had been a school like Prentice when I was in school.” This comment is made often by adults with dyslexia who visit the school but who did not have an opportunity to learn the way Prentice students are taught.

 

An approach that works. An extremely effective approach is now a reality for children who struggle in the traditional classroom. Prentice utilizes a highly specialized instructional program called the Slingerland Multi-sensory Approach to Language Arts, an adaptation of the Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Method. This teaching approach simultaneously engages the three learning pathways (auditory, visual, kinesthetic), is phonics-based, and teaches children with dyslexia how to understand and use language.

 

That’s not all we do. In addition to a strong academic program, the school’s curriculum includes enrichment classes in art, music, math, computer technology, science, and library media. These enrichment classes, elective classes, and the after school clubs support the school’s strength-based module that enables students to develop as a whole person.

 

Small class size. We maximize individual attention by keeping class size small. Each classroom has no more than:

• 12 students – pre-k and kindergarten

• 15 students – grades 1 through 5

• 16 students – grades 6-8

In addition, each classroom is assigned an instructional assistant as soon as the class size reaches 12 students.

 

Learning Specialists. The most important strength lies in our teachers, who are specifically trained in the Slingerland Approach to Language Arts (adaptation of Orton-Gillingham) used in teaching our students. Our teachers also hold a California teaching credential.

 

Prentice also has a psychologist and two speech pathologists who address the unique individual needs of our students.

 

The School. The Prentice School is located on six acres in the north Tustin area. It is an independent, nonprofit, co-educational day school for children with dyslexia in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school serves students from four counties – Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

 

Prentice provides a safe, clean, positive, co-educational learning environment where students understand each other’s differences, are treated with respect and caring, and become risk-takers.

 

The Prentice School follows state curriculum guidelines and meets California standards. In addition, The Prentice School has the highest accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is certified as a non-public school by the California Department of Education.

 

Founded in 1986, Prentice teaches children with specific language disabilities the skills they need to succeed in today’s world. Through its success-oriented teaching approach, Prentice helps students develop an enthusiasm for learning, academic competence, effective work habits, self-discipline, and confidence. Our students transition to public or private schools equipped with the tools they need to be lifelong learners.