Roberts Academy Expands Facility And Adds Middle School Grades

The Roberts Academy, Florida’s only transitional school for children with dyslexia, is pleased to announce that it is expanding its facilities in preparation for adding two middle school grades beginning in August 2017.

The expansion of the main building on the campus at Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Hollingsworth Road will add four new classrooms by adding to the first floor and creating a second story. The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-January, in time for the first of four open houses at which prospective students and their parents can learn more about The Roberts Academy, which is operated by Florida Southern College.

The Roberts Academy is hosting the open house from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Jan. 17, with other open houses to follow in February, April and July.

The new classrooms will allow The Roberts Academy, which currently has 120 students in grades 2 through 6, to add a 7th grade beginning in August, with an 8th grade to be added in August 2018. When fully enrolled, the Academy will be able to accommodate up to approximately 200 students with a full elementary and middle school curriculum that incorporates a special method designed to help talented children with dyslexia master the skills to accommodate their learning differences until they are fully prepared to succeed in a traditional school setting.

Dr. Tracey Tedder, head of school at The Roberts Academy and dean of the School of Education at FSC, said the use of the Orton-Gillingham Method sets the school apart.

“We recognized the need for a middle school program for students with dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham approach is applied across the curriculum, and that’s what makes us unique. Students learn to apply this approach in whatever subject they study and find success,” she said.

Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties and can lead to extreme frustration and low self-esteem. Dr. Tedder encouraged parents to be alert for signs that their child might have difficulty learning to read.

“Early intervention is the key. If parents suspect their child has difficulty reading, they need to start getting help as soon as possible,” she said.

The Roberts Academy accepts applications throughout the year. For more information about the Academy or the open house, go to www.flsouthern.edu/roberts-academy or call 680-3741.