Learning Disabilities School

Notes from May 18th - Vicki Asher - Horizon Academy

Vicki Asher bio | Horizon Academy

Overview:

• Mission: Empowers students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities to become effective learners and confident self-advocates.
• Vision: Be the premier educational center for students with dyslexia and related conditions and serve as a training resource for the community.
• Founded: 1999 by parents dissatisfied with traditional schools' handling of learning disabilities.
• Campus: Roeland Park, KS (since 2001)
• Type: Independent, non-profit 501(c)(3), receives no state funding
• Accredited by: ISACS, AdvancED, Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA). Member of NAIS.

Student Profile & Diagnoses:

• Primary: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia; ADHD may be considered
• Autism alone is NOT a sufficient learning disability to qualify for admittance
• Students have average/above-average cognitive ability with challenges in: reading, spelling, written/oral expression, math skills, handwriting, executive function, social skills

Instructional Approach:

• Methods: Orton-Gillingham, Multi-Sensory Math, Writing Revolution
• Class size: 12 students; intervention groups: 1-6
• Each student has an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)
• Support team includes SLPs, OTs, psychologists, counselors, interventionists
• Transition model with average stay ~3 years
• Ticket system rewards closing learning gaps and self-advocacy

Programs & Services:

• School year: Grades K-9
• Tutoring: Grades 1-12
• Summer program: Additional June session
• Learning Center (since 2016): Diagnostic testing and 1:1 tutoring
• Community outreach: Parent education, teacher training in OGA methods

Enrollment & Demographics (2024-25):

• 121 students; ~$30K tuition; 35% on financial aid
• ~50 faculty/staff
• 57% male, 43% female
• 45 zip codes represented
• Southern Johnson County: 30.8%, Midtown/Brookside/North of River: 20.5%, Shawnee/Lenexa/Bonner Springs: 14.9%

Misc:

• They do not allow RBTs to push in (interferes with pod-based learning approach)
• There is not a parent training on the Orton-Gillingham program
• Over 600 students served successfully; many return to traditional schools