San Antonio is set to open two new specialized schools aimed at inclusive and supportive education for young learners with developmental challenges and dyslexia. The Rise School San Antonio and an innovative charter school for dyslexic students are establishing roots in the city, promising a more inclusive future for education.
According to the San Antonio Report, the Rise School's approach is distinct in that it embeds various therapies, like physical, occupational, speech, and music, within each classroom and lesson. Vanessa Hurd, the founding director of the nonprofit private school, explained, "We start from the very beginning, and we integrate all of the therapies with the learning environment with the teaching curriculum." Catering to both typically developing students and those with special needs, the tuition is set at $1,250 a month. Hurd emphasized that the school is building a scholarship fund so that families from all economic backgrounds should apply if interested.
Concurrently, an ambitious charter school for dyslexic students is set to launch with the nonprofit Celebrate Dyslexia spearheading the initiative. The school is anticipated to admit approximately 115-second graders, later expanding to include grades up to sixth. Certified academic language therapists will spearhead dyslexia intervention across core subjects, addressing the specialized needs of learners with dyslexia. Flor Gutiérrez, who will take the helm as the school's superintendent, became a certified therapist after witnessing the hurdles her child faced in traditional educational settings, as per San Antonio Report, as mentioned by Hoodline.
The charter's proximity to the DoSeum leverages the museum's resources, facilitating an interactive learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. Dan Menelly, CEO of the DoSeum, reiterated the shared objectives of the museum and the school in fostering a novel educational model. Parents have expressed a mix of relief and excitement, recognizing the promise that such targeted and responsive educational settings hold for their kids. For example, Jasmin Dean who founded Celebrate Dyslexia said, "What good is a high school diploma if you can't read?" in a statement obtained by the San Antonio Express-News.
As these schools gear up to launch, San Antonio takes strides towards embracing diversity in learning styles and needs. The Rise School of San Antonio is part of a larger network with its roots reaching back 50 years ago, while the charter school for dyslexic learners charts a new course, underscoring the city's commitment to innovative and inclusive education for all its children.
