Schools for Dyslexia in Canada

Below is a list of private Canadian schools that cater to dyslexic students.

In some cases the schools are dedicated to dyslexic students in particular, in others, they accommodate students with a broader range of learning disabilities including ADHD/ADD.

This list is always a work in progress as new schools open, existing schools close and others change their mandate. If you are aware of any schools that should be added or removed from this list, please let us know!

Notes:

• To appear in the list below a school must explicitly include dyslexia among the learning disabilities the school accommodates in their curriculum and teaching methods, though this does not mean the methods used by any particular school are evidence based or proven to work
• The appearance of a school in our list is not an endorsement of the school by the Dyslexia Reading Well 
• Not all of schools included here are dedicated to dyslexic students and may not agree with the label 'school for dyslexia'. Some schools serve students with learning disabilities more broadly

Canadian Schools that Cater to Dyslexic Students

Evaluating A School

Deciding among private schools for dyslexia is a big decision. Be sure to seek as much information as possible to inform your choice. Here are some questions to ask during your visit to the school:

1. What kind of students do you cater to?
   
   Exclusively dyslexics may be best, but don't be put off if they accommodate other learning disabilities. In order to survive, most private schools, even niche schools, have to be somewhat flexible in their mission and recruiting.
   
   
2. What curriculum and methods do you use? Do you use them in all courses or just in language arts and reading?
   
   Is it multi-sensory, systematic, based on the Orton-Gillingham approach and include teaching phonemes, comprehension, fluency and spelling?
   
   
3. What kind of individualized education plan do you prepare for students?
   
   Most schools will prepare a detailed plan for each student. Ask to see a sample, or better yet a draft plan for your child. 
   
   
4. What is the cost of enrollment and what exactly does it include? Books? Meals? Extracurricular Activities? Music?
   
   Some are boarding schools for dyslexia, so prices may vary hugely.
   
   
5. Is there a parent's association or parent council for the school that can be contacted for advice?
   
   Parents of previous students are your best bet for getting the real story about the school. If there is a parent body that liaises with the school administration get in touch with the Chair person, you may want to consider joining if you have the time!
   
   
6. Has your school been independently reviewed/assessed by private or public organizations?
   
   After parents of previous students, your best bet for information on the school would be independent assessments or reviews. Ask if the school has been evaluated or audited by a third party.
   
   
7. What is your approach to discipline and behavioural problems? How do you combat bullying, drugs etc?
   
   Better private schools for dyslexia have programs to ensure every student has a positive experience.
   
   

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