Soaring Confidence: Ava's Story

Ava came to Swift School in seventh grade and spent two years receiving remediation. When Ava’s parents enrolled her, she lacked confidence and read at just a fourth grade level. Swift School’s remediation techniques improved her confidence and changed her life, just as it has done for students for nearly 25 years.

“I had very low self-confidence because of my reading challenges,” stated Ava. “I was getting by at the minimum with most subjects, but Swift gave me a smaller learning environment tailored to my needs.”

As Ava spent time with Swift School’s Orton-Gillingham certified faculty and received the necessary instruction to improve her reading, her confidence soared.

“I started seeing a change at the end of my first year at Swift,” she said. “My reading level improved, and because of that, my overall love for school grew.”

The small, nurturing environment proved to be what Ava needed to succeed in the classroom, and she grew close to her classmates and teachers. Mrs. Lane, a veteran Swift School educator whom Swift School students adored, mentored Ava academically.

Ava reflected: “Mrs. Lane helped my writing improve, and she helped me understand what learning styles worked for me. I love all types of writing, and that love grew stronger after her class. She helped keep me in shape academically, and I owe her a tremendous amount of thanks.”

In the classroom, Ava learned about self-advocacy and the importance of speaking up for herself regarding learning at and beyond. Each teacher at Swift School explains the concept of self-advocacy on a grade-appropriate level, and it helped Ava grow in her understanding of literature.

“Swift gave me the tools to speak up for what helps me learn and understand my strengths and weaknesses. I know that audiobooks help me follow the storyline better. Knowing that I can self-advocate for myself in the classroom gave me a better understanding of how my brain works and the tools I need to succeed.”

Ava enjoys creating art and holds a variety of interests academically. One of her favorite memories was the frog dissection with another Swift School fan-favorite, Mr. Lytle. And, did we mention that Ava served as Interim Head of School at carpool?

“As much as I was grossed out [by the dissection], Mr. Lytle made it enjoyable,” Ava recalled. Another fun memory was when [Head of School] Mr. Pomar was out, and my friend Lilly and I got to do morning greetings at carpool. We always had a good time.”

Ava currently attends William & Reed Academy, which has a small environment similar to Swift School, and she wasted no time getting involved. In her freshman year, she played golf, participated in sideline cheerleading, and plans to sit on the student council next year.

Ava’s message to current Swift School students centers around involvement in school life and growth as a young adult.

“My advice for current Swift students is to get involved, which might look like sports, student council, and clubs. Also, develop relationships with your teachers, and take time to get close to them. When you get to know your teachers, you will have a bond that will never get replaced. Getting involved and getting to know your teachers will help you in the future and help you grow as a person.”

Swift School’s mission is to prepare students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences to be successful in life, and Ava is one of the many Swift success stories of the past 25 years. Interested in having your student receive life-changing remediation like Ava? Email admissionassociate@theswiftschool.org or call (678) 205-4988