Roswell, Ga. – As the nation enters Dyslexia Awareness Month, Swift School is excited to share that it is a founding school of a new education organization focused on collaborating and advocating for students with learning differences.

The Association of LD Schools (ALDS) is a new non-profit, private school organization including over 50 founding schools across the country that serve students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. The organization is an opportunity for LD schools nationwide to have a formal opportunity to partner together, share resources and support one another to make a positive impact for all students with learning differences. 

“The Atlanta area has a rich gumbo of schools serving students with learning differences, said Swift School's Head of School,” Chris Pomar. “Many folks may not realize how much we talk with and learn from each other. ALDS formalizes what had been a loose affiliation into a powerful network of schools serving students across the country. I know Swift School will benefit from this association, and the group will serve to make each of its member schools stronger.”  

ALDS is an outgrowth of partnerships formed among LD school leaders at an annual LD Leadership Retreat and a luncheon at the International Dyslexia Association’s annual conference. LD schools are frequently the only specialized school of their kind in their region, so the association will make it easier for schools and educators to find opportunities to connect and grow relationships to support one another and impact more students.

“At ALDS, our goal is clear: to foster an inclusive and empowering environment where schools dedicated to supporting students with learning differences can come together, collaborate, and flourish,” said Cheryl Cook, who recently retired as the academic dean at Lawrence School in Ohio and is serving as the Association’s founding Executive Director.  “My goal for ALDS is to figure out how we can help LD school leaders and educators connect with each other about their work and efforts to support learners. We are stronger together.”

All founding schools will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the association. ALDS’ founding board members are from the following schools: Spring Valley School (Birmingham, AL), Noble Academy (Greensboro, NC), Landmark School (Beverly, MA), The New Community School (Richmond, VA), Gulliver Prep School (Miami, FL), Westmark School (Los Angeles, CA), Hamlin Robinson School (Seattle, WA), and Windward Academy (New York City, New York).

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About ALDS
The Association of LD Schools (ALDS) is a formal community established to connect and support schools that specialize in education of students with learning differences (LD), such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive Dysfunction. As a formal 501c3 non-profit, ALDS will be able to connect the community of LD institutions by dedicating both time and resources to organizing opportunities for interactive collaboration and reaching other schools sharing a common goal. Ultimately, ALDS will advance the movement of reaching more students and change the future of education for students who learn differently. Learn more at: ldschools.org

About Swift School
Founded in 1998, Swift School is an independent school that provides successful remediation to students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences in grades 1-8. The Orton-Gillingham Approach, multi-sensory math approach, and a knowledge-based approach to language arts are all used in classroom instruction. Swift School’s academic programming is designed to remediate the language learning challenges of its students and capitalize on the cognitive strengths of right-brained learners. A heavy emphasis is placed on executive functioning and self-advocacy as students learn to leverage their students and unlock confidence. Success with dyslexia starts at Swift School. Call (678) 205-4988 or visit theswiftschool.org to learn more.