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We’re diving into a topic that so many of you have reached out about navigating dyslexia in a private school. Maybe you chose a private school for smaller class sizes, a faith-based education, or a strong academic reputation. But now you’ve realized your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or writing—and you’re wondering, Does this school really have the support my child needs?
When we started our dyslexia journey, I realized very early that If I wanted my child to get the right support, I had to be the one to make it happen.
So today, I’m going to share what I’ve learned—the good, the bad, and the real-talk about navigating dyslexia in a private school setting.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to identify if your child’s private school is equipped to support dyslexia
- Your rights and options as a parent (yes, even in a private school!)
- What to do if the school isn’t meeting your child’s needs
- How to advocate for the right interventions while keeping your relationship with the school strong
So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
Dyslexia in a Private School – What’s Different?
First, let’s talk about how private schools handle dyslexia differently than public schools. Unlike public schools, which are required by law to provide special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), private schools do not have to offer the same level of support.
This means:
- Your child may not have access to an IEP (Individualized Education Program).
- Some private schools offer structured literacy programs and dyslexia-specific interventions, while others may not.
- The level of teacher training in dyslexia varies widely from school to school.
This is why I always tell moms: don’t assume your school understands dyslexia. Ask questions!
For example, if you approach your child’s school about their struggles and ask, “Do you have any teachers trained in Orton-Gillingham or structured literacy?” If the response is blank stares that tells you everything you need to know. But I’ve also spoken with moms whose private schools have amazing dyslexia support—so it really depends on the school.
Signs Your Private School is (or Isn’t) Dyslexia-Friendly
How do you know if your private school is equipped to support dyslexia? Here are a few green flags and red flags to look for in private schools:
✅ Green Flags (Good Signs)
- The school acknowledges dyslexia as a real learning difference.
- They offer Orton-Gillingham-based reading interventions or Structured Literacy programs.
- They have learning specialists or tutors trained in dyslexia.
- They’re open to reasonable accommodations like extra time on tests or audiobooks.
- Teachers are willing to collaborate with you to support your child.
🚩 Red Flags (Warning Signs)
- The school believes kids “just need to try harder” or will “grow out of it.”
- There are no specialists trained in dyslexia or reading interventions.
- They resist making accommodations or don’t understand why your child needs them.
- They discourage outside testing or private tutoring.
- Your child’s self-esteem is plummeting because they feel like they’re failing.
When I started noticing the red flags at my child’s school, I felt completely lost. I kept thinking, We chose this school because we thought it would be the best place for them—so why does it feel like they’re being left behind?
If you’re in that place right now, I see you. And I promise, there are steps you can take to support your child.
Advocacy & Your Options as a Parent
If you suspect your child has dyslexia—or if you already have a diagnosis—what can you do?
Step 1: Get a Professional Evaluation
If your child hasn’t been formally evaluated yet, that’s your first step. Many private schools don’t test for dyslexia, so you may need to seek a private evaluation from a licensed psychologist or educational specialist.
Step 2: Meet with the School
Once you have the evaluation, request a meeting with your child’s teacher, learning specialist, or principal. When I had this meeting, I brought:
- The diagnosis report
- Examples of where my child was struggling
- A list of possible accommodations
One thing that worked well? I approached it as a team effort. Instead of demanding things, I asked, “How can we work together to support my child?”
Step 3: Consider Outside Support
If the school can’t provide what your child needs, outside tutoring—especially with an Orton-Gillingham-trained tutor—can be a game-changer.
Step 4: Know Your Options
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a private school just isn’t the right fit. I know families who:
- Supplemented with outside services while staying at their private school
- Moved to a different private school with better dyslexia support
- Transitioned to public school for stronger special education services
Trust yourself. You know what’s best for your child.
Encouragement for the Journey
Mama, I know how overwhelming this can feel. I’ve walked this road. I’ve sat in meetings with administrators, fought for accommodations, and cried wondering if I was doing enough.
But let me tell you something: You are exactly the mom your child needs.
That’s it for today’s episode! If this was helpful, share it with another mom who needs to hear this. And if you’re loving the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review on Apple Podcasts.
Until next time, remember: You’ve got this, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
Remember, you are not alone. You got this!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Episode 130: Understanding Your Child’s Dyslexia Workshop – You Tube Version (with slides)
- Subscribe to the Better Together Newsletter
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