Learning Skills Program

Learning Skills is a special program for bright students who are hampered by specific learning differences. It is ideally suited for students who require specialized instruction to assist them in unlocking their potential and is administered by a certified Reading Specialist. In a school environment which encourages independent, mature behavior, this program offers the structure some students need.

Highly trained instructors tailor each student's program to his or her individual needs. Students work on organization, study skills, written language skills, and oral communication. Classes may employ multi-sensory Orton and Wilson techniques to teach phonological processing. Instructors, however, are encouraged to use whatever techniques they have learned through their careers, continuing education, and workshops to have an effect on their student’s ability to be successful in the academic environment. The result is that all can expect to improve their reading, writing, language-related skills, and academic performance.

"My son has a learning difference, he was diagnosed with dyslexia. He's really blossomed in the Learning Skills Program and it is clear there has been no stigma attached."

Solebury Parent ‘06

Learning Skills employs state-of-the-art technology. Computers on the Solebury network allow students to take advantage of the many research tools offered throughout the school. Kurzweil 3000 Scan/Read software is used to help students with reading/decoding problems. Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software is available to assist those with small motor difficulties or insufficient keyboarding skills. Inspiration software is available to assist visual learners with organization.

Students in this program take the same college-preparatory classes in mathematics, science, history, and the arts as everyone else (a waiver of the foreign language requirement is offered).