Key School Admission

Key School accepts students in the second through eighth grades with a primary diagnosis of a language-based learning difference such as dyslexia. An applicant’s cognitive ability (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient determined by a psychologist) must fall in the average to superior range. Our program requires that students have the intellectual ability to acquire information and move forward in our curriculum.

Diagnosis

• Key School’s program is designed to meet the needs of students who have a diagnosis of a specific language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia. An educational psychological evaluation must be conducted by a licensed psychologist working independently of Key School and must be current within a two-year period at the time of application.

Cognitive Ability

• Students entering Key School typically demonstrate high intellectual potential and lower than expected academic performance. They have solid abstract reasoning abilities and are able to progress in a college preparatory academic environment.

Openness to New Ways of Learning

• A child with diagnosed dyslexia or a language-based learning disability needs to be receptive to new ways of learning and be willing to work hard to acquire strategies as a means of achieving academic independence. 

Needs We Do Not Address

• The Key School’s program is not designed to effectively meet the needs of students who have learning difficulties that are the result of primary emotional or behavioral problems, below average cognitive ability, Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Autism Disorder (including Asperger’s Syndrome), or Traumatic Brain Injury. In addition, Key School cannot effectively serve students with significant physical limitations inhibiting their ability to take full advantage of multisensory techniques fundamental to the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Visit our Admissions page to learn more about the admissions process for Key School. 

Admissions process

Our full-day program offers students the opportunity to work with our highly qualified, specialized teachers in the unusually small setting of 4:1 for reading, spelling, and written expression. All classes in other core areas such as math, social studies, and science offer an equally low student/teacher ratio of depending on the age and skill level of the students. 

The principles of the Orton-Gillingham philosophy are embedded in every class, every day, by every teacher. All of our highly trained faculty members are lifelong learners and continuously sharpen their skills through ongoing professional development. Research shows the direct correlation between teacher expertise and student learning; we strive to unlock the highest level of potential in every student.

Financial aid

We recognize that Key School families are making a critical investment in their children’s future and we strive to provide assistance to families who otherwise might not be able to meet school costs. We invite parents to apply for financial aid. Financial aid awards are considered on an annual basis and are not guaranteed from year to year. We work with School & Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid requests.

Learn more about tuition and Financial Aid