Key School Admission Criteria
Key School accepts bright students in Grades 2-8 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 primary diagnosis of a specific language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia. A psychological educational 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
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Key School’s program is not designed to effectively meet the needs of students who have learning difficulties that are the result of primary social-emotional or behavioral problems.
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Key School cannot effectively serve students with below average cognitive ability, primary language communication disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Autism Disorder, or Traumatic Brain Injury.
- Key School students must be have the ability to take full advantage of multi-sensory techniques fundamental to the Orton-Gillingham approach; therefore, Key School cannot effectively serve students with significant physical limitations.
ADMISSION PROCESS
The Key School Admission process begins with a parent conversation. Please reach out to a member of the admission team to get started! The following items will also be required:
- Application
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Psychological Educational Evaluation - A comprehensive psychological educational evaluation completed by a licensed psychologist within the past two years is required to determine whether our program is suited to your child’s needs. Please call if you need a referral for an evaluation. Preferred testing includes: WISC V or WPPSI IV, WJ IV, and CTOPP II
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Teacher Recommendations
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Tutor or Academic Support Recommendation
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Transcripts
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Key School Admission Assessment - Applicants meet one-on-one with Elaine Dephouse, Key School Director of Admission, for an assessment of reading, spelling, written expression, and math skills.
After completing the above admission requirements, and if placement seems appropriate, the applicant is invited for a student visit. During the visit, Key School teachers assist in evaluating educational needs as well as other factors affecting a possible placement.
