Marburn Academy Viewbook

MARBURN ACADEMY

ELEMENTARY | MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL NEW ALBANY, OHIO

A letter from our Head of School Every morning, our halls fill with students who have struggled at nearly every step of their educational journey. Yet, somehow they find the courage to walk through our doors and trust that we, as a community, are going to see them differently. And we do. We see their strengths, we treat them with respect and dignity, we listen to their words, we hold them to high standards, and we stretch them further than they would have ever thought possible. We cultivate opportunities for our students to be successful; then, we help them see how their work produced that success.

Marburn Academy was founded on the conviction that every child is capable of succeeding. Our charge, as educators, is to meet our children where they are, to seek an understanding of them as the incredible individuals they are, and to empower them to leverage their strengths. We want our students to become self-aware as learners. Then, they can determine what they need to be successful and how best to advocate for themselves.

During the past 35 years, Marburn has been a leader in research-based, educational best practices for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and executive function issues. We are one of only 14 school programs in the country that is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. Our carefully constructed small classes are led by a diagnostic, relationship-focused, data-driven, and multisensory approach. We know that setting clear and measurable goals creates successful outcomes; therefore, we coach our students in the goal-setting process and the development of organizational and self-management skills to accomplish those goals.

The foundation of our program is built upon the strength of our teachers. Our teachers see themselves as lifelong learners, and they consistently hone their skills through weekly professional development and training. Our students’ resilience and strength inspire us daily.

We are deeply committed to this population and continually strive to extend that impact beyond the walls of the school.

If you are interested in learning more, contact our Admission team today. Together, we can build a bright future for your child!

Warm Regards,

Jamie Williamson Head of School 2

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IMPORTANT MISSION At Marburn Academy, we celebrate students who learn differently, empowering them to awaken their potential, to achieve success in school and life, and to affect positive change in our communities.

5 EQUALLY

IMPORTANT CORE VALUES Marburn Academy’s core values guide our work, determine our priorities, and inform our decision making at all points.

Growth We believe that everyone is capable of growing and learning and that learning is a lifelong process.

Community We believe every individual deserves a community where they feel valued and accepted, and where their strengths are acknowledged and leveraged.

Communication We believe all communication should be open, honest, clear, timely, recursive, and direct.

Innovation We believe in being on the cutting edge of research, best practices, and technology, and that innovation requires creativity, commitment, and a clear vision for the future.

Sustainability We believe that Marburn Academy is the standard bearer for the education of students with learning differences in Central Ohio. We are committed to excellent stewardship to ensure our long-term success.

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3 ANSWERS TO

“WHO IS MARBURN ACADEMY?” Marburn Academy is a not-for-profit, independent day school devoted to serving

the educational needs of students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and Executive Function difficulties.

Marburn Academy is the only school in Central Ohio with academic and co-

curricular programs designed to address the full range of unique learning and personal development needs of students with dyslexia, ADHD and Executive Function difficulties.

Marburn Academy is a school that educates more than 300 students year-round

in day school and summer programs and follows a division structure. Lower Division serves grades 1–5; Middle Division serves grades 6–8; and High School serves grades 9–12. Lower and Middle Division classrooms are built upon a model of 16 students and 2 full-time teachers. High School classrooms are 18 students and 1 full-time teacher.

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5 ACCREDITATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS

Marburn Academy is accredited at the highest level by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS.)The Ohio Department of Education accepts this accreditation and recognizes Marburn Academy as an independent 1–12, non-public school.

Marburn Academy is an International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accredited Program.

Marburn Academy is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS).

Marburn Academy is one of only 14 schools in the nation to have its language instruction program accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE).

8 MARBURN ACADEMY STATISTICS (2016-2017) Current Enrollment - 240

Year Founded - 1981

Student/Teacher Ratio Lower and Middle Divisions - 8:1

Student/Teacher Ratio in High School - 18:1

Graduating seniors accepted to college - 100%

Number of co-curricular opportunities offered - 20+

Total number of faculty - 54

Total number of employees - 82 5

10 REASONS TO CHOOSE MARBURN ACADEMY

Your child has a learning difference such as dyslexia, ADHD, or Executive Function difficulties, and they desire to do well in school.

You are looking for smaller class sizes of 16 – 18 students or fewer.

You want teachers who will never allow your child to be academically or emotionally left behind.

Marburn teachers understand how your child learns and continue to work with them until they understand.

Your child needs teaching approaches that break down assignments to fit their individual needs.

Two teachers in every Marburn classroom help your child stay focused and provide you with ease in getting help when needed.

You want a school environment that is free of harassment and intimidation, where your child is free to be themselves and be accepted for who they are.

The tools your child learns here will assist them in being successful in life and in pursuing their dreams and ambitions.

You are looking for a school environment that limits stress and anxiety.

You want a school with a sense of community: a school family who celebrates your child.

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4 COMPONENTS OF

THE MARBURN DIFFERENCE ● Positive, Safe Learning Environment ● Scientifically Validated Teaching Methods

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● Inquiry-Based Approach ● Experiential Arts Program

ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHILE AT MARBURN You will gain confidence in your abilities.

You will feel you can learn.

You will develop trust in your teachers.

You will realize it is possible to breathe...to be excited to go to school every day.

You will learn to self-advocate.

You will become a valued member of the Marburn community.

7LEADERSHIP SKILLS

YOU WILL LEARN AT MARBURN When a student graduates from Marburn Academy, they are a different person from when they began. They work smarter, they are more confident, and they are more adept at facing change. Seven skills that will go with them to college and beyond are: Self-awareness • Critical thinking • Communication • Relationship Building The Knowledge that sometimes questions are better than answers Time management and organization • Collaboration

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THINGS TO KNOW

ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM 1. Marburn’s advisory structure is designed for all grade levels and provides a forum for students to develop essential skills beyond traditional academics. Students learn to navigate through goal setting, identifying strengths and weaknesses, perseverance, and much more. Advisors serve as the point person for each student, ensuring students feel connected and understood moving throughout the academic program. Throughout all levels, advisors advocate for student needs, develop student plans, and understand the individual strengths, challenges, and needs of each student.

2. Orton-Gillingham language classes provide a solid instructional foundation throughout Lower and Middle Division and into High School. The Orton-Gillingham approach is a carefully sequenced, systematic, multisensory, diagnostic, and prescriptive instructional process that builds upon intensive practice of the sound/ symbol system of language.

3. Hands-on, experientially based classes are more than a lecture: students do. This approach enables non-intuitive learners to acquire the academic subskills necessary for success, both with higher-level critical thinking and problem solving. Throughout all subjects, including Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, students step out of the classroom to experience the world. Trips include Washington D.C., a world famous theatre festival in Canada, and the Stratford Ecological Center.

4. Executive Function development focuses on coaching and counseling over consequence. Students learn how to establish effective social interaction and problem-solving techniques; how to strengthen self-image; how to build tools and strategies to encourage independence; and how to successfully follow their dreams and ambitions while striving to reach their full potential. Specifically, in High School, graded courses known as Task and Lead systematically help students develop the tools to sustain themselves through college and, ultimately, their future.

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5. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is designed to assist High School students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an engineering and project-based framework. These courses stretch the knowledge that is obtained in traditional science courses.

6. Affinities exploration is a mindset at Marburn: we encourage students to identify and explore areas of personal and academic interest through a variety of outlets. For example, May Term is an intensive two-week session for High School students, during which students examine a topic in detail. Courses include specific areas of art, design, cultural, and civic issues; building; home economics; and international trips, including a trip to Canada and a Costa Rican trip in which students live with local families to experience village life. Students also explore affinities through our Voyageurs Trips, athletics, after-school programs, and performing arts.

7. Demonstrations of learning far surpass traditional testing at Marburn Academy.

Students are given opportunities to share what they know and understand in new and authentic ways, including formal presentations, educational showcases, works of art, portfolios, Discovery Night, and so on. In High School, students participate in Capstone, a semester-long, individual research project. Topics are based on a student’s personal interests and previous learning. Students develop and research a question, synthesize their research into a model of understanding, and then present their findings orally, and in writing, to the Marburn community on Capstone Night.

8. 1-1 Device Program Educational goals for this program include: · Improved communication · Increased collaboration · Performance-based learning · Digital citizenship and internet safety · Increased knowledge of available assistive technology

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7FUN ACTIVITIES AT MARBURN Rappelling in our gymnasium Technology classes make digital avatars of themselves Global community studies raise money for Rwanda Philanthropic trip and Theater trip to Canada Student volunteer services partner with our local city for area beautification Exciting visitors – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; NHL’s Stanley Cup Voyageurs Trips – outdoor adventure programs to help students explore new interests while developing student confidence and shaping character

15 CO-CURRICULARS

At Marburn Academy, in addition to developing academic skills, we place emphasis on developing the whole child by offering a wide range of affinity-based, experiential co-curricular opportunities. Athletics focuses on learning fundamental techniques and strategies. After-school programs give students the opportunities to actively explore, identify, and develop their natural affinities. (Below are just a few of the programs available.)

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Athletics Volleyball • Basketball • Golf • Ultimate Frisbee • Cross country • Flag football teams • Cheerleading After-School Programs Robotics • Lego Club • Creative Arts Magazine • Minecraft Club • Girls on the Run/Let Me Run • Fencing Performing Arts Fall Musical (1st through 5th grade) • Spring Musical (6th through 12th grade)

19 COLLEGES THAT HAVE

ACCEPTED OUR STUDENTS

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PHASES

IN THE ADMISSION PROCESS Marburn Academy offers rolling admission, which means we have no application deadline.

Students in Grades 1–10 may apply and be admitted throughout the school year, as space allows.

Phase l includes a phone conversation with the Marburn Admission department to determine the first step in eligibility. Additionally, submission of student materials will be requested. Such materials include a WISC or Stanford-Binet Intelligence assessment, the current ETR or IEP, report card, and diagnostic or cognitive evaluation if available.

Phase ll comprises a tour of Marburn and parent appointment in which your child’s learning needs and more about Marburn are discussed. On that same day your child will interview with Admission Office for discussion and evaluation time. If the student interview results appear as though we may be able to help a child, the process moves to Phase III. The application, $100 non-refundable application fee, teacher recommendations, and Authorization to Release Records forms are due just before Phase III begins.

Phase III includes a full-day shadow visit at Marburn for your child, or possibly two full days. While your child experiences our classroom environment, teachers and the Admission team will evaluate their learning style, behavior, cooperation, and peer group connectivity.

BEHAVIORAL CONSIDERATIONS When students have struggled with persistent school failure, they often develop lessthan-ideal strategies to avoid—or escape—academic situations. Early identification and intervention has kept many students from experiencing the loss of self-esteem, which can drive these behavioral issues. If not identified early enough to avoid difficulties, behavioral issues may appear. At times we find that these behavioral issues can be reversed with remediation, one-on-one support, and proving to the child that they are capable of succeeding. However, our program is not designed to serve students with persistent or severe behavior problems stemming from primary neurological, psychological, or emotional problems.

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3 FINANCIAL AID

AND SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS Marburn Academy strives to provide assistance by offering direct, need-based financial aid for our families. Also, many families qualify to deduct tuition costs from their federal income taxes.

Marburn Academy is recognized as an approved provider for the Ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs and Autism Scholarships*. Families may take advantage of these funding opportunities. If your family requires financial assistance for tuition, our Admission office will be happy to discuss the available options. Please visit our website – www.marburnacademy.org – for application deadlines. *Please note that Marburn Academy serves a limited number of students on the autism spectrum whose predominant presenting issues are with dyslexia, ADHD, executive function difficulties, reading, writing, and/or math.

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SERVICES MARBURN

OFFERS IN CENTRAL OHIO Seminars Each year, Marburn Academy offers a series of free parent community seminars, which focus on current research and innovation in the area of learning differences.

Free Early Reading Screenings Marburn Academy offers free early reading screenings for 5–7-year-old children whose parents want to know if their child is likely to encounter difficulty in learning to read.

Summer Programs Marburn’s summer courses offer exciting, hands-on instruction for experiential learning.

Tutoring We offer one-on-one or small group tutoring with highly trained Orton-Gillingham and math tutors.

For dates and specific program offerings, visit www.marburnacademy.org.

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MEET YOUR CLASSMATES 15

To begin the Marburn Academy admission process, please contact the Admission Office at 614.433.0822 or complete our online inquiry form. We are happy to discuss our program with you and learn more about your child’s needs.

MARBURN ACA DEMY

9555 Johnstown Rd. New Albany, OH 43054

MARBURN

P: 614-433-0822

F:A614-433-0812 CADE

MY

www.marburnacademy.org twitter.com/marburnacademy facebook.com/marburnacademy

Marburn Academy admits students without regard to race, color, creed, gender or national origin.

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