EMS Viewbook

The Landmark Difference

School

For students in grades 2-12 with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities

Elementary•Middle

Since 1971, Landmark School has enabled students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, to reach their educational and social potential through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and training, assessment, and research.

“For over 45 years, Landmark School has been empowering children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities to gain self-awareness, reach their potential, and develop self-advocacy skills to be successful in a competitive world. This unique school is a true leader in the field of educating young people with dyslexia.”

—Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D. Author of Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level

The Audrey G. Ratner Professor in Learning Development, Yale University School of Medicine Co-Director, Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity

Life Changing »

Our students say that when they come to Landmark, their lives change for the better. They find a place where teachers take the time to understand their learning style. They begin to understand themselves and their strengths through a daily, one-to-one Language Arts Tutorial. They learn to trust, work hard, and pursue their passions for athletics, community service, fine arts, music, woodworking, boatbuilding, and so much more. At Landmark, school is a community rather than an institution.

Motivated, Resilient, Capable »

Landmark students have a diagnosed language-based learning disability such as dyslexia, average to aboveaverage intelligence, and are well-adjusted, curious, and eager to learn.

The Successful Applicant

>> Cognitive Skills

Landmark students possess average to superior cognitive abilities, as measured by the WISC or WAIS, and have well-developed reasoning, problem-solving, and comprehension skills. Relative weaknesses often exist with processing speed and/or working memory abilities.

>> Academic Achievement

Landmark accepts students who are struggling in traditional classrooms because their reading, writing, computing, and organizational skills do not match their cognitive potential. Through an examination of submitted testing reports and our admission screening, Landmark carefully assesses each applicant. Once enrolled, a student receives an individually-designed program that addresses his or her strengths and areas of need.

>> Curriculum and Academic Expectations

Landmark is a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved school that parallels the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in grades 2–12. Classes are small in size (4–8 students), utilize a multi-modal teaching approach, and are taught at the student’s ability and skill level. All Landmark classes are designed to provide individualized remedial instruction. Each student receives a daily, one-to-one language arts tutorial that focuses on remediating reading, writing, and study skills. Students are evaluated through class participation, homework completion, writing assignments, and test grades. Graduation requirements must be met in order to receive a high school diploma.

>> Student Profile

Successful candidates are emotionally healthy, have strong social skills, and are motivated to learn. Although our students may have experienced diminished self-esteem and academic frustration prior to attending Landmark, they are essentially well-adjusted individuals. Landmark students often have a secondary diagnosis, such as ADHD; however, this does not interfere with their ability to be productive participants in the classroom.

>> Admission Process

Landmark requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes a WISC or WAIS, BASC or CBCL, and achievement testing that has been completed within three years of the application. Please refer to the Diagnostic Testing Guidelines in the Landmark School Application for details. The review process is comprehensive and typically takes four to six weeks. We strongly encourage applicants to attend an Informational Visit. Appropriate candidates are invited to complete an individual screening and interview as the final step in the admission process.

Landmark is not appropriate for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger’s Disorder and/or ASD), Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD), or primary social-emotional disorder.

Our Students Say it Best »

Nick Nold CLASS OF 2021

I commute every day from New Hampshire, but I don’t mind the ride. I’ve learned more in two years at Landmark than in all of my years at my old school. They push you here, but in a good way. Teachers know what you need to learn and they challenge you. I love science, and we do a lot of labs and projects. It’s easy to make friends here, too. I play soccer and participate in track and field for Landmark, but I am still close with my friends from home. I’m looking forward to going to Landmark High School next year!

“I’ve learned more in two years at Landmark than in all of my years at my old school.”

Luke Graham CLASS OF 2023

At my old school, I had a lot of tricks to cover up the fact that I couldn’t keep up. I would turn the page when everyone else in the class turned the page so it would look like I was following along. I struggled with word problems, reading, and homework. At Landmark, I don’t need my tricks anymore. I have my tutorial every day, the classes are really small so you can’t hide, and the teachers know what you need to learn. They also show you what you are doing wrong so you understand and can fix mistakes. My favorite classes are social studies and oral expression. We do a lot of hands-on activities in all my classes, which is fun.

“At my old school, I had a lot of tricks to cover up the fact that I couldn’t keep up... . At Landmark, I don’t need my tricks anymore.”

Bella Cahill CLASS OF 2021

I started Landmark in the Summer Program and then continued on in the fall. This is my third year here, and I love it. I never raised my hand at my old school. I was struggling and hated reading out loud. Coming here was a relief. The schoolwork makes sense and teachers take the time to explain everything to you. At Landmark, they understand how you learn and teach you what you need to do your best. I used to get extra help during recess, gym, and after school, but now I have time to hang out with my friends and play ice hockey and lacrosse.

“The schoolwork makes sense and teachers take the time to explain everything to you.”

Our it Really is

Approach— Different » (and

it works!)

Oneto-One » (everyday)

“The one-to-one tutorial model is the ‘gold standard’ among interventions for struggling readers.”

—Johns Hopkins University School of Education’s Center for Research and Reform in Education

The one-to-one Language Arts Tutorial is the cornerstone of what we do and what makes Landmark’s method so effective. Our daily tutorial, classes of 4–8 students, highly trained teachers, and a flexible and dynamic curriculum make all the difference to our students.

We don’t follow a single teaching methodology for reading instruction, such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or LiPS; instead, we draw on these and many more to meet the individual needs of each of our students.

Hands-on Learning

(we think learning should be fun!)

Our program is innovative and experiential. We know that our students learn best by doing. Our entire curriculum, especially in math and science, utilizes a kinesthetic approach. Students are up and moving around, working in teams, and using all of their senses to master new skills. It’s an energetic experience with students implementing hands-on tools and fully engaging what they are learning.

Teachers Who Get it (really!)

Students are grouped in classes by ability so we can tailor the pace and content to suit their individual needs. Executive function and literacy skills are taught by every Landmark teacher and are an essential part of the program that is integrated in all classes, no matter the subject. Students leave here not only with strong reading, writing, and math skills— they also have the ability to think critically and have time management, organization, note-taking, test-taking, oral presentation skills ... and confidence.

Challenging Every Student

(we’ll meet you where you are)

We offer a continuum of curriculum to ensure that school is a rewarding and positive experience that prepares students for the next step. From language arts, math, science, and social studies to oral expression, literature, and study skills, Landmark meets every student’s needs when they arrive and continues to challenge them through their time here.

Meeting Goals

»

(we’re in your corner)

We assign an Academic Advisor to each student who quickly becomes an advocate, guide, coach, and friend. These veteran teachers are highly trained and qualified to make sure that tutorials are customized for each student, class placements are appropriate, students’ needs are being met, and parents’ questions are answered. You will always know how your child is doing at Landmark School—no surprises.

New Opportunities (the good stuff)

For many students, taking art, gym, computer science, or playing on an athletic team was not possible before coming to Landmark. Here, we encourage ALL of our students to explore, grow, and develop a healthy appetite for interests outside the core academic classes. There are also afterschool activities, including art, music, library, model boatbuilding, bike club, dance, and woodworking, to name a few. Community service, dances, movie nights, and ski trips solidify real connections and friendships.

It’s Like a Family

»

(with no sibling rivalry)

If you ask our students how it feels to be a part of the Landmark community, most will tell you that it’s like a family. Students know they won’t be singled out for having a different learning style. They feel at home here. We foster confidence in our students so they know that they can learn, take academic risks, and experience success— sometimes for the very first time.

Cutting-Edge Connections

(great resources in our backyard)

Because we are only 30 miles north of Boston, we have strong links to some of the most preeminent academic institutions in the country. We enjoy a research relationship with Harvard Graduate School of Education, Children’s Hospital, and other institutions. We benefit from these collaborations and the results of these joint studies inform our practice.

A Landmark Story

She was a third grader with spunk and curiosity, but she hated school. One day, her teacher asked all of the students to begin their group assignment. She grabbed her Frog and Toad book and held it up like all the other kids. When the teacher asked her why she was holding her book upside down, she was humiliated. She was so afraid that everyone would know that she couldn’t read–the letters and words on the page didn’t mean the same to her as they did to all the other kids.

The transformation came within her first days of being a new student at Landmark’s Elementary•Middle School. When her tutorial teacher asked her to start slowly by learning letters and sounds, using helpful strategies that finally made sense, her heart sang. She could hold her head up, look people in the eye, and feel confident for the very first time. That little girl graduated from Landmark School, attended college, and is now working successfully in the world of finance in Boston.

Gabby Pecoraro ’07

Summer Program

(come on in, the water’s fine)

For Landmark students and anyone who is looking to boost skills and minimize summer regression, our program is an ideal opportunity to step outside the usual demands of the school year. It’s a time to reflect and focus on making improvements for the coming year. We call it the “Landmark Advantage” and, like our program during the academic year, it works.

Landmark School At a Glance

Mission: Landmark School’s mission is to enable and empower students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) to reach their educational and social potential through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and training, assessment, and research.

Goal: Landmark School’s goal is to be the leading non-profit center for the education and study of children and adolescents with LBLD.

Grades served: 2 – 12, coeducational

Residential program: Grades 9 – 12

Teacher/Student ratio: 1:3

Advanced degrees: 95% of faculty have advanced degrees or are acquiring them

Average academic class size: 4 – 8 students

Accreditation: • New England Association of Schools & Colleges

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Professional memberships: • Association of Independent Schools of New England

• International Dyslexia Association

• Independent Educational Consultants Association

• Learning Disabilities Association of America

• Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools

• National Association of Independent Schools

• National Association of Special Education Teachers School of Excellence

Total enrollment: 475

Elementary•Middle School: 165

High School: 310

Geographic profile: Students represent 10 countries and 20 states

Total faculty/staff: 349

College placement: 100% of Landmark students are accepted to college

Summer program: Over 120 students attend Landmark’s Summer Program

photography by Kieran Kesner ‘09 (Winslow Martin, back cover)