High School Viewbook

High School

The Landmark Difference For students in grades 2-12 with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities 3

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.

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Table of Contents The Successful Applicant Our Students Say it Best Our Approach

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One-to-One

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Hands-on Learning

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Teachers Who Get it

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Challenging Every Student

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Meeting the Goals

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New Opportunities

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It’s Like a Family

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Living and Learning

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Course Offerings Summer Program Benefits of Boston A Landmark Story Off to College Landmark at-a-Glance

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“ 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

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Life Changing

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Our Students Say it Best

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“I remember this breakthrough moment when I read, understood, and enjoyed my first chapter book.”

Lyandra Benitez I started Landmark when I was in sixth grade. I always knew I was different. In my old school, I struggled with reading and spelling. Coming here was amazing. I remember this breakthrough moment when I read, understood, and enjoyed my first chapter book. We recently read Touching Spirit Bear in my literature class, and I loved it. I’m a day student at Landmark and commute from 45 minutes away. I see my friends from home on the weekends, but Landmark is like a family.

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“Within a few days, I felt comfortable in my dorm, and in just two weeks felt like I had adjusted to living and going to school here.”

Cole Bascome-Duong At the end of seventh grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. The second-to-last day of that school year, my parents took me to visit Landmark. We quickly realized it was the right school for me.

I started that summer and then continued on as an eighth grade student at the high school in the fall. I was the youngest student — and I was really intimidated. Within a few days, I felt comfortable in my dorm, and in just two weeks felt like I had adjusted to living and going to school here. One of the things I appreciate about Landmark is how welcoming and open everyone is. I love performing arts, and the program here is amazing. The small classes, tutorial, and specialized program allow you to balance academics with extracurricular activities, which I didn’t have much time for at my old school.

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“ I’ll always think of Landmark as the place where I learned how to read and became a leader.”

Drew McNamee I’ve spent the last 10 years as a student here. My family and I moved from Colorado so that I could go to Landmark. Within a day or two, I felt like I fit in, and within a year, I was calling the North Shore home. I’ll always think of Landmark as the place where I learned how to read and became a leader. I am a three-season varsity athlete and am the captain of the cross country and wrestling teams. My hope is to study physical therapy and return to Colorado for college.

I will miss the great friends I’ve made here and the strong, friendly, and supportive community.

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Our it Really is 12

Approach— Different (and it works!)

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Oneto-One

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

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

(everyday)

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.

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Hands-on Learning (we think learning should be fun!)

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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.

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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.

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Challenging Every Student

(we’ll meet you where you are)

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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 during their time here.

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Meeting Goals

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(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.

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New Opportunities (the good stuff!)

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For many students, taking art, gym, computer science, or playing on an athletic team was not a possibility 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 after-school activities, including athletics, music, visual and performing arts, woodworking, auto mechanics, InvenTeam, weightlifting, cooking, and yoga, to name a few. Community service, dances, movie nights, outings to Boston, and ski trips all help to solidify real connections and friendships.

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It’s Like a Family (with no sibling rivalry)

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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.

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Living and Learning

(getting ready for the next step)

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Our residential students engage in a program that emphasizes independence, thoughtful decision making, and respect.

Students develop an understanding of their unique needs and the skills necessary to self-advocate with confidence. We apply all of the executive function and study skills from our academic program to the residential program. By the time our students are ready to leave Landmark, they are prepared for college and beyond.

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High School Course Offerings

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The cornerstone of Landmark’s program is our one-to-one, daily Language Arts Tutorial. In addition, we offer a customized and rigorous college preparatory curriculum in a remedial, skills-based setting for all of our students.

Communication Advanced Communications Student Advocates Expressive Language Language Arts Oral Expression Social Communication I and II American Sign Language I and II Language Arts Language Arts Literature Literature in Film Advanced Literature Grammar and Writing I and II * American Perspectives in Literature I and II * Critical Perspectives in Literature and Film * Junior Writing * Modern World Literature * Advanced Studies in Protested Literature * Advanced Studies: Diversity in Literature* British Literature * Senior Research * Mathematics Foundations of High School Math Algebra I and II Geometry Integrated Math Advanced Algebra 32

Pre-Calculus Probability and Statistics Calculus I and II Computer Engineering Computer Programming Reading Mastery of Meaning Reading the Code Reading Fluency Reading Literature

Study Skills Foundations of Study Skills Study Skills I and II Debate Sense of Time: A Perspective of Humans in Time Early Childhood I and II Senior Transition Study Skills Study Skills and Strategies* Health and Wellness* Rhetoric and Public Discourse* Leadership and Character* Technology Music Production Computer Engineering Computer Programing 3-D Modeling Fabrication Short Film Production Science Ecology Biology Marine Science Physical Science Integrated Science Chemistry Advanced Marine Science Anatomy and Physiology Biochemistry of Food Environmental Science Pre-Engineering Physics Social Science US History I and II World History US History: 1945 to Present American Government and Contemporary Issues American Legal System Introduction to Anthropology Introduction to Psychology Civics and American Government American History* World Civilizations and Culture* Comparative Governments: An American Perspective* Advanced Studies in Modern Global History* Economics* Psychology*

Visual Arts Foundations Drawing Ceramics Painting Photography Advanced Photography Graphic Design Printmaking Portfolio Academic and Other Electives Physical Education Basketball Weight Lifting and Conditioning Outdoor Leadership Advanced Outdoor Leadership Yoga Auto Mechanics Woodworking Boat Building Performing Arts Chorus Dance Drama Exploring Music Technical Theater * Courses specific to our Prep Program 33

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Summer Program

(come on in, the water’s fine)

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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.

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Benefits of Boston (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.

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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 38

Colleges Attended by Landmark Graduates (past five years): Our Guidance Department works with students from freshman year on to prepare for and navigate the college application process. The results speak for themselves.

American University, Washington, DC

Parsons Paris School of Art and Design, Paris, France

Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA

Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

Bryant University, Smithfield, RI

Providence College, Providence, RI

Champlain College, Burlington, VT

Regis University, Denver CO

Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs, CO

Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY

College of Charleston, Charleston, SC

Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI

Curry College, Milton, MA

Rollins College, Winter Park FL

Dean College, Franklin, MA

Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, VT

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Salem State University, Salem, MA

Elon University, Elon, NC

Salve Regina University, Newport, RI

Emerson College, Boston, MA

Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA

Emmanuel College, Boston, MA

Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA

Endicott College, Beverly, MA

School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA

School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Framingham State University, Framingham, MA

Simmons College, Boston, MA

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

High Point University, High Point, NC

Springfield College, Springfield, MA

Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Stonehill College, Easton, MA

Hofstra University, Hampstead NY

Suffolk University, Boston, MA

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Trinity College, Hartford, CT

Johnson State College, Johnson, VT

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Landmark College, Putney, VT

University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO

Lasell College, Newton, MA

University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

University of Denver, Denver, CO

Lynchburg College, Lynchburg VA

University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT

Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL

University of Maine, Farmington ME

Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, ME

University of Maine, Orono, ME

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, MA

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA

University of Massachusetts- Lowell, MA

Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Buzzards Bay, MA

University of New England, Biddeford, ME

Massasoit Community College, Brockton, MA

University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

Mitchell College, New London, CT

University of Southern Maine, Portland ME

Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

University of Technology, Sydney Australia

Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA

University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Newbury College, Brookline, MA

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

New England College, Henniker, NH

Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA

New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, RI

Westmount College, Santa Barbara, CA

Nichols College, Dudley, MA

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA

North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA

Wheaton College, Norton MA

Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA

Wingate University, Wingate NC

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Norwich University, Northfield, VT

Worcester State University, Worcester, MA

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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: Residential program: Teacher/Student ratio: Advanced degrees: Average academic class size:

2 – 12, coeducational Grades 9 – 12 1:3 95% of faculty have advanced degrees or are acquiring them 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:

350

College acceptance:

100% of Landmark’s high school graduates are accepted to college

Summer program:

Over 120 students attend Landmark’s Summer Program

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

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It’s what education should be.

Post Office Box 227 • 429 Hale Street Prides Crossing, Massachusetts 01965 978-236-3010 • landmarkschool.org 2