We’re here to help!
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. Still looking for an answer? Check out our contact page and send us a message!
Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis to attend SOAR Academy?
SOAR Academy does not require students to have an official dyslexia diagnosis; however, students must demonstrate deficiencies in reading, spelling, and writing.
Does your school provide a diagnosis for dyslexia? If not, how would I seek a diagnosis for my child?
Our school does not provide evaluations for an official diagnosis for dyslexia. We will determine areas of strengths and weaknesses in phonological awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, and writing through a series of screenings and testing. However, if you are seeking an evaluation for dyslexia, there are two options available to you.
The first option is to contact your local public school system and request a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your student has met the criteria eligibility for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). While this option comes at zero cost to you, the school may not be able to provide an official diagnosis as schools do not typically provide a diagnosis.
This second option is to seek a private evaluation through a local psychologist that can assess for learning disabilities and provide an official diagnosis. The costs associated with private evaluations will vary depending on the private practice you choose.
What is Orton Gillingham?
The Orton Gillingham approach is grounded in over 60 years of research and evidence that teaches students how to read, write, and spell. The Orton-Gillingham approach uses direct, explicit, multi-sensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive instructional practices designed to meet the specific needs of each student by meeting the student at their present level of knowledge and pacing the instruction to the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Your website mentions members of your staff are Orton Gillingham Certified? What does this mean?
Members of our staff are Orton Gillingham Certified. This means our teachers have completed the rigorous academic training combined with a 40+ hour supervised practicum demonstrating the application of the Orton Gillingham approach with a student in a one-on-one and within a classroom setting.
Will my student have to take the EOGs, or any other
type of end of year testing?
While your student will not take the North Carolina Public School EOGs, all students will be administered a nationally standardized test. Currently, we administer the Woodcock-Johnson IV to all of our students, regardless of their grade level
Does religion play any role in your curriculum? Does your school have a religious affiliation?
We accept and respect students and their families from all backgrounds, including religion. Religion does not play any role in our curriculum, and our school does not have a religious affiliation.
What are you proudest of as a school?
We are most proud of the dedicated staff of teachers, staff, and our Board of Directors that we have established. As a team, we are committed to providing dyslexic students an affordable, accessible education that allows all students, regardless of socioeconomic background or circumstances, the opportunity to learn and succeed.
I see a dog in some of your photos. Is she part of SOAR? What if my child has allergies?
Winn-Dixie is our resident SOAR pup! She comes to SOAR to help our students with co-regulation and be an emotional support. Some students love to read to her!
If you have concerns, or your child has allergies, you may opt out of having Winn Dixie near your child. This information will be discussed during your site visit or enrollment process!
What is your class size and student-to-teacher ratio?
Our class size is currently 8 students per class. The student-to-teacher ratio is 4-to-1. We intentionally keep our class sizes small to provide each student with an individualized and prescriptive learning experience tailored to meet the specific goals designed for each student’s learning plan.
What does a typical day look like at SOAR Academy?
SOAR Academy students begin their school day at 9 am. The day consists of instruction in the core subjects (English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) as well as enrichment activities that include, but are not limited to, life skill development, social/emotional learning, monthly field trips, and volunteerism/ community service activities.
I am interested, but I would like to see the school in person. Do you all offer tours, and how do I schedule one?
Absolutely! We appreciate your interest in our academy, and we strive to ensure our school is the best fit for your scholar and your family. We offer tours every Thursday 9:15-10:00, consisting of student-classroom observation, a tour of our facility, and a meeting with the parent/guardian to answer any specific questions. You may schedule your tour here. Prepare accordingly.
Can my student enroll in the Academy at any time, or is registration closed when the school year begins?
Yes, a student can enroll in the Academy at any time as long as there is space available!
We are not interested in SOAR Academy, but can we still apply for tutoring?
Yes! You can certainly apply for tutoring services without a student attending SOAR Academy. We provide tutoring for students in K-12 – both SPED and reg ed. We offer online and in person. See our tutoring page for more information!
Your school is located within the RISE Indoor Sports Complex. What kinds of facilities will my child have access to during the school day?
During the day, your student may have access to basketball and volleyball courts and indoor soccer fields.
