About Us
Rawson-Saunders School is the only full curriculum school for elementary and
middle school students with dyslexia
in the greater Austin area. The primary emphasis of the
school is to facilitate student mastery of oral and written language skills by providing
a structured, academic curriculum with class sizes of 1:10 and individualized daily
academic language therapy in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. The academic language therapy
program follows a systematic, phonics based approach to reading, writing,
spelling and verbal skills. Our goal is to build student academic skills and
self confidence while allowing each child to progress at his or her unique learning rate.
The school encourages students to be responsible for their own behavior, fulfill
their learning potential and develop skills for later success.
Rawson-Saunders is accredited by
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. We are a member of the
National Association of Independent Schools.
We have excellent parent involvement and community partnerships with local
organizations.
Rawson-Saunders School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation.
Our Mission
It is the mission of the Rawson-Saunders School to provide a comprehensive educational program
for professionally diagnosed dyslexic students by using research-based methods to meet
the educational needs of each child in a supportive environment.
Additionally, the Rawson-Saunders School serves as a unique and valuable
resource to individuals affected by dyslexia through outreach, advocacy, and awareness opportunities.
Our Vision
In our future, Rawson-Saunders School:
- Will sustain the outstanding quality of instruction, curriculum, and
teaching staff that is the hallmark of its success.
- High quality instruction, a comprehensive curriculum and a
teaching staff dedicated to excellence are the bedrock of RSS’s
services and distinguish it as a leader in the field of dyslexia education.
As RSS grows, it steadfastly maintains the quality of its services.
- Will continue its commitment to providing a systematic, research-based
approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling and individualization of
instruction with its students and the preparation of dyslexia specialists.
- RSS remains faithful to the tenets of its methodology, teaching quality,
and commitment to dyslexic students as it responds to current research
and seeks new approaches to prevent reading failure and provides educators
with the best practices in literacy instruction.
- Will maximize the potential of the dyslexic individual by offering multiple
resources to professionals, parents of dyslexics, as well as the dyslexic himself.
- RSS will facilitate family support through assessments and
consultation services as well as provide classes and workshops and
other outreach support to individuals with dyslexia, parents, and professionals
in methodologies proven to be successful with the dyslexic population.
Our Beliefs
- All dyslexic students can learn.
- All dyslexic students can develop the essential skills of reading and written expression.
- Dyslexic students learn best when actively engaged using multi-sensory teaching techniques.
- Dyslexic students learn best in a positive, supportive environment that offers opportunities
for success.
- Self-advocacy skills and compensatory strategies are important tools that enable
students to become confident and self-directed, life-long learners.
- Each student and potential student is valued for his/her potential and unique learning style.
- A student's self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual
respect among and between students and staff.
- Dyslexic students benefit from small student/teacher ratios which allow
for more individualized instruction.
- A safe and physically comfortable environment is critical for learning to take place.
- Assessments of student learning should provide students with a variety of
opportunities to demonstrate their achievement.
- School functions best with a knowledgeable, well-trained and dedicated staff.
- Open and effective communication within the school community is vital to
accomplishing the school's mission.
- Teachers, administrators, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing
the school's mission.
- Dyslexia knows no boundaries in race, color or socioeconomic status and all dyslexic students
deserve a proper learning environment.
Enrollment
92 children, grades 1-8. Average to superior
intelligence. Professional diagnosis of developmental dyslexia.
No primary behavioral issues. Students enrolled
are from Austin and surrounding communities.
We maintain a waiting list for prospective students.
Click here to learn about our
admissions process.
Location
2600 Exposition Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703,
on the grounds of The Sanctuary (formerly the Tarrytown Baptist Church) in Central
Austin.
Click here
for a map of Central Austin, or
here
for a city-wide map.
