about_quickfacts

Quick Facts

Villa Maria is a private, co-educational day school serving students with learning disabilities in grades kindergarten through ninth.

Individualized Instruction

Student-teacher ratio: 4 to 1

Certified Teachers

All teachers are state-certified in special education. Twenty-three full-time teachers and one part-time teacher; 74% hold, or are working toward, advanced degrees.

Structure

Students learn in a highly structured, yet highly supportive learning environment.

Program

The program emphasizes the mastery of reading, writing and mathematics skills.

Reading Instruction

Reading teachers are trained in the Lindamood-Bell reading program, including the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for decoding and the Visualizing and Verbalizing for Comprehension. Many teachers are also trained in the Preventing Academic Failure Program.

Writing Instruction

Language Arts teachers are trained in Basic Writing Skills, Story Grammar Marker, and Theme Maker.

Language Instruction

Teachers employ strategies of the Basic Writing Program, including sentence expansion and basic outlines. Handwriting instruction is based on Handwriting Without Tears and The Loops and Other Groups programs recommended by leading occupational therapists today.

Math Instruction

Teachers employ multisensory strategies, using manipulatives, so students may move from the concrete to conceptual understanding. They utilize the strategies of the Lindamood-Bell On Cloud Nine math program. Lower grade students gain automaticity of math facts using Math-a-Magician, flashcards and repetition.

Full Curriculum

Science and social studies are taught throughout the year, as well as music, drama, art and physical education.

Founded

1962 (after school and summer school program); 1973 (full-time day school).

Headmaster

Sister Carol Ann

Enrollment

Admission

Rolling admission accepted throughout the year.

2009-2010 Tuition

$37,500 for Grades K-5
$39,200 for Grades 6-9

Financial Aid

$360,000 awarded to 24% of student body

Campus

7-1/2 acres with school building complex, playground, athletic fields