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
Grades we teach
kindergarten through ninth.
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. Theyutilize 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
88
Admission
Rolling admission accepted throughout the year.
2011-2012 Tuition
$39,800for Grades K-5
$41,500for 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