History
Hamlin Robinson School has been at the forefront of serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences for decades. We are the only non-profit school in Washington, and one of the few in the United States, dedicated to this learning community. Founded in 1983 by the Slingerland® Institute and the Robinson family, HRS has operated independently since the fall of 1986. HRS has grown from its first class of eleven children to serving students in first through eighth grade. Over 1,400 students have attended the school since its doors opened. After occupying four different locations, HRS moved to the North Beacon Hill location in June, 2015.
The HRS Learning Center was launched in 2012 to extend our community reach. In the first year of operation, the Learning Center received the "Best of Washington Innovative Program Award" from the Washington Federation of Independent Schools.
The Story of Mary Helen Robinson
Many people ask about the origins of the name “Hamlin Robinson School.” This name carries a rich history, with links to the premiere researchers and developers of both individually-focused and classroom-based multisensory instruction.
Mary Helen was born in Yakima, WA, and attended the University of Washington in the 1930s, where she developed a life-long passion for helping others learn to read.
In 1949, she helped found The Orton Society, now known as the International Dyslexia Association.
After Hamlin’s death in 1982, the Robinson family received enough donations to spur Mary Helen, along with Beth Slingerland and others, to open a school dedicated to serving children with language learning challenges.