How Students Learn at HRS
Students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences thrive when they receive daily, direct literacy instruction grounded in research-based practices. At the same time, many students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences bring exceptional strengths in areas such as mathematics, science, art, music, creativity, and problem-solving.
A Foundation for Growth and Confidence
HRS is intentionally designed to nurture students by providing intensive language instruction while creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore their interests, discover their talents, and express themselves with confidence.
While our program is organized by grade level, flexible grouping allows instruction to be tailored to each learner’s academic profile and developmental needs. Placement decisions thoughtfully consider a student’s age, social-emotional development, and skill level to ensure the right balance of challenge, support, and belonging.
For many students, this journey is transformative by helping them not only strengthen their reading and writing skills, but also rediscover confidence in themselves as capable, valued learners. Beyond the classroom, enrichment experiences in the arts, sciences, history, culture, and civic engagement broaden students’ perspectives and inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection to the world around them.
The Slingerland® Approach
At HRS, the Slingerland® Approach is foundational to how we teach literacy. Slingerland is a classroom-based adaptation of the Orton-Gillingham Approach® that integrates oral language, handwriting, reading, spelling, and writing into daily instruction. Support happens within the classroom environment that allows students to learn alongside their peers while receiving the structured literacy instruction they need to succeed.
This inclusive model creates a learning environment where students experience both challenge and achievement together. Explicit, multisensory teaching benefits every learner in the classroom -- strengthening engagement, understanding, and confidence across the entire community.
Slingerland Literacy Institute website
