Hamlin Robinson School (HRS), an independent school for students with dyslexia and related language difficulties, will move to the TT Minor Elementary at 1700 East Union Street starting in the fall 2010. The Seattle School board recently approved a seven year lease for HRS at TT Minor Elementary.

“The move to the TT Minor School will enable Hamlin to serve as a destination center for people of all ages struggling with reading and writing.” Jeanne Turner the head of school for Hamlin.

The Hamlin Robinson School is an independent, state approved first though eighth grade school for students with dyslexia and related language difficulties.

For 27 years Hamlin Robinson School has been the only school in Washington that provides a program specifically for children with dyslexia and other language-related learning issues. The school has been in its current location in south Seattle since 1990 and draws students from as far as 50 miles away.

The key to the future of Hamlin Robinson is directly linked to the school’s location and its accessibility to families. Extensive research indicates that there is far greater demand for the academic program as well as the critical support and services that HRS offers. In Washington, the Office for the Superintendent for Public Instruction has determined that dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children.

“The school community is looking forward to the opportunities that this move will have for HRS. We feel very fortunate to relocate to TT Minor and to become involved with the neighboring community,” said Turner.

At the core of the school is the understanding of the interdependence of the educational, social, and emotional needs of dyslexic students. These students have a common need for education, acceptance, respect, remediation, self-awareness, and self-confidence. The school is dedicated to providing a multi-sensory structured language approach, full academic curriculum and a positive learning environment which nurtures the whole child.

Hamlin Robinson School is accredited by the following organizations: Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and National Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS). The school is approved by the State of Washington, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and is a member of the Washington State Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS). The school uses a multi-sensory structured language approach in helping students with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a neurological-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic. Dyslexia is not a result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions. Although dyslexia is lifelong, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention. (International Dyslexia Association).

For more information contact Jeanne Turner at (206) 763-1167 or at jturner@hamlinrobinson.org.