October marks LD Awareness Month, a time to give consideration to children, adolescents and adults with learning differences – and the schools and educators who serve them. As a leader in education for young people with special needs, The Help Group has served students with learning differences for more than two decades at its Summit View School.
Summit View offers a WASC-accredited college preparatory program to students who possess average to above-average intellectual capabilities. A commitment to maximizing each student’s potential forms the foundation of the school’s educational program. With small class sizes and teachers holding California credentials in the area of mild/moderate learning disabilities, Summit View strives to create self-reliant learners.
The Summit View academic program provides students with the opportunity to experience genuine success. Elementary students receive direct, intensive instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics and study skills. Based on research showing that students with learning disabilities require explicit instruction in learning how to learn, middle school students are taught organization, time-management, note-taking, test-preparation, research skills, and test-taking strategies to help them transition successfully to high school. The upper grade curriculum continues to emphasize study skills and critical thinking skills, preparing students for a successful transition to a post-secondary setting. Core classes meet the a-g course requirements for University of California and California State University admissions.
Head of School Keri Borzello explains how technology is integrated into the academic program at Summit View, “Technology allows our students to discover new ways to compensate for their specific learning challenges and better access the curriculum, as well as prepares them for life in a technologically rich society. We offer a wide range of cutting-edge technology, including iPads, interactive whiteboards, portable work stations, word processing keyboards, text-to-speech and concept-mapping software.”
Reflecting Summit View’s philosophy and commitment to meeting the unique learning needs of its students, the school provides many opportunities for students to get involved and participate in activities outside the academic curriculum, including student government, community service, athletics and clubs. A thriving visual and performing arts program nurtures students’ innate talents and targets the strengths of the student population, allowing them to exhibit their skills in music, art, graphic design, drama and music.
Summit View students have earned admission to colleges and universities throughout the country, including University of Arizona, University of Oregon, University of California at Irvine and Berkeley, as well as many California State Universities and private colleges such as University of Redlands, Whittier College and Marymount College, with an acceptance rate of 97 percent.
Summit View is located on two state-of-the-art campuses in Valley Glen and Culver City. To learn more about Summit View School, please click here or contact our Admissions Office to schedule a tour.