The Lewis School of Princeton: Specialized Education for Learning Differences
Located in the heart of a historic college town, The Lewis School of Princeton is a dedicated private institution designed for students who face specific learning challenges. By providing a supportive environment and specialized instructional methods, the school ensures that students who may be underserved in mainstream education receive the tools necessary for academic success.
The school caters to a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia (difficulty with reading), dyscalculia (difficulty with mathematics), dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), as well as nonverbal learning issues and delayed auditory and visual processing. Serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, the institution blends a college-preparatory curriculum with a specialized clinic that handles diagnostics and language performance.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 1973 by Marsha Gaynor Lewis.
- Specialization: Private education for students with learning difficulties.
- Student Body: Enrollment of approximately 75 students across grades K-12.
- Faculty: A dedicated team of 19 educators.
- Location: Housed in the historic Thanet Lodge in Princeton, New Jersey.
- Approach: Focuses on multi-sensory instruction and language-based learning.
A History of Advocacy and Education
The Lewis School was established in 1973 by Marsha Gaynor Lewis. At the time of its founding, the school began as a tutorial center and educational diagnostic facility. This was a pivotal era in education, as many educators at the time denied the existence of dyslexia. The school was created to fill this gap, focusing on students who were not receiving adequate support in traditional school settings.
Over the decades, the school has become a recognized authority in its field. Its expertise in multi-sensory instruction—a teaching method that engages more than one sense at a time to help students learn—has led to consultations with prestigious institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Clinic.
The Historic Campus: Thanet Lodge
The school is situated at 53 Bayard Lane in a landmark building known as Thanet Lodge. Built in 1902, the mansion was originally the home of William Libbey, a noted archaeologist from Princeton University. The estate is also known as Greenholm.
Thanet Lodge has a long history of educational use. Following Libbey's tenure, the mansion served as the site for Miss Mason's School, a private elementary institution, from the 1930s until 1982. Today, the property is recognized as a contributing property within the Princeton Historic District, having been designated as such on June 27, 1975.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]School Overview and Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Private School for learning difficulties |
| Grades Served | Pre K-12 |
| Enrollment | 75 Students |
| Faculty Size | 19 |
| Campus Address | 53 Bayard Lane, Princeton, NJ |
| Website | www.lewisschool.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific learning difficulties does the school address?
The school specializes in supporting students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, nonverbal learning issues, and delayed auditory and visual processing.
What is the educational goal of the Lewis School?
The school provides a college-preparatory education tailored to students who are underserved in mainstream education, utilizing a diagnostic clinic to monitor language and learning performance.
Who founded the school and why?
Marsha Gaynor Lewis founded the school in 1973 to provide a tutorial and diagnostic facility for students with learning differences at a time when conditions like dyslexia were often denied by the educational establishment.
What is the significance of the school's building?
The school is housed in Thanet Lodge, a historic 1902 mansion built by archaeologist William Libbey. It is a contributing property of the Princeton Historic District.
Does the school use any specialized teaching methods?
Yes, the school is known for its use of multi-sensory instruction and language-based learning strategies, which have been the subject of consultation with major medical and academic clinics.