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Elegant Title

Orton-Gillingham for All 

Our Story

Piles of Books

     Who are we? 

We are a diverse group of Upper Valley residents, including teachers, educational leaders, and entrepreneurs, who are united by a common goal. We care deeply about our community and especially about our children's education. Our collective commitment is our strength. 

Why a charter school? 

Charter schools are tuition-free, mission-driven public schools. They provide a range of options so parents, of any means, can choose the school that best fits their child's needs. Charter schools level the playing field for children with learning differences or special interests. 

What funding sources do we currently have? 

We have been approved for a substantial Charter School Program  Grant, which will provide us with start-up funds!

Why are we here? 

Literacy is a silent epidemic all across our country. Too many children are not learning to read or write proficiently. But here's the good news: Research shows that 95% of children can learn to read by the end of first grade with the right kind of instruction. We know better, so we must do better. 

What are our goals? 

The Foundation exists to support the planning, development, and operation of Cornerstone Charter School, including submitting a charter application, securing a facility, recruiting board members, creating community partnerships, and fundraising. 

What is our timeline for the school?

Cornerstone Foundation is currently seeking board members and will soon be registering as a nonprofit with the State of New Hampshire. After charter approval, the anticipated opening date for the school is September 2025 for kindergarten - grade 3. 

The Literacy Crisis

Data from the "Nation's Report Card" and NH Statewide Assessment System (SAS) show that we are not currently meeting the literacy needs of many of our students. Students who are economically disadvantaged or have learning disabilities are at much greater risk for failure under our current educational system. 

NH Reading Scores 
Percent of Students Scoring Proficient or Above

 

Reading - All NH 4th graders 

37%

All 4th graders 

(Nation's Report Card)

Reading - All NH 4th graders 

22%

 4th graders eligible for National School Lunch Program

(Nation's Report Card) 

Reading - All NH 4th graders 

46%

All 3rd graders

(NH SAS) 

Reading - All NH 4th graders 

13%

3rd graders with disabilities  

(NH SAS)

Presenting in Class

The human brain is not hardwired for reading. 

Children learn to speak naturally by hearing oral language. The same is not true for reading. The brain must repurpose existing structures as it learns to read. 

Storytime

Prevailing approaches to literacy instruction are inconsistent with research.

Balanced literacy, guided reading, 3-cueing system, readers' and writers' workshop are not based on the science of reading. 

10-20% of the population is affected by dyslexia. 

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. It is often misunderstood, and our schools are ill equipped to provide appropriate instruction for dyslexic students. 

Thoughtful look

Without explicit and systematic phonics, many children won't ever learn to read very well.

Experts say, and the data shows, that some kids will learn to read despite the lack of effective instruction. Equity in education means that we do right by all children. 

Playing with Letters

The Cornerstone Difference

Orton-Gillingham for all Students

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, sequential, multi-sensory, structured way to teach foundational literacy skills. 

Innovative Grouping

We use overlapping age-level bands rather than traditional age-based grade assignments to best meet students educational and developmental needs. 

Orton-Gillingham Certified Teachers

All teachers are trained and certified by the Orton-Gillingham Academy at the Classroom Educator Level or above. 

Social-Emotional Support

We use the Equitable Learning Environments Framework to ensure equity and help students develop positive behaviors. 

Knowledge-Building, NH Aligned Curriculum

EL Education builds students' capacity for three dimensions of high achievement: Mastery of Knowledge and Skills, Character, and High-Quality Student Work. 

Data-Based Decision Making

We use screening tools and diagnostic assessments within a Multi-tiered Systems of Support framework (MTSS) to provide students with exactly what they need. 

 

Supported Teachers 

We invest in our teachers! We provide in-class observations and instructional coaching by a OGA Fellow or Clinical Supervisor for all teachers.

 

Parent & Community Involvement

Students benefit when all stakeholders work together. We eagerly invite parents and community members to be involved. 

Thank you for your donation!

Coming Soon

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Thank you for helping us make a difference!

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