News

Only Accredited Program West of Kansas and One of Just 20 in the United States

Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) announced that The Learning Center (TLC) has earned accreditation from the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), effective May 12, 2026, following a rigorous three-year process that affirms the program’s commitment to excellence in serving students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia.

The accreditation places The Learning Center among an elite group of programs nationwide recognized for implementing the Orton-Gillingham Approach with the highest standards of professionalism, instructional integrity, and educational quality. TLC is the only Orton-Gillingham Academy-accredited program west of Kansas and one of just 20 accredited instructional programs in the United States.

“Pursuing this accreditation reflects who we are and what we believe,” said Cecilia Robb, Head of The Learning Center. “We are committed to doing everything possible for our students and ensuring that the instruction they receive reflects the highest level of integrity and effectiveness. Earning accreditation from the Orton-Gillingham Academy validates our work and demonstrates to families that our students are receiving instruction grounded in proven, research-based practices.”

The accreditation process included a two-year self-study period and a comprehensive review spanning three years from start to finish, generating a self-study document of more than 600 pages. To earn accreditation, programs must meet the Academy’s highest standards across curriculum, instructional practices, educator qualifications, resources, and ongoing professional development.

In addition to validating TLC’s instructional model, accreditation provides access to specialized professional development opportunities available exclusively to accredited programs through the Orton-Gillingham Academy, ensuring continued growth and excellence among faculty and staff.

For current and prospective families, the accreditation fosters confidence that students with language-based learning differences are receiving exceptional educational support within a fully integrated school community. The Learning Center enables students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to access specialized instruction while participating in the broad academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities available through Almaden Country Day School.

“Families no longer need to choose between specialized support and a comprehensive independent school experience,” said Dr. Olaf Jorgenson, Head of School. “At ACDS, students can receive accredited Orton-Gillingham instruction in TLC while remaining part of a vibrant school community alongside siblings and peers enjoying a full range of enrichment, elective, and co-curricular learning opportunities.”

During its site visit, the Orton-Gillingham Academy accreditation team praised both the school’s culture and instructional quality.

“Upon stepping onto ACDS’s beautiful campus, it was evident that the administration and faculty exude tremendous respect for the mission and day-to-day instruction at The Learning Center,” the visiting team wrote in its accreditation report. “The camaraderie and hospitality extended by each faculty member ensure students arrive joyful and eager to learn.”

The team further noted that classroom observations across Orton-Gillingham lessons, core academic subjects, and electives consistently demonstrated “an emotionally sound, cognitively stimulating learning environment.”

The initial accreditation is valid for three years. Following successful renewal, future accreditation cycles extend to five years.

Founded on a commitment to meeting the needs of every learner, The Learning Center at Almaden Country Day School provides specialized support for students with language-based learning differences while maintaining access to a rigorous academic program and inclusive school community. The TLC philosophy is that “all children deserve to learn to read, including the neurodiverse, because reading is freedom to think, to do, to become. In TLC, students embrace this freedom.” 

About Almaden Country Day School
Almaden Country Day School is an independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in San Jose, California. Through engaging and preparatory academics, social-emotional development, and a commitment to individualized learning, ACDS prepares students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. The Learning Center extends that mission by providing specialized instruction and support for students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia.