Admission into Marburn Academy

Marburn Academy is an independent day school for students in Grades 1–12* with learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive function difficulties. Our program is designed for students who have average and above intelligence, who simply process information differently than what is expected in a conventional classroom.

At Marburn, we understand the distinct academic, social, and emotional needs of our students and celebrate their individual learning styles. Our program focuses on meeting students where they are, understanding their strengths and challenges, and providing a safe, positive learning environment where they can experience success. Our primary goals are to:

• grow specific core academic skills based on student deficits;

• work with students to help build essential executive function skills;

• provide personalized attention for each student; and

• assist students in developing confidence, self-advocacy, and self-awareness.

Marburn Academy offers rolling admission, which means we have no application deadline. Applications are accepted for students in Grades 1–10*. Qualifying students are admitted throughout the school year, as space allows.

To begin the admission process at Marburn Academy, please sign up for a 15-minute introductory call below or complete our online Inquiry Form. We are happy to discuss our program with you and learn more about your child’s needs.

Ready to get started? Schedule your 15-minute introductory call now!

If, after our initial discussion, we decide together that Marburn may be a good fit for your child, we will encourage you to begin the interview process.

Behavioral Considerations

When students have experienced persistent school failure, they often develop less-than-ideal strategies to avoid—or escape—academic situations for which they don’t have the skills to succeed. The growing emphasis on early identification and intervention has kept many students from experiencing the loss of self-esteem that drives these behavioral issues. Other students are still not identified early enough to avoid these difficulties, but at times we find these behavioral issues can be reversed with remediation, ongoing support, and proving to the child they are capable of succeeding. Our program, however, is not designed to serve students with persistent or severe behavior issues stemming from primary neurological, psychological, or emotional problems.

How Does the Admission Process Work?

There are four phases in the Admission process: 

Phase l 

* Please note that Marburn Academy serves a limited number of students on the autism spectrum whose predominant presenting issues are with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning, reading, writing, and/or math. 

Once families contact Marburn’s Admission Office:

1. The Admission Office will then conduct a phone conversation with the family to determine the first step in student eligibility.

2. If it appears the Admission process may move forward, and the family would like to continue to the next step, Phase II will begin.

3. The resulting factors in each Phase will determine whether or not the admission process may continue to move forward.

Phase ll

Submission of:

1. Intelligence assessment conducted within the past three years (WISC-V or Woodcock-Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities). Students admitted to Marburn are required to have a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) of average or above or a demonstrated potential for average- or above-average achievement.

2. Most current ETR and IEP, 504, or Service Plan, if applicable.

3. Any educational, psychological, neurological, speech, or language evaluations (Includes Cognitive and Diagnostic).

4. Student’s most current report card.

5. Completed teacher recommendation forms.

6. Completed Authorization to Release Records form.

Phase III

Due to COVID-19, we are offering families one of two ways to move forward in Phase III of our Admission process. Families may choose based upon their comfort level:

1. A physical tour of Marburn Academy in conjunction with a student interview, in which your child will meet with the Admission office for discussion and evaluation time. Due to protocol changes as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Marburn has instituted guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of all those in our building. Those guidelines will be shared with families before their scheduled visit.

2. To watch our virtual facility tour and Admission Information Session online and then schedule a Zoom interview for their student.

Phase III also includes:

• Completed application

• $100 non-refundable application fee

Phase IV

• A shadow visit for your child of one full day, or possibly two full days, at Marburn. While your child experiences our classroom environment, teachers and the Admission team will evaluate their learning style, behavior, cooperation, and peer group connectivity. Phase IV does not include a shadow visit during the summer months.

• At the end of the shadow day, your child will be given either a portion of the WRMT (Woodcock-Johnson Reading Mastery Test) or the Key Math assessment, depending upon their greatest academic need. Phase IV does include testing during the summer months; however, shadow days are not available at this time as school is not in session. Should more information be needed, we may advise a shadow day will be necessary once school resumes to make an admission determination.

• The Admission Committee will review information from each step of the interview process to determine the student’s possible acceptance to Marburn.

Antidiscrimination Statement

Marburn Academy holds a commitment to inclusion. As such, when considering the enrollment of students, Marburn does not discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, nation of origin or gender.

 *First grade available based on the number of qualified applicants.