HillSprings—Breaking the Downward Spiral of Learning Problems

As soon as you step into The HillSprings Learning Center, you can tell that something special is going on in the building. The children in the small classrooms are eager to learn at this private school that is for “learning differences.” HillSprings supports children with disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities, who need extra assistance in reading, writing and math. This year, it is celebrating its 10th anniversary of helping children in the Colorado Springs community.

HillSprings stresses that it works along with the school districts to help these children with specific disabilities build skills that they need to attend public school. Basically, HillSprings evens the playing field.

HillSprings is not typically a long-term school for children. It has a highly-trained staff, and accreditation by the North Central Association Commission of Accreditation and School Improvement. It builds foundational skills through focused teaching, with a low student-teacher ratio of no more than 4:1. HillSprings is highly dedicated to its mission and watching its children “graduate”.

Children with learning differences can have quite a challenge, as they look like any other child. But they may be disconnected from their peers and often become frustrated, as they have difficulty with the basic classwork required of them. In a typical educational setting, the child begins to spiral downward.

HillSprings addresses these problems. For instance, in the reading program, children learn how to decode the words, which in turn will help reduce the stress they may be feeling. Through this intensive program, children with learning differences can overcome their reading deficits. Another specific issue that HillSprings helps with is the executive function problem—or simply getting children organized in order to be able to do their homework. HillSprings also helps children learn to advocate for themselves in a healthy way.

Currently, HillSprings offers a variety of programs for students who are in grades 1 through 8. Some of the students come for the Academic Year Program, which takes place for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. Many parents use HillSprings programs in conjunction with a half-day at public or private school. Some use it as additional support to home schooling. HillSprings also has an after-school program for elementary school aged children.

During the summer months, HillSprings offers a five-week intensive program that prevents children from regressing. A child does not have to have a diagnosis of a disability to attend the Summer Program.

The curriculum uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, a science-based method for teaching children who are dyslexic to read and write. The program begins at the level that your student is currently functioning. Staff at HillSprings keep impeccable track of your student’s progress. With success in this program, a child’s self-esteem naturally improves. The teachers truly love their school, the mission, and the children. HillSprings even has a program to teach this approach to other educational professionals.

If you have a child that is struggling in reading, writing or math and has a diagnosis of a learning disability, dyslexia, or a similar problem, consider getting your child the support and help that he or she needs at HillSprings. The HillSprings Learning Center may be the best option for your child with learning differences.

The HillSprings
Learning Center

2776 Janitell Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Executive Director: Lori McCauley

information@hillsprings.org

Phone 719 576-3840

Fax 719 576-3863