A Curriculum Designed for Bright Students Who Learn Differently
At Bilgrav School, curriculum is not watered down. It is carefully structured, intentionally paced, and taught in ways that help dyslexic students build academic skills, confidence, and true understanding.
Your child deserves more than “keeping up.”
Many dyslexic students are bright, capable, and curious, but traditional classrooms often move too quickly, rely too heavily on reading and written output, or measure success in ways that do not reflect a student’s true ability.
At Bilgrav School, curriculum is designed to help students access meaningful academic learning while strengthening the foundational skills they need to become more confident, independent learners.
Here, students are not asked to simply keep up with a system that was not built for them. They are taught with structure, patience, and purpose.
What Students Learn at Bilgrav
Bilgrav’s curriculum supports the whole learner. Students receive instruction across core academic areas while developing the language, study, and thinking skills they need to grow with confidence in school and beyond.
Reading & Language Arts
Reading and language instruction are central to Bilgrav’s academic program. Every student receives daily one-on-one Orton-Gillingham reading instruction as part of the school day, with structured support designed to strengthen decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, grammar, and written expression.
Because dyslexic learners often need explicit, repeated, and multisensory instruction, teachers provide clear modeling, guided practice, and opportunities to apply skills in meaningful ways. Students build stronger reading foundations while also engaging with literature, ideas, discussion, and written communication.
What this helps students build
- Stronger decoding and word recognition
- Improved fluency and comprehension
- Better spelling and written expression
- Greater confidence with reading and language-based tasks
Math
Math instruction at Bilgrav emphasizes understanding, structure, and confidence. Students are guided through concepts step by step, with opportunities to use visual models, manipulatives, examples, and practice to deepen understanding.
For students who may struggle with working memory, sequencing, or processing speed, math instruction is intentionally paced and clearly explained. The focus is not only on getting the correct answer, but on understanding the process and building problem-solving skills.
What this helps students build
- Number sense and mathematical reasoning
- Problem-solving strategies
- Confidence with multi-step processes
- Stronger understanding of concepts, not just memorized procedures
Science & Discovery
Science gives students the opportunity to explore, question, observe, and make connections. Bilgrav’s science curriculum encourages curiosity while helping students develop vocabulary, reasoning, and critical thinking skills.
Hands-on learning is especially valuable for dyslexic students because it allows them to experience concepts directly. Through experiments, observation, discussion, and guided instruction, students can engage with science in ways that are active, memorable, and meaningful.
What this helps students build
- Curiosity and observation skills
- Scientific vocabulary and comprehension
- Critical thinking
- Connection between concepts and the real world
Social Studies & Humanities
Social studies helps students understand people, places, history, culture, citizenship, and the world around them. At Bilgrav, students are supported as they read, discuss, question, and connect information across time and place.
Because dyslexic students may need support with text-heavy subjects, teachers help make content accessible through discussion, visuals, vocabulary instruction, guided reading, and structured writing support. Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and develop their own voice.
What this helps students build
- Background knowledge
- Reading comprehension in content areas
- Discussion and communication skills
- Understanding of history, culture, and community
Study Skills
Academic success depends on more than subject knowledge. Many dyslexic students also need support with organization, planning, task initiation, memory, time management, and self-advocacy.
Bilgrav helps students develop practical strategies for managing schoolwork and becoming more independent learners. These skills are reinforced throughout the school day, giving students repeated opportunities to practice the habits that support long-term success.
What this helps students build
- Organization and planning
- Task completion strategies
- Study habits
- Self-advocacy and independence
Creative Learning
Dyslexic students often have strong creativity, problem-solving ability, visual thinking, and original ideas. Bilgrav values these strengths and gives students opportunities to connect learning to real life.
Creative and real-world learning experiences help students apply what they know, communicate ideas, collaborate with others, and see themselves as capable contributors. These experiences support both academic growth and personal confidence.
What this helps students build
- Creative thinking
- Communication skills
- Real-world problem solving
- Confidence in their strengths and ideas
Bilgrav uses interdisciplinary, hands-on learning to help students engage with ideas in meaningful ways.
Learning That Connects to the Real World
Students explore subjects through:
- Projects and discussion
- Fine arts and creative work
- Real-world connections and local resources
- Community-based experiences
Curriculum That Builds Confidence Step by Step
Bilgrav’s curriculum is designed to help students move from confusion to clarity. Lessons are structured, multisensory, and intentionally paced so students can develop skills with confidence.
Students are not rushed past the foundations they need. They are taught with clarity, given time to practice, and supported as they grow.
Understand. Practice. Grow.
A Balanced Academic Experience
Students develop skills across:
- Reading, writing, and language through individualized instruction
- Math through hands-on, concept-based learning
- Science through inquiry and exploration
- Humanities through discussion and critical thinking
- Arts and electives that support creativity and confidence
What This Means for Your Child
When students are taught in a way that works for them, everything changes.
At Bilgrav, curriculum is designed to help students experience learning differently. With structured instruction, small class settings, and support built into the school day, students can begin to rebuild confidence while developing the academic skills they need for the future.
YOUR CHILD CAN ACCESS CHALLENGING IDEAS
Dyslexia should not prevent students from engaging with meaningful academic content.
YOUR CHILD CAN BUILD STRONGER FOUNDATIONS
Structured instruction helps students strengthen the skills that support reading, writing, and learning across subjects.
Your child can feel less overwhelmed.
Clear expectations, smaller settings, and intentional pacing help reduce frustration.
Your child can become more independent.
Students practice strategies that help them manage schoolwork, solve problems, and advocate for themselves.
See How Bilgrav Makes Learning Accessible
During a visit, families can learn how our curriculum, small class setting, and structured literacy support work together to help dyslexic students build skills, confidence, and independence.
