For more than 50 years, Lawrence School has delivered academic excellence to students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and executive function challenges. Often called learning disabilities, we prefer the term learning difference. Disability implies a person can't learn, but that's not true at all--our students simply learn differently!
Through small classes, evidence-based instruction, and a culture of empowerment, Lawrence learners close academic skill gaps and are prepared for success in college and beyond.
Lawrence School's K-12 curriculum and multisensory instructional approach is based on the well-known Orton-Gillingham philosophy. All lessons are presented using a combination of visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, making concepts easier to understand and retain.
Lawrence's on-site Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences serves as a comprehensive resource for all Northeast Ohio parents. The staff psychologists evaluate learning needs, offer resources, and direct families to appropriate services.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked OH School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 346 students
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lawrence School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Executive Function Challenges.
Year Founded
1969
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
346 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
9 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Students wear clothing from Lands End School Uniform catalog
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
$20,000-$35,000; scholarships available
Summer Program Cost Notes
Varies
% on Financial Aid
33%
Admissions Director
Bill Musolf
Admissions Associate
Kristin Averell
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Beta Club, Bowling, Cooking Club, Drama, Fishing, National Honor Society, Rock Climbing, Ski Club, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir, Rock Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Esports Club
Beta Club, Bowling, Cooking Club, Drama, Fishing, National Honor Society, Rock Climbing, Ski Club, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Choir, Rock Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Esports Club
School Notes
- Students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are at their best when their learning differences are understood and accepted, when appropriate accommodations are available, and most importantly, when their strengths as learners are defined, affirmed, and cultivated.At Lawrence School, this is our way of life--built on the foundation that school is a safe place for students to engage in their own unique way.
- Our faculty are engaged lifelong learners who areexperts in learning differences.
- Our programfeatures personalized instruction,executive function coaching, encouragement of self-advocacy, integrated assistive technology, frequent progress monitoring, and an evidence-based multisensory curriculum.
- Lawrence School is widely considered to be among the best schools in the United States for students who learn differently, because we know great minds don't think alike!
Source: Verified school update
School Reviews
5 1/21/2016
Hello I am a psychologist I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from Egypt and a certificate of Master's in special education from the University of Eaton US and a lot of specialized in the field of rehabilitation of people with special needs courses in addition to that I have five years experience in working with autism and years of experience in working with the blind all of them in Qatar I will go to live in America within six months and look forward to working with you pest regarding
5 6/25/2013
Lawrence school has a very good support system. It is nearly impossible to fail. The teachers are very helpful. I was originally very behind accordance to old school when I entered but I was eventually able to catch up and excel in school. My goal was to eventually go back to a mainstream school and after three semesters I was able to start transitioning back. With the skills I learned I was able to take honors level courses and keep a B average at Shaker and I am looking forward to college and without Lawrence my academic success would have never been possible.
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