The Winston School of Short Hills

• School Motto: Recognizing Difference. Enabling Success.

The Winston School of Short Hills is a coed, 1st-8th grade, independent school serving children with language-based learning differences. Our students have the potential to meet with academic success but have struggled to reach this success due to challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, low processing speed, central auditory processing disorder, and poor organizational and executive functioning skills. Our reading programs are Orton-Gillingham-based, and we believe in a multi-modality approach to teaching in every discipline and at every grade level. Most of our students move on to mainstream public, independent, boarding, and parochial schools.

THE WINSTON WAYis characterized by a unique instructional philosophy that defines a curriculum, instructional environment and learning culture that collectively celebrate diversity. The uniqueness of each individual learner is recognized and encouraged to develop skills that will promote lifelong achievement in academic, social and emotional growth.

• Differentiated and Multisensory Instruction: The Winston School of Short Hills provides a personalized learning experience for students with learning differences through research-based, multisensory instruction tailored to each student's learning style and pace. Grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach, our teaching is systematic, sequential, explicit, and direct, delivered in small, structured groups to maximize engagement and effectiveness. Our expert faculty use innovative, cross-curricular strategies to meet students where they are, ensuring meaningful growth across subjects. Lessons are thoughtfully designed to build skills, boost confidence, and unlock each child's full potential.
• A Culture of Belonging: At The Winston School of Short Hills, students thrive in a nurturing, close-knit community where they feel safe, understood, and celebrated for who they are. Grounded in core values known as The Winston Roots, imagination, caring, responsibility, citizenship, respect, honesty, and courage, the School fosters a warm environment that embraces creativity, exploration, and a growth mindset. Every child is recognized for their unique strengths, not just academically, but as a whole person. Through meaningful relationships with teachers and peers, students build confidence, express themselves freely, and grow both socially and emotionally. Families, too, are supported and welcomed as essential members of the school community.
• Confidence, Independence, and Self-advocacy: Students at The Winston School of Short Hills become empowered, independent learners through the development of a personalized Winston Toolbox-filled with academic strategies, technological tools, and executive functioning skills. Gaining more than academic skills, students develop a deep understanding of who they are as learners. With support, encouragement, and the right tools, they embrace their learning differences, advocate for their needs, use accommodations effectively, and confidently navigate school and life. At Winston, every student is supported in becoming their best self, capable, self-aware, and independent.
• Transformative Growth: The Winston School of Short Hills witnesses remarkable transformations every day. Winston educates students with learning differences through a personalized purpose-driven approach that supports the whole child. We believe that students grow into confident, engaged learners through the power of a strong homeschool collaboration. Winston's supportive environment empowers students to meet challenges with independence and optimism. A Winston journey extends beyond the classroom, transforming not only the lives of our students but also the well-being of their families.
• Foundation for Future Success: Winston students leave The Winston School of Short Hills with an understanding of their unique learning profiles and the confidence to apply their personalized Winston Toolbox. Students and families are supported through a thoughtful and individualized transition process, whether moving on to public, independent, religiously affiliated, or boarding schools. Students are prepared to be independent, self-directed learners ready to thrive in the next stage of their academic journey and beyond.

Testimonials:

• "Many of our parents tell us that their lives at home have completely changed because their child is finally confident in reading. They say their child is no longer struggling with homework, they feel loved and supported at school and have become confident learners - and that they wish they had found Winston sooner." Dr. Josephine Diemond, Head of School
• "We have had an absolutely wonderful experience at Winston, it has made a dramatic difference in our son's life."Matt Daly, Winston Parent
• "Winston was an invaluable help to him in overcoming those difficulties that were posed by his learning differences..."Alumni Parent P'15. Trustee
• "One specific moment where I was really really proud of myself was when I got 100 on my math test in 6th grade because I really really used to struggle with math before..."Winston Student
• "...he said to me after school one day "I feel like somebody here!"Stephanie Karp, Winston Parent

• Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
  • Greg Williams '01 - Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management at The Winston School of Short Hills
  • Mariel Montgomery '10 - Counselor & Wellness Teacher at The Winston School of Short Hills