Elon University is set to become a national leader in dyslexia education with the establishment of a new, specialized private school on its campus. The Roberts Academy, made possible by a significant investment from philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts, will be North Carolina's only university-based school dedicated to children with dyslexia.
The academy, scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, aims to provide targeted, evidence-based instruction to young students, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in traditional academic settings. The initiative also includes a resource center to support educators across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Elon University will launch The Roberts Academy in Fall 2026, a private school for children with dyslexia.
- The school is the first of its kind in North Carolina to be based at a university.
- It is funded by a major gift from Hal and Marjorie Roberts, who have established similar schools at other universities.
- The academy will use the Orton-Gillingham approach and serve as a transitional school for students in grades 1-6.
- A new Roberts Center for Dyslexia will also be created to provide professional development for North Carolina educators.
A New Hub for Dyslexia Education
Elon University announced the creation of The Roberts Academy at an event on November 6, 2025, positioning the institution at the forefront of specialized learning. The school will initially welcome third and fourth-grade students in a temporary facility on West Trollinger Avenue.
Plans are already underway for a permanent, state-of-the-art building on East Haggard Avenue, which is expected to open in the fall of 2028. Once fully operational, the academy will expand to serve students from first through sixth grade, with an estimated enrollment of 150 to 200 students annually.
Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book described the initiative as a gift to the entire state.
"This is not just a gift to Elon. It is a gift to families, schools, and communities across North Carolina and beyond," she stated. "The Roberts Academy will serve as a lifeline for children with dyslexia — offering the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to thrive."
By the Numbers
- Opening Date: Fall 2026
- Initial Grades: 3rd and 4th
- Full Capacity: 150-200 students (Grades 1-6)
- Class Size: Maximum of 12 students
- Estimated Impact: Dyslexia affects 10-20% of the U.S. population.
Specialized Instruction and Teacher Training
The core of the academy's curriculum will be the Orton-Gillingham method, a highly structured and multisensory approach to literacy that is widely recognized as one of the most effective for students with dyslexia. The school is designed as a transitional program where students will typically spend two to three years building foundational reading and learning skills before returning to their local schools.
A Living Classroom for Future Educators
Beyond its direct impact on students, the academy will be deeply integrated with Elon's Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. The initiative includes the establishment of the Roberts Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning, which will function as a professional development hub for teachers and policymakers throughout North Carolina.
According to Ann Bullock, Dean of the School of Education, this integration provides a unique advantage. "The Roberts Academy will become a living classroom for future educators," she explained. "Through hands-on learning experiences, teacher candidates at Elon will gain deep expertise in structured literacy and the Orton–Gillingham approach."
This model aims to create a ripple effect, multiplying the impact of the academy by preparing a new generation of teachers equipped with evidence-based strategies to support all learners.
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham approach is not a specific program, but rather a teaching methodology. It is language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, and diagnostic-prescriptive. This means it breaks reading and writing down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and then builds on these skills over time. It uses sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect language with letters and words.
The Vision of Hal and Marjorie Roberts
The driving force behind the academy is the philanthropic vision of Hal and Marjorie Roberts of Lakeland, Florida. Their commitment to dyslexia education was inspired by the personal experiences of their three grandchildren, who flourished academically once they received instruction tailored to their learning differences.
"We’re very pleased that Elon shares our passion for creating a school for children with dyslexia in North Carolina," Hal Roberts said. He noted the unique strengths often found in individuals with dyslexia, which he referred to as their "superpower."
"We’ve seen these schools change lives, and with Elon’s national reputation for teaching excellence, this partnership feels like the perfect next step in our journey."
The Roberts Academy at Elon is the fourth such institution the couple has helped establish. It joins a network of similar schools at Florida Southern College, Mercer University, and Vanderbilt University, all dedicated to advancing education for children with dyslexia.
Leadership and Next Steps
The academy will be staffed by full-time employees of Elon University. The university has appointed Assistant Professor Alicia Tate as the interim director to guide the school through its launch phase. Tate is an expert in specialized education services with a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Needs.
Recruitment for teachers and administrative staff is scheduled to begin in early 2026. At the same time, the university will start accepting applications for the inaugural class of students.
Families interested in learning more about the enrollment process are encouraged to visit the university's website for information and to sign up for updates. This new academy represents a significant new resource for families in North Carolina navigating the challenges of dyslexia.
