The TSS Difference

Our individualized approach to learning is backed by science

Applying research, science, and evidence, embracing a holistic approach to learning, and believing strongly in the potential that resides in all children uniquely positions The Southport School to help students thrive. Unlike typical literacy curriculums that assume reading skills will develop naturally through exposure to books, our Structured Literacy program breaks down the reading process into small, concrete steps that build foundational reading skills. All classroom teachers at The Southport School are trained in Structured Literacy instruction.

We champion a holistic, immersive approach at TSS. Our teachers seamlessly integrate literacy and study strategies across all subjects from math and social studies to art and science. Rooted in a deep understanding of each student's learning style, our approach ensures access to advanced content while expanding foundational skills.

Our students are bright, creative, and unique learners 

Although all of our students navigate the same academic day, each is enrolled in classes based on learning strengths and areas where more support is needed. Our curriculum, designed to challenge and engage, reawakens a love of learning while embracing and celebrating each student's unique strengths and individualized learning pathways.

So what makes The Southport School different?  

• An intense focus on literacy and language skills. All students receive over two hours of language-based instruction in tutorial, literature, humanities, and writing classes each day.
• 100% of our classroom teachers are trained in Orton-Gillingham, the best evidence-based approach for remediating students with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia, and receive ongoing support and mentorship by a full-time, in-house AOGPE Fellow. The Southport School's Orton-Gillingham Instructional and Training Programs is accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
• Likewise, each teacher and administrator is trained in Lindamood Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing® method, an internationally acclaimed program for language comprehension.
• Each student program is built according to ability with respect to age, providing the capacity to challenge each one in areas of strength while remediating areas of difficulty.
• Language-based instruction across the curriculum, including a language clinician who works within the academic classes, maximizes the effectiveness of our program.
• The Southport School's proprietary research and evidence-based executive function coaching model is woven throughout the curriculum.
• Technology is embedded meaningfully throughout the program so students can access content commensurate with their intelligence, develop strategies to maximize effort, creativity, and productivity, and engage with current best practices so that they are prepared for success when they transition to their next school.
• Each of our students is unique, but they are all struggling with similar challenges in school - reading, comprehension, and executive functions. We know how to teach all of our students effectively, with no pull-outs or modified programs, in an environment in which they feel like they belong.
• We are passionate about what we do. We hold a firm belief in the potential that resides in all of our students and a mindset that we need to reach each student and then deliver the best research and evidence-based instruction possible to help them unlock their potential and succeed.

The Southport School is not a Lindamood-Bell Learning processes, nor is it affiliated with, certified, endorsed, licensed, monitored, or sponsored by Lindamood-Bell, Nanci Bell, Phyllis Lindamood, or Pat Lindamood. Lindamood-Bell - and international organization creating and implementing unique instructional methods and programs for quality intervention to advance language and literacy skills - in now way endorses or monitors the services provided by The Southport School.