Rewriting The Future For Kids With Dyslexia

Fraser Academy provides a personalized approach that helps students with learning differences gain confidence, succeed academically and build lifelong skills.

For many children, school is a place to grow, learn, and discover who they are. But for students with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, traditional classrooms can feel isolating, overwhelming, and even discouraging. Fraser Academy, located in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood, is rewriting that narrative, turning struggles into strengths and helping students achieve their full potential.

Take Daniel Wilson’s two teenage daughters, for example. Bright and curious, they started second grade on Vancouver’s North Shore with high hopes, but it quickly became clear that something didn’t add up. “It felt like they weren’t learning in a way that matched their abilities,” Daniel recalls. “We wanted a school where their talents would be nurtured, where their confidence would grow.”

That search led them to Fraser Academy, an independent day school for children in Grades 2 to 12 with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. Daniel describes the transition as life-changing. “Finding Fraser Academy was a huge relief. It was incredible to see my girls not just catching up but thriving.”

Providing The Right Support

Misconceptions about dyslexia often paint it as a limitation, but Fraser Academy flips this narrative, showing students and families that dyslexia can be a tremendous gift. Students with dyslexia are often creative problem-solvers, big-picture thinkers, and natural innovators. With the right support, these traits can become superpowers in both education and life.

Maddy, a South Surrey student, is proof of this. Her mother, Stephanie Morales, noticed her excitement for school fade as early as second grade. Struggles with reading made Maddy anxious and withdrawn. Traditional school solutions like more practice weren’t helpful. According to Stephanie, “It felt like giving glasses to someone who’s blind instead of teaching them how to read braille.”

At Fraser Academy, everything changed. “They saw what I saw in Maddy – incredible grit and resilience,” says Stephanie. Now, Maddy is thriving academically, talking about her future with confidence, and even dreaming of university and a career she’s passionate about.

Head of School Alison Wall believes this transformation comes from an understanding atmosphere created by highly-trained educators. “Students often come to us feeling like they’ve been left behind,” she says. “By the time they graduate, they’re confident, capable, and ready to excel in the world.”

A Personalized Approach That Works

Fraser Academy’s success stems from its commitment to teaching the curriculum in a way that works for dyslexic learners. The foundation is the evidence-based Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, a structured, multi-sensory method designed to break down complex language concepts into small, understandable steps.

Colleen Chow, Executive Director of Training & Learning, explains the ripple effect of this strategy. “We don’t just teach foundational skills; we nurture competence. And when kids feel competent, they gain confidence in every area of life.”

Ethan, a student from Richmond, experienced this transformation firsthand. His mom, Jenny Lee, a former teacher, says she immediately noticed how much stronger Ethan became academically after joining Fraser Academy in Grade 3. “He went from struggling to succeeding. Honestly, it’s one of the best schools for dyslexia in Canada.” Thanks to daily one-on-one OG lessons and a supportive classroom environment, Ethan now feels empowered to learn, and he looks forward to school every day.

Small class sizes of 12 students or fewer make it possible for Fraser Academy to tailor its teaching to the individual needs of each child. But the benefits go far beyond academics. With daily physical education, classes in fine and applied arts, music, drama, and opportunities for leadership development, students grow holistically.

A Community Built On Support

For parents, Fraser Academy is just as much a lifeline as it is for their children. The school’s sense of community gives kids and their families a feeling of connection and belonging. “There’s power in being surrounded by peers who also learn differently,” says Colleen. Jenny agrees, adding, “Ethan has a mentor-like bond with older students and friends across different grades. Fraser Academy is such a supportive place, not just for him, but for us as parents too.”

Even transportation is made easy for families, with the school’s bus service connecting Fraser Academy to hubs across Metro Vancouver, including the North Shore, Richmond, and South Surrey.

Transforming Futures

The mission at Fraser Academy extends well beyond academics. Experiential programs like Odyssey, where Grade 11 students participate in sea kayaking, backpacking, and hands-on marine research, inspire confidence and independence. The results speak for themselves. With a 95% post-secondary attendance rate, graduates go on to pursue careers in fields like engineering, healthcare, creative arts, and entrepreneurship.

Fraser Academy also recognizes the challenges parents face when it comes to affordability. To ease financial burdens, the school offers donor-funded bursaries, sibling discounts, and helps families explore other financial relief strategies to offset tuition by up to 70%. “We want to make what we offer more accessible for all families,” says Alison.

Additional outreach programs offered through FAx provide in-person and online tutoring, consulting services, Summer Boost Camp, and free early literacy screening to serve the broader community.

Why Fraser Academy Matters

For families like Daniel’s, Stephanie’s, and Jenny’s, Fraser Academy has been a game-changer. It’s more than a school; it’s a place where kids are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they truly are.

“When your kids are in the right environment, it transforms not just their lives, but the whole family,” reflects Daniel. “Maddy feels hopeful about her future,” adds Stephanie. And as Jenny puts it, “This school has completely changed our dynamic as a family. We’re all happier because of it. ”Discover how Fraser Academy can transform your child’s learning journey. Learn more online at fraseracademy.ca, call 604-736-5575 or email [email protected] to schedule a personalized tour today. Let’s unlock their potential together.