Summary
Organization name
Vertical Skills Academy
other names
VSA
2014
Tax id (EIN)
46-5281578
Category
Education
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
32156 Castle Court Suite 201Evergreen, CO 80439
Jefferson County, CO, US
Vertical Skills Academy
A nonprofit organization
$7,773 raised by 19 donors
78% complete
$10,000 Goal
Vertical Skills Academy helps students build their literacy skills through structured literacy practices such as Orton Gillingham and Self-Regulated Strategy Development. The intensive and personal nature of our program allows students to grow significantly in a short amount of time. Estimates show that 20% of children have dyslexia. Our school provides the necessary skills to succeed in a school environment. The money raised during this campaign will help to offset VSA teaching and tutoring costs for kids 1st through 8th and make scholarships available to those that can't afford a private school tuition.
Testimonials
"Literally, after just one day at VSA, he was a different child. He came home full of smiles, telling us that he loved everything at school and that reading and writing were his favorite parts of the day!" -- Father of a 5th grade student
"This very special place has turned our lives around by helping our 2nd grader develop the tools necessary to not just function from day to day, but achieve goals we never thought possible. Our community is extremely fortunate to have access to this extraordinary school." -- Mother of 2nd grade student
"VSA is the best decision we could have made for our daughter after receiving her dyslexia diagnosis. She has gained an amazing amount of confidence, not only in her reading, but her math skills as well. The teachers have an extensive dyslexia knowledge base and expect a high level of achievement from all their students, which I greatly appreciate." -- Mother of 1st grade student
"Our daughter's language skills improved so much that she returned to 'regular school' this year after only one year at VSA. She regularly volunteers to read in front of the class and consistently scores very high in spelling." -- Mother of 3rd grade student
Giving Activity
Mission
VSA is a unique school that specializes in teaching students with dyslexia using explicit, evidence-based, multi-sensory instruction to empower students to reach their full potential.
Background Statement
In 2014, Vertical Skills Academy was founded in response to a growing need for skilled intervention for students with dyslexia. Kara Osberg, a seasoned advocate and experience literacy specialist with two dyslexic children, and Audra Chapleski, a highly-trained STEM teacher and administrator, were a strong team. They envisioned a school where students with similar needs would receive appropriate intervention in an environment in which they were simultaneously challenged and highly supported; where students and their families found a supportive community; and where like-minded educators from all backgrounds were welcomed. VSA continues to provide an educational environment that supports those with dyslexia and language based learning issues while also teaching advocacy skills.
Now on their 10th year, VSA continues to impact students and families with dyslexia. Using evidence-based instruction throughout the curriculum, students thrive!
Media gallery
Organization Data
Evergreen, CO 80439