Summer Programs for Students with Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities
by The Mind Matters Team – Updated Spring 2025
Summer break provides a valuable opportunity for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to reinforce and enhance their academic skills without the pressures of the regular school year. Engaging in specialized summer programs helps prevent the “summer slide,” promotes confidence, and equips students with tailored strategies to support their unique learning needs.
What to Look for in a Specialized Summer Program
When selecting a summer program for your child, consider the following factors:
- Comprehensive Curriculum – A balanced mix of academic instruction and recreational activities can promote holistic development.
- Evidence-Based Instruction – Programs should utilize research-backed methodologies, such as multisensory approaches, to address specific learning challenges. For literacy, these include Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Slingerland, LindamoodBell, and Barton and Making Math Real.
- Qualified Staff – Ensure instructors have experience and training in working with students with learning disabilities.
- Skills Assessment: Ask if the program includes an initial skills assessment to guide instruction, and a final assessment to show progress.
- Individualized Attention – Look for programs that offer low student-to-teacher ratios to provide personalized support.
Specialized Summer Programs in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco
Convent & Stuart Hall Summer Program
- Website: https://www.sacredsf.org/the-experience/summer-program
- Contact: Jason Yee, Extended Program Director | Email: jyee@sacredsf.org
- Dates for 2025:
- Session 1: June 23–July 3 (No camp on July 4)
- Session 2: July 7–July 18
- Description: This coeducational program offers morning academic sessions for grades 1–8, focusing on engaging and interactive learning. The Multisensory Literacy Program (MSLP) is designed for students entering grades 1–4 who require additional literacy support (teacher referral required). Afternoon sessions include sports, arts, and science projects.
Saint Brigid School Summer Program
- Website: https://www.saintbrigidsf.org/summercamp
- Contact: Front Office | Phone: (415) 673-4523
- Dates for 2025: June 9–June 27
- Description: This morning program (9 AM – 12 PM) is open to students in TK through entering 9th grade, with electives in literacy, math support, STEAM, and Spanish. The school provides a personalized education with a 4:1 student-teacher ratio, catering to both neurotypical and neurodiverse learners.
Summer Structured Literacy Program
- Location: 25th Ave & Camino del Mar – Sea Cliff
- Dates for 2025: July 7 – August 1 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- For students entering: Grades 4-6
- Description: This full-day structured literacy program is designed for students who have completed at least one year of Orton-Gillingham-based structured literacy instruction.
- Morning: Slingerland-based structured literacy sessions.
- Afternoon: Field trips connected to the morning’s learning for a fun and immersive experience.
- Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Contact: William Patterson | Email: william.patterson.tutoring@gmail.com
Marin
Bay Area Summer BOOST at North Bridge Academy
- Website: https://www.bayareaboost.com/
- Contact: Email: bayareaboost@gmail.com
- Dates for 2025: June 16–July 18
- Description: A small group structured literacy program in Mill Valley offering week-long workshops for students entering grades 1–7. Focuses on handwriting, phonemic awareness, spelling, reading fluency, and executive functioning skills using multisensory structured literacy instruction.
Peninsula
Charles Armstrong School Summer Camp
- Website: https://www.charlesarmstrong.org/admissions/summer-program
- Contact: Summer Program Coordinator | Phone: (650) 592-7570
- Dates for 2025: June 23–July 18 (Closed July 4)
- Description: Located in Belmont, this camp serves students in grades 2–7. Morning academics focus on reading, writing, and math, while afternoon activities include recreational and enrichment options. Basketball and musical theater add-ons are available, extending the day to 4:00 PM.
East Bay
PRIDE Learning Center Summer Reading Program
- Website: https://pridereadingprogram.com/pride-accelerated-program/
- Contact: Client Services | Phone: (866) 774-3342
- Dates for 2025: Offered in June, July, and August
- Description: PRIDE offers intensive summer tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Both in-home and online options are available, with sessions running Monday through Friday for 2 hours daily over 4–6 consecutive weeks.
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
- Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps
- Contact: Berkeley Learning Center | Phone: (510) 526-6200
- Dates for 2025: Year-round individual tutoring and summer sessions “learning camps”
- Description: Lindamood-Bell provides personalized, intensive instruction for reading, comprehension, and math. Summer programs are held five days a week, with in-person locations in Berkeley and Walnut Creek, plus online options.
Bayhill High School
- Website: https://www.bayhillhs.org/
- Contact: Lauren Bruketta | bruketta@bayhill-literacy.org
- Dates for 2025: June 16th- July 11th
- Description: Educational and active sports programs located in Berkeley. Various sessions on reading comprehension, writing skills, and learning 3D printing and screen printing. Stay active at basketball camp to focus on drills which improve skills and confidence.
Individual Tutors Offering Week-Long Specialized Summer Programs
San Francisco
Missy Silver, MA ET
- Website: http://www.yearning4learning.net
- Contact: missy@yearning4learning.net
- Description: Missy Silver is an educational therapist offering week-long intensives in June, July, and August.
- 5-day intensive: Monday–Friday, 1 hour 50 minutes per day.
- Location: 91 Cragmont Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116.
- Cost: $1,600.
Kathy Bello Shepherd
- Contact: kathy.bello.shepherd@gmail.com
- Description: Based in Castro/Eureka Valley, Kathy offers specialized tutoring for students with learning differences.
Darby Auerbach-Morris, MSW
- Contact: darbyauerbachmorris@gmail.com | 415-638-2340
- Description: Darby Auerbach-Morris, MSW is an educational therapist and credentialed teacher (K-12) offering week-long intensives in June, July, and August. Groups limited to 4 scholars ages 8-12 and 13-18. Geared to students with learning differences, but all are welcome. Morning or afternoon sessions available. Lunch hour supervision included for all day scholars.
Online Tutoring Options
- LearnUp Centers – A local literacy intervention center offering online and in-person sessions. Scholarships available.
- TutorCorps – A tutoring service that matches students with specialized instructors for intensive summer learning.
- Pride Reading Program – Offers individual tutoring in addition to their specialized summer programs.
- Barton Tutoring – Parent-led programs for structured literacy support at home.
Want to Learn More About Your Child’s Learning Needs?
If you’re unsure what type of support your child needs, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify strengths, challenges, and the best interventions for their learning profile. We can also guide public school parents through the IEP/504 process, and advise private/parochial school parents how best to collaborate with your child’s school regarding support and accommodations. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and develop a plan tailored to your child’s success!