Horizons and CDS Key Learning Center: A Powerful Literacy Partnership
Posted on by Bill Hansen, Development and Communications Manager
Each summer, Horizons at Carolina Day School works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to strengthen their literacy skills while discovering the joy of learning. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through a unique partnership with Carolina Day School's Key Learning Center (KLC).
The Key Learning Center conducts Orton-Gillingham (OG) training for educators during the same weeks that Horizons Summer Academy is in session. Orton-Gillingham is a highly structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction that is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for teaching students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
This partnership creates a remarkable opportunity for both Horizons students and the educators participating in the training.
During one week of the summer program, a group of pre-identified Horizons students receives individualized reading instruction from Orton-Gillingham trainees. Working one-on-one, trainees provide intensive literacy intervention tailored to each student's needs. These focused sessions help students strengthen foundational reading skills, build confidence, and receive personalized attention that can be difficult to provide in a traditional classroom setting.
The individualized instruction allows students to practice skills at their own pace, celebrate small successes, and gain confidence as readers. Whether mastering a new phonics pattern, improving decoding skills, or developing greater fluency, students benefit from the dedicated support and encouragement of an instructor focused entirely on their growth.
At the same time, the partnership provides invaluable hands-on experience for educators learning the Orton-Gillingham approach. Trainees have the opportunity to work directly with real students under the guidance of experienced trainers. This practical application deepens their understanding of the methodology while helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to become effective reading interventionists.
At Horizons, we believe that strong literacy skills open doors to academic success. Our partnership with the Key Learning Center reflects the power of collaboration and innovation in meeting students' needs. Together, we are helping young learners become stronger readers while preparing educators to make an even greater impact in classrooms across our region.