Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2025

At Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia in Ocean Springs, students don’t just receive remediation for dyslexia – they experience an education that celebrates their strengths. By embracing innovative teaching strategies, fostering creativity, and providing a supportive environment, the school empowers students to become confident learners. The results speak for themselves.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Lighthouse Academy students have made remarkable progress. First graders saw
a 16 percent increase in word reading accuracy by mid-year. Second graders improved their reading fluency rates by 38 percent, while third graders demonstrated an impressive 66 percent growth. Fourth graders achieved an astonishing 86 percent growth, fifth graders improved by 37 percent, and sixth graders saw an incredible 84 percent increase in fluency. Additionally, students in grades 4-6 improved their reading accuracy rates of grade-level texts from 77 percent to 93 percent.
Beyond literacy growth, Lighthouse Academy fosters creativity and self-expression through the arts. As a proud participant in Arts in the Classroom, a Mississippi Arts
Commission program, the school integrates the arts into learning, helping students develop their voices and confidence. This year, students have been writing and producing a song for national release, showcasing the power of artistic expression
in education. They are also actively engaged in the Mississippi Book Writers Festival, where their storytelling talents shine.
The school’s philosophy aligns with Made by Dyslexia’s
5.0 report on the future of education, emphasizing the importance of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in students with dyslexia. Lighthouse Academy is at the forefront of this movement, preparing students to overcome reading challenges and leverage their strengths for success in the modern world.
Parents and educators play a crucial role in shaping a child’s confidence and resilience. By focusing on strengths rather than struggles, students develop a growth mindset that fosters perseverance. At Lighthouse Academy, this philosophy is woven into every aspect of education, ensuring students feel valued and capable.
Success stories illustrate the impact of this approach. Students who once struggled with reading now tackle grade-
60 | April 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
RAISING
Confident
KIDS
THE IMPACT OF ENCOURAGING STRENGTHS OVER STRUGGLES
story and photos courtesy of Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia