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About ALDS


"We’re in the business of changing lives."

Nancy Rhodes | Director of Enrollment Management,
The Summit School

The mission of ALDS is to connect and support schools that specialize in educating students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. By providing collaboration, education, and networking opportunities, ALDS supports member schools in their goal to advance practice through individual and collective growth.

As a community of experts in educating students who learn differently, ALDS is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of neurodiverse students.
  • Community — Bringing member schools together through affinity groups, learning cohorts, virtual seminars & trainings, and in-person events.
  • Collaboration — Collective learning through shared best practices. 
  • Growth — Engaging in a model of continuous improvement.

ALDS is currently focused on two main priorities:

  1. Engaging ALDS schools in support of individual and collective growth by:
    • Continuing to nurture, promote, and expand ALDS systems and programs already in place.  
    • Creating learning cohorts focused on leadership development for current and emerging professionals in LD education.
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    • Identifying topics and trends currently impacting LD education and disseminating insights and strategies to member schools to share with their communities.
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    • Designing a structure for resource-sharing among members to facilitate the seamless exchange of expertise and best practices.
  1. Utilizing association best practices to further develop organizational structures that position ALDS for growth and sustainability. 
    • Enhancing governance frameworks and processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.   
    • Identifying and implementing effective financial structures.
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    • Refining communications and marketing efforts.
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    • Cultivating relationships with professionals, foundations, associations, and research partners.

Learn more about becoming an ALDS Member.

Membership Information

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Association of LD Schools. Having served at an LD school for nearly two decades as both an educator and administrator, I learned the value of a community like this one, and I feel privileged to continue my work through ALDS. It is an honor to introduce you to our vibrant and dedicated community of professionals and champions of education for neurodiverse learners.

Founded in 2023, ALDS’ goal is clear: To foster an inclusive and empowering environment in which schools devoted to supporting students with learning differences can connect, collaborate, and flourish. We believe that every student, regardless of their unique learning needs, deserves the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.

Our association unites a diverse network of over 200 schools across the country — and the talented educators and administrators within them — that specialize in addressing learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. ALDS understands the challenges and triumphs that come with this noble endeavor, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

ALDS is part of a global network of organizations and non-profits committed to advancing excellence in education for students with learning differences. Together, we can inspire positive change, share knowledge, and enhance the lives of the students we serve.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. Your dedication to making a difference in the lives of students with learning differences is truly commendable, and we look forward to partnering to promote and advance your life-changing work. 

Warm regards,


Cheryl Cook
Executive Director

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