For Immediate Release
September 5, 2023

Contact:
Cindy Kanuch
Orton Academy
(719) 313-9903
info@ortonk8.org

Orton Academy Receives Grant to Expand Dyslexia Learning Services
for 2nd through 8th Grade Students

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Orton Academy announced today that it has received a $122,000 Daniels Fund grant to support its Dyslexia Education Programs for students grades 2-8.   

Orton Academy is a tuition-free public school serving students who fit a profile for dyslexia and is currently in its fourth year of operation. The school’s unique model offers dyslexia-appropriate core instruction and Dyslexia/Academic Language Therapy delivered by highly trained and nationally accredited Certified Academic Language Therapists. Orton Academy is rising to become a regional leader in education by enabling students with a profile of dyslexia to overcome learning hurdles, empowering students to become self-advocates, and providing pathways to academic and personal success. 

“The grant will enable our programs to expand our physical spaces to provide additional educational activities, upgrade classroom equipment with state-of-the-art technology, acquire new learning curriculum, and continue to ensure that every student receives an education that helps them reach their full potential,” said Cindy Kanuch, Orton Academy Principal.   

Kanuch goes on to say, “Since the opening of our doors in 2020, we have experienced tremendous growth. We know that at least 1 in 5 students experience dyslexia, and the need for our programs continues to grow. This grant will position us to expand our programs today and help us plan for tomorrow’s growing needs. We are grateful for this opportunity.”

“Each student is unique, and families should have educational options that best fit their needs,” said Hanna Skandera, President & CEO of the Daniels Fund. “We are excited to support Orton Academy, which truly understands and empowers students with dyslexia, allowing them to flourish academically.”

The grant is awarded just weeks before worldwide Dyslexia Awareness Month in October. Kanuch continued, “We understand the struggle parents face when searching for the right school for a child with dyslexia. Our students receive multi-sensory structured instruction in all classes throughout the day. We recognize that they have dyslexia all day, not just during therapy, so all our classes incorporate instructional strategies that are necessary for our dyslexic thinkers to thrive. At Orton Academy, we strive to provide the support and understanding that every child deserves.”

The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.  

Orton Academy welcomes families to learn more through in-person or online information nights. Upcoming events can be found at Ortonk8.com or by calling call (719) 313-9903.

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