Provident Charter West (PCS West) is a tuition-free charter school designed for 1st-5th grade children with dyslexia. But that’s only part of our story. Because at PCS WEST, we truly believe that dyslexia doesn’t define us!
A New Definition of Dyslexia
According to the OXFORD DICTIONARY, dyslexia is “a condition of neurodevelopmental origin that mainly affects the ease with which a person reads, writes, and spells, typically recognized as a specific learning disorder in children.” The most common learning disability, dyslexia can also affect social skills, listening comprehension and time management.
At PCS West, we are experts at understanding dyslexia – both what it is, and what it is not. Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities, meaning that there is no correlation between intelligence and the disability. Curtis Kossman, the founder of Provident and president of our SCHOOL BOARD, says “kids come to us humiliated” after years of struggling in traditional schools. But when they arrive at PCS West, they find a culture of learning that embraces the many unique strengths of children with dyslexia. Instead of a challenge to be overcome, dyslexia is seen as a hidden superpower for our learners!
Potentials Unlocked Here
Dyslexia doesn’t determine potential. In fact, one of the many strengths of people with dyslexia is AN ABILITY TO SEE DIFFERENTLY. Leonardo DaVinci, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson – some of the greatest minds and talents in history were dyslexic learners. From pattern perception to artistic talent, many PCS West students discover interests and abilities that they never knew they had prior to coming to our school. Our teachers honor the unique strengths of our students, while using expert understanding of the reading brain to work on weaknesses – and unleash potential.
PCS West students build skills and connect to their strengths through a unique combination of effective curriculum and innovative classroom models. Each classroom has two co-teachers with Orton Gillingham based reading remediation, multisensory instructional methods and individual learning plans. Students have the same teachers for two years in a row, enabling our staff to establish deep connections and understanding of each student’s abilities and needs. And counselors and a behavioral specialist are on hand for learners who need extra support.
Our Futures Are Bright
The journey from being labeled by dyslexia to creating and sustaining a bright future is nurtured by PCS West. Beyond the fundamental ability to read and write, we give students a toolbox of skills that they can take with them after they leave our school. These skills can be as small as harnessing the speech-to-text function on phones or as big as self-advocacy and the confidence to take academic risks and try new things. Our students move into their next educational setting prepared to succeed and ready to soar to new heights!
Dyslexia doesn’t have to be seen as a challenge to overcome. At PCS West, our skilled, knowledgeable teachers are ready to unlock your child’s potential and start them on the path to a bright future. Interested in learning more? Contact us and ENROLL TODAY.
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About Provident Charter West
Provident Charter West is a tuition-free brick and mortar charter school serving 1st-5th grade students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our innovative classroom model and effective teaching techniques inspire all learners. Students are supported by a close-knit community of caring teachers, staff and engaged families in Beaver County. Join PCS West today!