2026 Summer Programs for Students with Dyslexia and Learning Differences

three teenagers looking at books

Summer break provides a valuable opportunity for students with dyslexia and other learning differences to reinforce and build on their academic skills without the pressures of the regular school year. Engaging in specialized summer programs helps prevent the "summer slide," promotes confidence, and equips students with tailored strategies to support their unique learning needs.

What to Look for in a Specialized Summer Program

When selecting a summer program for your child, consider the following factors:

Comprehensive Curriculum. A balanced mix of academic instruction and recreational activities can promote holistic development.

Evidence-Based Instruction. Programs should utilize research-backed methodologies, such as multisensory approaches, to address specific learning challenges. For literacy, look for approaches like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Slingerland, Lindamood-Bell, Barton, and Making Math Real.

Qualified Staff. Ensure instructors have experience and training in working with students who have learning differences.

Skills Assessment. Ask if the program includes an initial skills assessment to guide instruction and a final assessment to show progress.

Individualized Attention. Look for programs that offer low student-to-teacher ratios to provide personalized support.

Specialized Summer Programs in the San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco

My City School's Summer Bridge Program Website: https://www.mycityschool.org/workshops--events.html Contact: Jennifer Larson, Program Director | jennifer@mycityschool.org Dates for 2026: Begins the third week in June and concludes the last week of July (for most students)

This coeducational program integrates multisensory methods to support each student's individualized needs with Writing, Reading Comprehension, Math (Dyscalculia), Critical Thinking Skills, Executive Functioning, Fine Motor Skill Development, Attention Building and Cognitive Work, Visual Processing, Working Memory, and Expressive Language. Sessions are mostly 1:1 and are led by Learning Specialists, Intervention Specialists, and Reading, Writing, EF, or Math Specialists. A $125 registration fee applies for students attending two or more weeks. Assessments are also available for parents who are not sure where to begin. A Zoom information session will be held on Feb. 6th from 9 to 10 a.m. Sign up through their website.

Saint Brigid School Summer Program Website: https://www.saintbrigidsf.org/summer Registration: https://www.saintbrigidsf.org/category/summer Dates for 2026: June 8 to 19, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost: $2,500 (must attend both weeks; extended care option available until 6:00 p.m.)

This summer program offers Literacy (using the Orton-Gillingham approach), Math (small whole group instruction in fundamental math skills), STEAM, and Outdoor Play to help students strengthen skills and build confidence in a supportive learning environment. Each student receives personalized instruction and individualized support from dedicated teachers.

Stillman Academy Summer Structured Literacy Program Website: https://www.stillmanacademy.org/services Contact: wp@stillmanacademy.org Dates for 2026: Customizable summer tutoring, 1 to 8 weeks, June 1 to August 15 Grades: K through 12

Summer is an ideal time to build reading and writing skills without the pressure of nightly homework and classroom pacing. Stillman Academy offers customizable summer tutoring for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences.

Pacific Preparatory Website: https://www.pacificpreparatory.org Contact: info@pacificpreparatory.org | Request a consultation Location: Online with limited in-person support throughout the SF Bay Area Grades: K through 12

Pacific Preparatory offers fully accredited, one-to-one online summer courses and individualized tutoring designed around each student's strengths, needs, and goals. Their expert teachers provide customized instruction across core academics, honors and advanced coursework, executive function coaching, and enrichment. They also offer structured literacy support grounded in evidence-based reading instruction for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (San Francisco) Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps Contact: morgan.dawson@lindamoodbell.com | (415) 346-6056 Location: 1610 Union Street, First Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123 Dates for 2026: June 9 to August 14, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grades: K through 12

Lindamood-Bell provides personalized, intensive 1:1 instruction for reading, comprehension, and math. Families can enroll their students from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Prior to enrollment, students complete a Learning Ability Evaluation so the team can understand underlying strengths and areas for growth and make a tailored recommendation. The evaluation rate is $545 (discounted from $1,300 with a flyer), and instruction is $190 per session. Mornings fill up fastest, so families are encouraged to enroll early.

A second San Francisco location in West Portal will run from June 22 to July 31.

Meyersson Education Services Website: http://www.meyersoneducationservices.com Contact: miranda@meyersoneducationservices.com Location: In-person in San Francisco, Oakland/East Bay, or Virtual

Meyersson Education Services offers a Summer Academic Recharge with private and group coaching. Summer reading sessions help students learn and practice the skills they will need for upcoming courses. Classes are one-on-one or in pairs, covering Structured Literacy, Phonics, Fluency, Spelling, and Reading Comprehension.

Marin

Slingerland Program at North Bridge Academy Website: https://www.northbridgeacademy.org/summer-school Contact: Annie Crowder, Head of School | annie@northbridgeacademy.org Registration: Registration form Dates for 2026: July 6 to July 31, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Grades: 2 through 6 Cost: $3,200 Location: North Bridge Academy, Mill Valley, CA

This four-week program serves as both a summer school and a teacher training program. No more than 14 students are in each class, led by a trained Slingerland teacher and an assistant. Daily instruction centers around building phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Teachers in training also work 1:1 with students during part of the morning. The program is open to non-North Bridge Academy students from the Bay Area.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Marin) Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps Contact: skylar.kerzner@lindamoodbell.com Location: 1099 D Street, Penthouse B, San Rafael, CA 94901 | (415) 721-0781 Dates for 2026: June 15 to August 14, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grades: K through 12

Students come for 4 hours per day, either from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Each student attends for their recommended number of weeks based on an initial assessment. Families are encouraged to complete that assessment in March or April to plan their summer and secure a spot. The assessment is offered at a promotional cost of $545 (typically $1,300), and instruction is $190 per session.

Headlands Preparatory School Summer Session Website: https://headlandsprep.com/programs/summer-session/ Grades: 6 through 12

Headlands Prep is a private, independent school with a focus on rich curriculum for exceptional and gifted learners as well as a supportive environment for students with learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional needs. Their one-on-one method allows students to complete full-year courses during the summer session, attending 5 days per week for 1 to 2 hours per day. Students may come to accelerate their learning, take prerequisites, repeat a course to recover a grade, or lighten their upcoming school year load. Families should schedule a call before registering to customize an education plan.

Jennifer Katz Summer Reading Intensive Camp (Marin) Contact: jdorankatz@gmail.com | (415) 710-2966 Grades: 1 through 4 Register by: May 15

This camp supports students needing help with phonics, reading fluency, and spelling. Sessions are offered by grade level:

  • Incoming 1st/2nd graders: Session 1 (June 22 to 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) or Session 2 (July 13 to 17, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

  • Incoming 3rd/4th graders: July 20 to 24 or August 3 to 7, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Napa

Open Mind Learning: Camp Open Mind Website: https://www.openmindlearningnapa.org/ Contact: openmindlearningnapa@gmail.com or omlassistantnapa@gmail.com Location: 1248 Hayes Street, Napa, CA 94559 Ages: 5 to 11 Cost: $555 per camp week

Open Mind Learning is a place where neurodiverse children and teens can truly thrive. They support students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning differences through engaging one-on-one sessions, small social-emotional learning groups, special events, and camps. Their programs focus on building confidence, strengthening executive functioning skills, and helping students develop meaningful friendships in a supportive and encouraging environment. By keeping programs intentionally small and relationship-centered, they create a space where every child feels understood, valued, and empowered to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Camp Open Mind 2026 Dates (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.):

  • Session 1: June 15 to 19

  • Session 2: July 13 to 17

  • Session 3: July 27 to 31

Open Mind Learning also hosts Kid's Night Out on the second Saturday of each month and offers social skills groups throughout the year. Check their website for the latest event details.

Peninsula

Charles Armstrong School Summer Program Website: https://www.charlesarmstrong.org/admissions/summer-program Dates for 2026: June 22 to July 17 (Closed July 3), 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (aftercare available until 4:30 p.m.) Grades: 1 through 8 Location: Charles Armstrong School, Belmont, CA

Designed specifically for students with dyslexia, Armstrong's Summer Program blends expert academic support with engaging, strength-based specialty classes. It is about belonging, growth, and momentum, so students return to the school year feeling capable, confident, and proud of their progress. Registration is available for currently enrolled Armstrong students, newly enrolled students for 2026-2027, students in the application process, and students who have previously attended the summer program. First-time applicants or students not enrolled/planned to enroll should apply to be admitted.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Menlo Park) Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps Contact: marisa.benitez@lindamoodbell.com Location: 1134 Crane St, Suite 100, First Floor, Menlo Park, CA 94025 | (650) 321-0191 Dates for 2026: Summer season starts June 15 and runs through August 14, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grades: K through 12

Families can start on any Monday, so if school gets out before June 15, students can begin sooner. The hourly rate for 1:1 support is $190, and the evaluation rate is $525. A seasonal location in San Mateo may also be available for the summer season (dates to be confirmed).

Athena Academy's Camp Confidence Website: https://athenaacademy.org/summer-camp/ Dates for 2026: June 22 to 26 or July 20 to 24, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Grades: Entering 1 through 7 Cost: $700/week (early bird); $750 after March 15 Location: 525 San Antonio Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

An academic camp specially designed for dyslexic and twice-exceptional children. This week-long program uses multisensory and project-based instruction to support academic skill building.

Sand Hill School Summer Program Website: https://www.chconline.org/sand-hill-school-summer-program/ Dates for 2026: June 9 to July 3, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (aftercare available until 3:00 p.m.) Grades: Entering 2 through 8 Cost: $3,600 Location: Sand Hill School, CHC Palo Alto Campus, 650 Clark Way, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Designed specifically for students with dyslexia, ADHD, language-based learning differences, or school-based anxiety, this four-week program blends evidence-based academic instruction with activities focused on social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and good old-fashioned summer fun.

Stellar Academy Slingerland Summer Program Website: https://www.stellaracademy.org/summer-camp Dates for 2026: July 6 to 31, 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Grades: 1 through 8

Stellar Academy offers a four-week, half-day summer session focused on literacy remediation and language arts enrichment. Enrollment is available for current Stellar students and new families on a first-come, first-served basis. It is a wonderful opportunity for new students to experience the Stellar approach and see if it is the right fit.

East Bay

Strategies for Learning Website: https://strategiesforlearning.com/ Location: Oakland, CA (in-person) and Virtual Dates for 2026: Open enrollment throughout summer and the school year

Their summer programs offer personalized, one-on-one support to help students build confidence, strengthen skills, and stay engaged without the pressure of the school year. They support learning across literacy, writing, math, and executive functioning using evidence-based strategies. Their experienced Educational Therapists and Specialists work with students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, twice-exceptional (2e) profiles, ASD, and other socio-emotional challenges that may impact learning. Flexible scheduling and both in-person and virtual options are available.

PRIDE Learning Center Summer Reading Program Website: https://pridereadingprogram.com/pride-accelerated-program/ Contact: (866) 774-3342 Dates for 2026: Offered in June, July, and August

PRIDE offers intensive summer tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Both in-home and online options are available, with sessions running Monday through Friday, 2 hours daily, over 4 to 6 consecutive weeks. In-home tutoring is $95/hr (plus a $120 registration fee), and online tutoring is $70/hr. An online placement assessment is conducted about a month prior to the start date.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Berkeley) Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps Contact: matthew.hackney@lindamoodbell.com | (510) 649-7618 Location: 1625 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 250, Berkeley, CA 94709 Dates for 2026: Summer sessions start the second week of June and run through August Grades: K through 12

Lindamood-Bell Berkeley uses Seeing Stars for reading students, Visualizing and Verbalizing for comprehension students, and On Cloud Nine for math students. The flat session rate is $182 per 1:1 session, with session times ranging from 45 to 55 minutes. The typical weekly cost during the summer is $3,640, and they partner with Your Tuition Solution to offer monthly payment plans. Spots fill up quickly, and most scheduling takes place between February and April.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Walnut Creek) Website: https://lindamoodbell.com/learning-camps Contact: miranda.morales@lindamoodbell.com | (925) 943-1609 Location: 1330 N. Broadway, Suite 204, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Grades: K through 12

Year-round and summer-based learning camps offering 1:1 instruction to support reading, writing, and math challenges. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Individual Tutors Offering Specialized Summer Intensives

San Francisco

Missy Silver, MA ET (Yearning 4 Learning) Website: https://www.yearning4learning.net/y4l/ Contact: yearning4learning1@gmail.com Sign-up: Summer Intensive registration

Missy Silver is an Educational Therapist offering week-long intensives over the summer. Each five-day intensive runs Monday through Friday for 1 hour and 50 minutes per day. Sessions are individually designed to match each student's unique learning style and needs, using a multisensory, research-based teaching approach that addresses academic, social/emotional, executive function, and sensory learning challenges. The cost for a 5-day intensive is $1,800, with a $200 discount for signing up for more than one. A non-refundable partial payment of $900 is due upon sign-up, with the balance due on the first day.

LearnUp Centers Summer Reading Program Website: https://learnupcenters.org/summer/ Contact: tara@learnupcenters.org Registration: Sign up here Location: Fillmore and Geary, San Francisco, or Virtual via Zoom

LearnUp offers three-week Summer Reading Intensive sessions with one-on-one instruction. Session 1: June 8 to 26 (No session June 19) Session 2: July 6 to July 24 Session 3: July 27 to August 14

Kathy Bello Shepherd Contact: kathy.bello.shepherd@gmail.com Location: Castro/Eureka Valley, San Francisco

Kathy is a Credentialed Educational Specialist offering specialized tutoring for students with learning differences. She is available through late June (typically takes July off). Contact her directly for scheduling details.

Active Voice Writing Website: https://activevoicewriting.com/our-tutors Contact: david@activevoicewriting.com Location: 2021 Fillmore Street #2127, San Francisco, CA 94115

Active Voice provides summer programs for middle and high school students with learning differences, ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent profiles. They match students with individual tutors, and families are also welcome to join existing seminars for high school or college admission essays, or form small groups for enrichment tutoring. Both one-on-one and small group options are available, with flexible scheduling throughout the summer.

East Bay

Strategies for Learning Website: https://strategiesforlearning.com/ Location: Oakland, CA (in-person) and Virtual

In addition to their summer programs listed above, Strategies for Learning offers individualized tutoring with experienced Educational Therapists and Specialists. Flexible scheduling is available throughout the summer.

Online Tutoring Options

  • LearnUp Centers - A local literacy intervention center offering online and in-person sessions.

  • TutorCorps - A tutoring service that matches students with specialized instructors for intensive summer learning.

  • PRIDE Reading Program - Offers individual online tutoring in addition to their specialized summer programs.

  • Barton Tutoring - Parent-led programs for structured literacy support at home.

  • Redwood Literacy - Online tutoring support for students with reading and literacy needs.

Want to Learn More About Your Child's Learning Needs?

If you are not sure what type of support your child needs, a comprehensive evaluation can help identify strengths, challenges, and the best interventions for their learning profile. We can also guide public school parents through the IEP/504 process, and advise private and parochial school parents on how best to collaborate with your child's school regarding support and accommodations.Contact us today to schedule an assessment and develop a plan tailored to your child's success!


At Mind Matters, we believe every child deserves to be understood. If you have questions about your child's learning, attention, or development, we're here to help. Contact our Client Care Coordinator at 415-598-8378 or info@sfmindmatters.com to learn more about how we can support your family's journey.

Rebecca MurrayMetzger Psy.D

Dr. Rebecca MurrayMetzger is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (CA PSY20929) with over 20 years of experience specializing in psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. She earned her doctorate from the Wright Institute and completed specialized training at Franciscan Children's Hospital and North Shore Children's Hospital, focusing exclusively on neurodevelopmental assessments. As the founder of Mind Matters, Dr. MurrayMetzger has conducted thousands of evaluations and advocates for neurodiversity-affirming approaches to understanding learning differences, ADHD, autism, and giftedness.

https://www.sfmindmatters.com/rebecca-murraymetzger
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