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

Hamlin Summer Reading Lab

Session A: July 27 to August 7, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Session B: August 10 to 21, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Cost: $1,700 per 2-week session

The Hamlin Summer Reading Lab is a thoughtfully designed, two-week literacy experience that delivers meaningful academic growth while honoring the joy of reading. Ideal for students who benefit from steady reinforcement across multiple skill areas, the Lab blends explicit, evidence-based instruction with engaging, confidence-building practice.

Students receive targeted support across essential domains, including word recognition, accuracy in connected text, fluency, and comprehension, while also strengthening stamina, self-awareness, and academic confidence. Instruction is grounded in the Science of Reading, the gold standard for Structured Literacy instruction, and delivered in a warm, relationship-centered environment that prioritizes student dignity, belonging, and success.

With a small-group 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, structured daily routines, and continuous, individualized feedback, the Lab goes beyond preventing summer learning loss. By intentionally re-engaging and flexing their reading muscles during the final stretch of summer, students return to school feeling confident, capable, and academically ready to meet new challenges.

Students may participate in Session A, Session B, or both. Register here via the Hamlin Summer site.

My City School's Summer Bridge Program

Dates: Begins the third week in June and concludes the last week of July, 2026 (for most students)
Contact: Jennifer Larson, Program Director | jennifer@mycityschool.org

This coeducational program integrates multisensory methods to support each student's individualized needs across 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. The program also addresses visual processing issues that need to be resolved before students can make deeper content gains. Assessments are available for parents who are not sure where to begin.

A $125 registration fee applies for students attending two or more weeks. A Zoom information session will be held on Feb. 6th from 9 to 10 a.m.
Sign up through the My City School website.

Saint Brigid School Summer Program

Dates: June 8 to 19, 2026 (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Cost: $2,500 (must attend both weeks; extended care 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.

Register here. More information about the program on the Saint Brigid website.

Stillman Academy Summer Structured Literacy Program

Dates: Customizable summer tutoring, 1 to 8 weeks, June 1 to August 15, 2026
Grades: K through 12
Contact: wp@stillmanacademy.org

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.

To enroll your student in summer tutoring, send an email to wp@stillmanacademy.org. More information on the Stillman Academy website.

Pacific Preparatory

Dates: Summer 2026 (flexible scheduling)
Grades: K through 12
Location: Online with limited in-person support throughout the SF Bay Area
Contact: info@pacificpreparatory.org

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.

Request a consultation or visit the Pacific Preparatory website for more information.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (San Francisco, Union Street)

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

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.

More information about Lindamood-Bell learning camps here.

Meyersson Education Services

Dates: Summer 2026 (flexible scheduling)
Location: In-person in San Francisco, Oakland/East Bay, or Virtual
Contact: miranda@meyersoneducationservices.com

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.

Contact Miranda directly to discuss availability and summer session goals. More information on the Meyersson Education Services website.

Marin

Slingerland Program at North Bridge Academy

Dates: July 6 to July 31, 2026 (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
Contact: Annie Crowder, Head of School | annie@northbridgeacademy.org

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.

Registration form here. More information on the North Bridge Academy website.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Marin)

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

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.

More information about Lindamood-Bell learning camps here.

Headlands Preparatory School Summer Session

Dates: Summer 2026 (5 days per week, 1 to 2 hours per day)
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.

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.

More information on the Headlands Prep website.

Jennifer Katz Summer Reading Intensive Camp

Grades: 1 through 4 Register by: May 15
Contact: jdorankatz@gmail.com | (415) 710-2966

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.

Contact Jennifer directly to register or learn more.

Napa

Open Mind Learning: Camp Open Mind

Camp Dates (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.):
Session 1: June 15 to 19, 2026
Session 2: July 13 to 17, 2026
Session 3: July 27 to 31, 2026
Ages: 5 to 11
Cost: $555 per camp week
Location: 1248 Hayes Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: openmindlearningnapa@gmail.com or omlassistantnapa@gmail.com

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. 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 the Open Mind Learning website for the latest event details.

Peninsula

Charles Armstrong School Summer Program

Dates: June 22 to July 17, 2026 (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.

More information on the Charles Armstrong website.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Menlo Park)

Dates: June 15 to August 14, 2026 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Grades: K through 12 Location: 1134 Crane St, Suite 100, First Floor, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Contact: marisa.benitez@lindamoodbell.com | (650) 321-0191

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).

More information about Lindamood-Bell learning camps here.

Athena Academy's Camp Confidence

Session 1: June 22 to 26, 2026 (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
Session 2: July 20 to 24, 2026 (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.

More information on the Athena Academy website.

Sand Hill School Summer Program

Dates: June 9 to July 3, 2026 (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.

More information on the Sand Hill School website.

Stellar Academy Slingerland Summer Program

Dates: July 6 to 31, 2026 (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.

More information on the Stellar Academy website.

East Bay

Strategies for Learning

Dates: Open enrollment throughout summer 2026 and the school year
Location: Oakland, CA (in-person) and Virtual

Strategies for Learning offers 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.
More information on the Strategies for Learning website.

PRIDE Learning Center Summer Reading Program

Dates: Offered in June, July, and August 2026
Contact: (866) 774-3342

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.

More information on the PRIDE Reading Program website.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Berkeley)

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

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.
More information about Lindamood-Bell learning camps here.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (Walnut Creek)

Dates: Year-round and summer 2026 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Grades: K through 12
Location: 1330 N. Broadway, Suite 204, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Contact: miranda.morales@lindamoodbell.com | (925) 943-1609

Year-round and summer-based learning camps offering 1:1 instruction to support reading, writing, and math challenges.

More information about Lindamood-Bell learning camps here.

Individual Tutors Offering Specialized Summer Intensives

San Francisco

Missy Silver, MA ET (Yearning 4 Learning)

Dates: Week-long intensives offered throughout summer 2026 (Monday through Friday, 1 hour 50 minutes per day)
Cost: $1,800 per 5-day intensive ($200 discount for signing up for more than one)
Contact: yearning4learning1@gmail.com

Missy Silver is an Educational Therapist offering week-long intensives over the summer. 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.

A non-refundable partial payment of $900 is due upon sign-up, with the balance due on the first day.
Summer Intensive registration here. More information on the Yearning 4 Learning website.

LearnUp Centers Summer Reading Program

Session 1: June 8 to 26, 2026 (No session June 19)
Session 2: July 6 to July 24, 2026
Session 3: July 27 to August 14, 2026
Location: Fillmore and Geary, San Francisco, or Virtual via Zoom
Contact: tara@learnupcenters.org

LearnUp offers three-week Summer Reading Intensive sessions with one-on-one instruction. Tutoring can be in person at their San Francisco clinic or virtually over Zoom with a live tutor.

Sign up here. More information on the LearnUp Centers summer page.

Kathy Bello Shepherd

Dates: Available through late June 2026 (typically takes July off)
Location: Castro/Eureka Valley, San Francisco
Contact: kathy.bello.shepherd@gmail.com

Kathy is a Credentialed Educational Specialist offering specialized tutoring for students with learning differences.

Contact her directly for scheduling details and availability.

Active Voice Writing

Dates: Flexible scheduling throughout summer 2026
Location: 2021 Fillmore Street #2127, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: david@activevoicewriting.com

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.

More information on the Active Voice Writing website.

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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