faqs

Villa Maria serves students with a range of learning profiles including: language-based learning disorders (such as dyslexia), auditory processing disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and executive functioning challenges/ADHD. Our program is designed to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students who learn differently.

Yes! Villa Maria specializes in supporting students with language-based learning disorders, including dyslexia. All of our teachers are trained in PAF (Preventing Academic Failure), an Orton-Gillingham based, multi-sensory, structured decoding and comprehension program. This evidence-based approach is considered the gold standard for teaching students with dyslexia how to read, write, and spell.

Absolutely. Many of our students have ADHD, often alongside other learning differences. Our small class sizes (averaging 4 students), structured environment, and integrated support services are ideal for students who struggle with attention, focus, and executive functioning. We help students develop the self-regulation skills and strategies they need to succeed. Additionally, our middle school students have a Study Skills class where they learn explicit executive functioning skills and practice generalizing them throughout the school day.

Yes, we serve students with ASD whose learning profile aligns with our program model. Our small class sizes, predictable routines, integrated language and social pragmatic support, and comprehensive social-emotional learning program (S.E.L.L.) provide the structured, supportive environment that many students on the spectrum need to thrive. We encourage families to schedule a visit to determine if Villa is the right fit.

A language-based learning disability refers to learning challenges that arise from underlying language processing problems: how someone understands, uses, or processes spoken and written language. These challenges typically affect reading, spelling, writing and may also impact listening and speaking skills.

Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects how the brain interprets sounds, making it difficult for students to understand speech, follow directions, or distinguish between similar sounds, especially in noisy environments. At Villa Maria, every student receives integrated language instruction with a speech and language pathologist. Our small classes and specialized instruction methods help students with APD process and retain information more effectively.

A current neuropsychological or psychological evaluation is required as part of the admissions application. Many of our students have an IEP from their public school district; however, we evaluate each student individually to determine if Villa Maria is the right fit for their unique needs.

We encourage you to reach out! Our Admissions Director, Elise Brody, can discuss your child’s specific learning profile and help determine if Villa Maria is a good match. Contact us at 203-322-5886, ext 104 or admissions@villamariaschool.org to schedule a conversation.

For over 50 years, the Villa Maria School has been home to a community of students who have struggled in traditional school settings. We are a Connecticut State Approved Private Special Education Program and accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. Our students, whose diverse learning profiles include language-based learning disorders, auditory processing challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, ASD, and ADHD, are in grades 1-10.

Villa Maria stands out through our exceptionally small class sizes (averaging just 4 students per teacher), fully integrated speech and language support, and comprehensive social-emotional learning program (S.E.L.L.). Our PAF trained teachers and individualized Student Learning and Support Plans (SLSP) ensure every child receives truly personalized instruction.

Villa Maria School is located at 161 Sky Meadow Drive in Stamford, Connecticut 06903. We serve students from over 20 different school districts across Connecticut and New York, making us accessible to families throughout the region.

Villa Maria School was founded in 1973 by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to serve the needs of struggling readers. Today, Villa is a thriving learning community grounded in the teachings and values of St. Francis of Assisi. We recognize the intrinsic dignity of every individual and strive to instill in our students a deep respect for differences while celebrating the cultural and religious traditions of one another. At Villa, the expectation is that our students will embody these ideals by honoring our shared humanity with kindness, gratitude and love. However, there is no religious instruction at Villa.

Villa Maria School has been serving students with diverse learning profiles since 1973; over 50 years of experience helping children with learning differences thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our average class size is just 4 students per teacher, one of the smallest ratios you’ll find anywhere. This allows for frequent check-ins, personalized instruction, and immediate feedback. Teachers can truly get to know each student and tailor their approach to individual learning styles.

Villa Maria provides comprehensive, individualized reading instruction. All teachers are thoroughly trained in PAF (Preventing Academic Failure), an Orton-Gillingham based, multi-sensory, structured decoding and comprehension program. This evidence-based approach is specifically designed for students with reading difficulties and dyslexia. Additionally, integrated language support is provided in all classes to fully support comprehension skills.

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and spelling that is considered the gold standard for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. It engages sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students understand the connection between letters and sounds. At Villa Maria, all teachers are trained in OG-based methodologies.

Students are grouped based on their learning profile across two grade levels. For example, 4th and 5th graders may be in the same class if their academic, cognitive, and social skills are similar. This intentional grouping allows teachers to individualize their curriculum while ensuring students are working with peers who share similar goals.

The SLSP is Villa Maria’s comprehensive, individualized plan created for each student. Starting in the admissions process, we thoroughly review previous evaluations and conduct our own assessments to fully understand each student’s learning profile. The SLSP outlines specific goals for each subject area and guides instruction throughout the school year. It’s a living document that evolves as students grow.

Formative assessment is an ongoing part of a Villa education. Using a metacognitive approach, teachers provide strategy-based instruction to build independence across skill areas. Progress is formally reported to families twice a year through detailed midyear and end-of-year narrative reports. We also maintain close communication with families throughout the year.

Villa Maria offers a full academic curriculum including reading, writing, math, science, social studies, study skills and specials including art, music and physical education. What makes our curriculum unique is that it’s skills-focused and individualized to meet each student’s needs. Language skills and social-emotional learning are integrated throughout all subjects.

Yes! Our goal for every student is independence. Students work to gain skills and strategies to help them be successful in a less supportive environment. Our average length of enrollment is three years, though this varies depending on each student’s learning profile and the grade at which they enrolled. Many students successfully transition back to their district schools or to other private schools.

Villa Maria School provides fully integrated therapeutic support including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling/social work services. Unlike many schools where these services are ‘pulled out,’ most of our services are woven into each student’s daily schedule and integrated directly into classroom instruction.

S.E.L.L. stands for Social Emotional Language Learning. Villa Maria’s comprehensive program builds social awareness, resilience, communication skills, mindfulness, and coping strategies. S.E.L.L. is integrated into the school day, helping students develop the emotional regulation and social skills they need both in and out of the classroom. Many parents describe this program as transformative.

Yes! All students receive language instruction with a speech and language pathologist built into their daily schedule. This integrated approach means your child receives consistent, ongoing support rather than isolated weekly sessions. Speech-language pathologists work closely with classroom teachers to reinforce skills throughout the day.

Yes, occupational therapy services are available and integrated into students’ daily schedules as needed. OT can address fine motor skills, sensory processing, handwriting, and other areas that impact academic performance and daily functioning. Our integrated approach ensures OT supports are reinforced throughout the school day.

Many of our students arrive with significant anxiety, often from struggling in mainstream settings. Villa’s small class sizes, predictable routines, supportive community, and integrated counseling services help students feel safe and accepted, which is essential for learning. Our S.E.L.L. program teaches coping strategies, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Parents consistently report that their children’s anxiety decreases dramatically at Villa.

Social skill development is central to a Villa education. Through our S.E.L.L. program, small class environment, and intentional community building, students practice social skills every day. We also offer monthly weekend social events and community activities that allow students to build relationships beyond the school building. Our integrated speech-language and counseling services specifically address social pragmatics.

Villa is intentionally designed as a place where students feel accepted for who they are. Our small classes mean every child is truly known. Students are grouped with peers who share similar learning profiles and goals, which eliminates the feeling of being ‘different.’ Our Villa Maria Commitment, a daily affirmation of kindness, good decisions, and community, creates a culture of belonging. Many parents tell us that for the first time, their child actually wants to go to school.

The first step is to schedule a call with our Director of Admissions, Elise Brody, to learn more about Villa Maria and discuss whether it might be a good fit for your child. From there, you’ll submit an online application that includes your child’s neuropsychological or psychological evaluation, teacher recommendations, current IEP (if applicable), school transcripts, and a recent photograph. We operate on rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time.

The application requires: a current neuropsychological or psychological evaluation, teacher or specialist recommendation form, current IEP (if applicable), school transcripts and report cards, and a recent photograph of your child. These documents help us understand your child’s learning profile and determine if Villa Maria is the right fit.

After reviewing your application, we’ll invite you and your child for a visit. During this visit, your child will participate in informal assessments and an interview while you meet with the Head of School. If everyone agrees the student could be a good fit, we’ll schedule a shadow day where your child spends a full day experiencing Villa Maria firsthand.

A shadow day is when your child spends a full school day at Villa Maria, matched with a current student. They’ll follow that student’s schedule, experience our classes, meet teachers and students, and get a real feel for what life at Villa is like. This helps both you and our team determine if Villa Maria is truly the right fit.

The timeline varies depending on how quickly you can provide required documents and complete the visit and shadow day. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis, and parents are typically notified within two weeks of the shadow day. We encourage families to begin the process early, but we understand that finding the right school can happen at any time of year.

Yes! We encourage families to schedule a preliminary phone call with our Director of Admissions before beginning the formal application process. This allows you to learn more about Villa Maria and ask questions to determine if it might be right for your child. Contact Elise Brody at 203-322-5886, ext 104 or admissions@villamariaschool.org.

Villa Maria operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning we accept applications throughout the year as space allows. There is no single deadline. However, we recommend starting the process as early as possible to ensure availability and allow time for any necessary district funding arrangements.

Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $72,800 per year. This includes small class instruction (4:1 ratio), integrated speech-language and counseling support, and access to all of Villa Maria’s programs and resources. We understand this is a significant investment and offer several payment options and financial assistance programs.

Yes. Many of our students have their tuition covered by their public school district through outplacement funding. If your school district is unable to meet your child’s needs as outlined in their IEP, they may be required to fund placement at an approved private special education program like Villa Maria. We have a downloadable guide to help families navigate the district funding process.

An outplacement is when a public school district places a student in a private special education school because the district cannot provide an appropriate education for that child. Villa Maria is a Connecticut State-approved private special education program, meaning districts can fund student placement here. The process typically involves your child’s IEP team and may require advocacy. We offer resources to help families navigate this process.

Yes, we are committed to making Villa Maria accessible regardless of family finances. We offer need-based financial assistance to families who qualify. Awards are made annually in the spring, and a new application is required each year. Financial aid applications are processed through FACTS Management Company, and admissions decisions are made independently of financial need.

We offer several payment options: (1) Pay in full by July 15th, (2) Two payments: 60% by July 15th and 40% by October 1st, or (3) Monthly payment plan administered by FACTS Management Company. An initial deposit is due with the enrollment contract and is applied toward tuition.

After your child has been accepted to Villa Maria, you can apply for financial assistance through the FACTS Financial Aid website. For more information about the application process and eligibility, contact Patty Fink at 203-322-5886, ext 105 or email pfink@villamariaschool.org.

Villa Maria has created a downloadable guide specifically to help families navigate the often overwhelming process of district funding and advocacy. Visit our Resources page to download the guide. Our admissions team can also provide guidance and connect you with helpful resources in your area.

Yes! Villa Maria offers a high school program that maintains our commitment to small class sizes (4:1 ratio) while preparing students for post-secondary life. High school students rotate between three classrooms where teachers specialize in two academic subjects, giving students both consistency and variety. Speech therapy, counseling, OT, and Life Skills are integrated into the daily experience.

Our Service Learning Program is a unique feature of the high school experience. Students volunteer with community organizations such as food pantries and gift shops, where they practice real-world vocational skills, executive functioning, and social pragmatic skills. In 9th and 10th grade, a dedicated job coach supports students during these experiences. By 11th grade, students focus on personal interests and transition into internships one full day each week.

Planning for life beyond Villa begins in 10th grade. Students and families work closely with a transition counselor who helps identify appropriate post-graduation programs, guides them through application processes, and determines eligibility for essential services. By the time they graduate, each student has a clear plan, practical skills, and the confidence to thrive in the next stage of their journey.

Our high school program currently serves students in grades 9 and 10 with plans to expand. Students experience a more independent structure, rotating between specialized teachers, while still benefiting from Villa Maria’s signature small classes and integrated support services.

Absolutely. All of our integrated services (speech therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, and S.E.L.L.) continue throughout the high school program. These services are woven directly into students’ daily schedules, building the skills they need not only for academic success but also for social and emotional growth as they prepare for adulthood.

Our school day runs from 8:00 am to 2:50 pm. Drop-off begins at 7:50 am. Every other Friday, students are dismissed at noon so teachers can participate in professional development, a commitment that keeps our faculty at the forefront of best practices in special education.

Villa Maria does not provide bussing. However, about half of our students have transportation provided by their home school district, and the other half are transported by their families. Our students come from over 20 different school districts in New York and Connecticut. If your district is funding your child’s placement, transportation may also be included.

Our average length of enrollment is three years, though this varies significantly depending on each student’s learning profile and the grade at which they enrolled. Our goal is always to build independence: students work to gain the skills and strategies they need to be successful in a less supportive environment. Some students transition sooner, while others benefit from staying through high school.

Yes, Villa Maria offers an Extended School Year (ESY) summer program. Many students enroll in the summer program as their first introduction to Villa; it’s a wonderful way for students to acclimate to our community before the regular school year begins. Contact our admissions team for more information about summer programming.

Villa Maria has an active Parents’ Association that organizes community events throughout the year, including parent cocktail parties, family picnics, and monthly weekend meet-ups for students. Parents are also invited to ‘Breakfast with Bill,’ a monthly virtual and in-person meeting with the Head of School for breakfast and conversation. We believe parents are essential partners in their child’s education.

Communication with families is one of our greatest strengths. In addition to regular informal updates, we provide formal narrative progress reports three times per year. Parents are always welcome to reach out to teachers, therapists, and administrators. Many families describe feeling like true partners in their child’s education, with collaborative IEP/PPT meetings and regular check-ins.

As a state-approved special education facility, all teachers at Villa Maria are certified in special education. Beyond certification, our teachers are highly skilled, dynamic educators who participate in professional development twice per month. All teachers are trained in PAF (Preventing Academic Failure), an Orton-Gillingham based reading program. We prioritize hiring educators who are collaborative, creative, and deeply committed to understanding each student.

While public schools offer special education services, Villa provides a fully specialized environment designed exclusively for students with learning differences. Our 4:1 student-teacher ratio (compared to typical public school ratios of 15:1 or higher), fully integrated therapeutic services, and specialized curriculum allow for truly individualized instruction. Every teacher is trained in evidence-based methods for students with learning differences, and our entire school culture is built around acceptance and support.

Yes, Villa Maria School is a Connecticut State-approved private special education program and is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). We are also members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and are recognized as a Common Sense School.

Absolutely! Transition is a core part of our mission. We prepare students with the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to succeed in less supportive environments. Many Villa students successfully transition to their district schools, other private schools, or college preparatory programs. Our team works closely with families to plan and support these transitions.

Many of our students come to Villa after difficult experiences in mainstream settings, including academic struggles, social isolation, and bullying. Our intentionally small, supportive community is designed to make students feel safe and understood. Students are grouped with peers who share similar learning profiles, which eliminates the feeling of being ‘different.’ Our S.E.L.L. program builds social-emotional resilience, and our culture of kindness helps students feel safe and accepted. Parents consistently tell us that Villa Maria has been transformative for their child’s confidence and wellbeing.

If your child has a diagnosed learning difference and is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally in their current school, despite IEP services or accommodations, a specialized school may be the right choice. Signs include: declining grades despite effort, school refusal or anxiety, low self-esteem, social struggles, or not making progress on IEP goals. We encourage you to contact our admissions team for a confidential conversation about your child’s needs.

While tutoring can be helpful, it addresses only a small fraction of a student’s day. At Villa Maria, specialized instruction is the standard: every class, every subject, every interaction is designed for students with learning differences. Our integrated therapeutic support, small classes, and social-emotional curriculum create a comprehensive environment where students can truly thrive, not just survive.

It’s never too late! We accept students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Whether your child was recently diagnosed or has been struggling for years, we’re here to help. Early intervention is ideal, but students at any age can benefit from the right learning environment. Contact our admissions team to discuss your child’s situation.

For admissions questions, contact Elise Brody, Director of Admissions, at 203-322-5886, ext 104 or admissions@villamariaschool.org. For financial aid questions, contact Patty Fink at 203-322-5886, ext 105 or pfink@villamariaschool.org. For general inquiries, email info@villamariaschool.org or call 203-322-5886. We’re here to help!