By the time Maddy entered second grade, her love for school had dimmed. Her mother, South Surrey-based Stephanie Morales, noticed the shift. “She was so eager, so socially motivated,” Stephanie recalls. “But something switched. Maddy was pretending to know what was going on at school.” Struggles with reading left her anxious and withdrawn, plagued by stomach aches. It was heartbreaking.
Though Maddy had a brilliant mind for visual patterns and memory, regular schooling couldn’t meet her needs as a dyslexic learner. Her school’s solution was more practice and extra time, but for Stephanie, a psychologist familiar with learning differences, it wasn’t enough. “It felt like giving glasses to someone who’s blind rather than teaching them braille,” she explains. “Maddy didn’t have a slow mind, she had a different mind. She needed alternative tools, not more practice with the same ones.”
Determined to find an environment that met Maddy’s needs while celebrating her strengths, Stephanie turned to Fraser Academy. From the moment Maddy was accepted, everything changed. “They saw what I saw in her – incredible grit and resilience,” says Stephanie. Today, Maddy is continuing to make strides academically and socially. She’s hopeful about her future and talking confidently about post-secondary schooling and her career aspirations.
For parents, a lifeline
Parenting a child with dyslexia often feels overwhelming. Former psychologist-turned-parent educator and author, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe explains, “Kids with dyslexia have these incredibly interesting brains with wonderful ways of seeing and understanding the world.”
Vanessa, who also lives in South Surrey and whose son attended Fraser Academy, continues, “When they’re taught and supported in ways that honour who they are, they not only learn and grow like other kids, but they have the opportunity to be extraordinary.”
Located in Kitsilano, Vancouver, Fraser Academy provides that kind of support. It’s the only fully accredited independent day school in the Lower Mainland currently serving students in Grades 2 to 12, whose primary challenges are language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. Here, dyslexia is seen as a unique perspective rather than a limitation. Students like Maddy, who excel as big-picture thinkers and creative problem-solvers, find an environment that nurtures their strengths while addressing their challenges.
“Success breeds competence, which in turn breeds confidence,” says Colleen Chow, Fraser Academy’s Executive Director of Training & Learning. “We meet students where they are and help them build foundational skills while ensuring they meet curricular requirements.”
What makes Fraser Academy different
The foundation of Fraser Academy’s success lies in the evidence-based Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, a structured, multi-sensory way of teaching literacy to students with dyslexia. “It’s about why, what, and how we teach,” says Colleen. Every student works with certified OG specialists who help break down complex language concepts into manageable steps.
Small class sizes of up to 12 students allow specialized teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs. “That personal connection helps students feel empowered,” Colleen explains.
In addition to excellent academics, Fraser Academy enriches the whole child through daily physical education as well as creative opportunities in drama, music, and fine and applied arts. For budding athletes like Maddy, the school encourages intramural team sports and plenty of training. Her daily commute is made easier by Fraser Academy's bus service, picking up from Rona in South Surrey.
“They’re not just helping Maddy academically,” Stephanie says. “They’re nurturing her development, from her mental health to her confidence, while supporting me as a parent. They care about our whole family.”
Proof in the results
Early intervention at Fraser Academy changes lives. Families often come to the school when other systems have failed their children, leaving them years behind their peers. Yet, with the specialized support it provides, 95 per cent of Fraser Academy graduates go on to attend post-secondary education. Their success stories include careers in diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, creative arts, engineering and healthcare.
Alison Wall, Head of School, highlights these achievements as a testament to the school’s impact. “We see students arrive having experienced academic failure from watching their peers progress while they’re left behind,” she says. “By the time they graduate, they’re confident, capable, and thriving.”
One powerful element of the school’s philosophy is fostering a sense of belonging. “There’s power in being surrounded by peers who also learn differently,” says Colleen. “Our students see each other’s strengths, and it inspires them.”
A legacy of empowerment
Established in 1982, Fraser Academy’s mission extends beyond academics. It focuses on building independence and self-advocacy skills. Students are taught not just how to learn but also how to identify their needs and ask for tools like individual exam accommodations and coaching in study strategies.
Financial accessibility is another priority for Fraser Academy, with the school offering several options, including bursaries funded by generous donors, sibling discounts, and guidance on obtaining grants and applicable tax credits. “With tuition relief of up to 70%, what we provide is accessible to all,” says Alison.
The school also serves the broader community through FAx, an outreach program offering in-person and online learner support, consulting services, Summer Boost Camp, and free early literacy screening.
The success of Fraser Academy reflects the incredible potential of dyslexic learners, who make up one in five of the population. Famous individuals like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, and Richard Branson are proof of what’s possible for big-picture thinkers. With the right guidance, students like Maddy can tap into their strengths and lead impactful lives.
For families navigating the challenges of dyslexia, Fraser Academy offers more than education; it offers hope. “Your child is not alone,” Stephanie says. “At Fraser, they are seen, supported, and celebrated for the incredible people they are.”
Call 604-736-5575 or email admissions@fraseracademy.ca to learn more or arrange a personalized tour today.