For some children, learning to read requires a bit more time, practice, and explicit support, and recognizing that early can make a meaningful difference. This year, Alcuin is piloting a new Reading Lab designed to provide small-group, targeted literacy instruction for students who would benefit from additional reinforcement of foundational skills. Rather than pulling students out of their classroom experience, the Reading Lab works in close partnership with Lower Elementary guides and Student Support to complement what children are already learning each day.

The Reading Lab focuses on helping students build confidence and fluency through structured, multisensory instruction. Children work with a dedicated teacher a few times each week, revisiting foundational skills such as decoding, spelling, comprehension, and early writing in a way that is intentional and supportive. Lessons engage multiple senses, listening, speaking, seeing, and hands-on practice, helping students make stronger connections and move new learning from short-term understanding into long-term mastery. For many students, this focused reinforcement becomes a bridge that allows them to re-engage with classroom learning more confidently.

For families, the importance of this work is both educational and practical. Support like this often requires outside tutoring, additional scheduling, and extra expense. At Alcuin, the Reading Lab is included as part of the school's commitment to meeting students where they are, providing timely, in-house support when it matters most.

Families who would like to learn more about the Reading Lab or about literacy support for their child are encouraged to reach out to their child's Guide or connect with the Student Support team for further conversation.