For many families, the journey to understanding and supporting a child with dyslexia can be filled with challenges, uncertainty, and emotional struggles.
Betsy Griffith knows this all too well. As a mother of three boys, all diagnosed with dyslexia, she recognized early signs in her youngest son, Knox. By the time he was in first grade, it was clear that traditional schooling was not providing the support he needed to thrive.
Before coming to Roberts Academy, Knox faced daily academic struggles. Despite attending a great school, reading and spelling were difficult, and following directions in the classroom was a constant challenge.
Homework became a battle, and Thursday nights were particularly tough, as the family braced for the exhausting task of preparing for his weekly spelling test—sometimes calling it quits out of sheer frustration.
At school, Knox often seemed out of sorts, especially in unstructured settings like the lunchroom. Missing out on his favorite activities—PE, Art, and Music—just to receive extra tutoring left him feeling isolated and discouraged.
Betsy knew he was dyslexic, just like his older brothers, but she wanted a different experience—one where he could thrive, not just survive.
Related: Is Dyslexia Hereditary? Find out here.
When Betsy learned from a family friend about the opening of Roberts Academy at Mercer University – a dyslexia school in Middle Georgia – she felt an overwhelming sense of hope.
For the first time, there was a school specifically designed to support children like Knox—one that understood dyslexia and provided the right tools for success. After meeting with Head of School Joy Wood, she knew Roberts Academy was the place for Knox.
Betsy said the school’s commitment to using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a research-based instructional method tailored for dyslexic learners, was a game-changer. More than that, the vision of Roberts Academy extended beyond just helping its students—it aimed to educate the broader community about dyslexia. Betsy and her husband knew that enrolling Knox was the best decision they could make for his future.
“It was apparent to us that Joy was the perfect leader for Roberts Academy and after talking with her, we knew that Knox would be going to Roberts Academy,” she said.
Before Roberts Academy, Knox would take months to feel comfortable in a new classroom. But here, he settled in quickly. Within weeks, Betsy saw a remarkable transformation.
“Knox has made a lot of good friends in his class. He comes home and talks about what he did at school,” Betsy said. “Before, he did not like to talk about school, his classmates, and could not remember his classmates’ names. He is comfortable at Roberts and feels safe here.”
Knox began writing and sharing his own stories—something he would never have attempted before. His confidence soared. He started asking questions, engaging in discussions, and seeing his dyslexia as a unique part of who he is rather than a limitation.
His reading improved, his handwriting became more legible, and he even started asking how to spell words while creating his own drawings and stories.
Perhaps most importantly, Knox was happy. He came home in a great mood, eager to talk about his day.
The change in Knox’s school experience had a profound impact on the entire Griffith family. Without the burden of excessive tutoring and stressful homework, their home life became more joyful. Instead of tears and frustration over spelling tests, they now had time for fun, connection, and activities that Knox genuinely enjoyed.
For Betsy, the difference was night and day. She no longer had to watch her child struggle daily. The simple fact that Knox was excited to go to school each morning was a testament to the incredible work happening at Roberts Academy.
One of the most defining moments of Knox’s journey happened on Book Character Day. Instead of reusing an old Halloween costume, Knox had an idea—he wanted to write his own book and create a costume to match.
With determination, he illustrated each page, typed out the story, and proudly put it all together. He even designed a custom t-shirt featuring the book’s cover. The next day, he walked into school beaming with pride, eager to share his creation.This was the kind of confidence and initiative that had once seemed impossible for Knox. Now, he was embracing his dyslexia, seeing it as a strength rather than a struggle.
“Roberts Academy is helping him to recognize and accept his superpowers,” Betsy said.
Why should families consider Roberts Academy? Betsy’s answer is simple: this school changes lives.
“The Orton-Gillingham Approach that the teachers use provides a supportive learning environment where students can thrive. It builds their confidence, helps them engage with learning, and allows them to truly reach their potential.”Roberts Academy is more than just a school—it is a place where students learn to believe in themselves. It is a place where parents find hope, where children discover their strengths, and where struggles turn into successes. For Knox and the Griffith family, it has been nothing short of transformative.
“Roberts Academy is building their students’ success academically. The teachers are also building the students’ self-esteem, giving them confidence and helping them to learn to advocate for themselves,” she said.
Looking for schools that use the Orton-Gillingham approach near you? Look no further than Roberts Academy at Mercer University. Schedule your campus tour today!
Located in Macon, Georgia, Roberts Academy is Georgia’s only school for children with dyslexia outside of Metro Atlanta. The Academy uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach – an evidence-based way of teaching reading, writing, and spelling proven to work for students who face the learning challenges often associated with dyslexia.
Because all children who attend the Academy have a dyslexia diagnosis, students feel an instant sense of belonging. This sense of community, combined with academic success, quickly leads to improved confidence and self-esteem.
Students can attend the Academy until they have mastered the skills to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional classroom setting. To learn more about Roberts Academy, schedule a tour or visit our website.
