MACON, Ga. — Roberts Academy at Mercer University welcomed 94 students from 15 Georgia counties on Aug. 12 for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, marking another significant milestone for Georgia’s only school for children with dyslexia outside of Metro Atlanta.
Of this year’s enrollment, 29 students are new to the Academy. Roberts Academy opened its doors in 2024 with 31 students. With 94 students enrolled this year, the Academy has experienced a 203% increase in enrollment in just two years.
The Academy also welcomed four new teachers this year: Sarah Blankenship, third grade; Emily Earn, fourth grade; and Shelby Koehle and Jessica Huckeba, who will teach in the middle school.
Additionally, Penni Hartley has transitioned to full-time employment at Roberts Academy. In addition to teaching art, Hartley will provide small-group Orton-Gillingham instruction to students.
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This year also marks the opening of the Academy’s newly completed second floor. Students in fifth, sixth and seventh grades began the school year in the new space, which provides additional classrooms and learning space to accommodate the Academy’s continued growth.
The second-floor project was originally expected to begin during the 2028-2029 academic year. However, the rapid growth and success of Roberts Academy led to an accelerated timeline, allowing the project to be completed years ahead of schedule.
“We are thrilled to welcome 94 students to Roberts Academy this year,” said Joy Wood, head of school. “What began with 31 students just two years ago has grown into a thriving school community. The addition of our second floor is a tangible reflection of that growth, and we are excited about what this next chapter holds for our students and families.”
Roberts Academy uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach, an evidence-based method of teaching reading, writing and spelling that is proven to work for students who face the learning challenges often associated with dyslexia.
Because every student at Roberts Academy has a dyslexia diagnosis, students experience an immediate sense of belonging. That sense of community, combined with academic success, helps students build confidence and self-esteem.
Roberts Academy is designed to be a transitional school. Students attend until they have mastered the skills needed to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional classroom setting.
As the Academy enters its third year, its record enrollment, expanded faculty and newly completed second floor reflect the growing demand for specialized educational opportunities for students with dyslexia in Georgia.
The Roberts Academy at Mercer University is the only transitional elementary school of its kind in Georgia outside of Metro Atlanta. The mission of the Academy is to prepare students with dyslexia to achieve academic success through dynamic educational programs.
The Academy teaches a comprehensive curriculum designed for grades 2 through 7 using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a specialized way of teaching clinically proven to help students with dyslexia. Students attend the Academy until they have mastered the skills to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional school setting.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!