Roberts Academy’s 37 superheroes earned a new title this spring—superstars—thanks to an unforgettable partnership with the Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA).
Through the Center’s Music Makers program, students participated in an eight-week program designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of music and songwriting.
Beginning in March, students traveled each Friday afternoon to the newly opened ORCA in downtown Macon. There, they were welcomed by professional musicians and music producers, who guided them through lessons in music theory, rhythm, instrumentation, and the structure of a song.
From the first visit, which included a tour of the facility and hands-on introductions to the trumpet, piano, and percussion instruments, the experience was both immersive and inspiring.
ORCA is a multipurpose space open to students ages 5-18 who have a desire to explore their interests in all elements of music and the arts. Located steps away from Otis Redding’s 1960’s Cotton Avenue office, the center features lab spaces, practice rooms, a digital technology lab, an interactive gallery space, and the state-of-the-art O3 Recording Studio for students to explore songwriting, production, performance, visual arts, and more.
Roberts Academy was the first school to complete the full Music Makers program on-site at the new Center. (Previous workshops had been delivered in school settings.) This milestone made the experience even more meaningful for students and staff.
The highlight of the program came during a songwriting intensive, where students worked collaboratively with ORCA’s musicians to write an original song. The result was “We Are Heroes,” a powerful anthem that celebrates the unique strengths of students with dyslexia and highlights how their challenges have shaped their resilience.
“Words cannot express how fortunate we feel to have worked with Kimberly Epps and her team at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts,” said Joy Wood, head of school at Roberts Academy. “The Music Makers program didn’t just teach our students the foundations of music and songwriting—it helped them find their voices, grow in confidence, and express how they see the world as students with dyslexia. We are incredibly grateful and look forward to continuing our partnership with ORCA in the years ahead.”
By the end of the workshop, students had not only learned how music is made—they had also created a fully produced music video, which premiered during the Academy’s End of Year Celebration on May 23. The video showcases their creativity, their voices, and their message to the world: dyslexia is a superpower.
“Our team loved working with Roberts Academy family over the past few months. The staff is truly exceptional—their authenticity, intentionality, and unwavering support for their students is palpable,” said Kimberly Epps, the Center’s director. “The students are not only learning to navigate dyslexia with confidence, they’re thriving in an environment where they’re deeply cared for. Any child would flourish at Roberts Academy, and we can’t wait to continue and expand this incredible partnership.”
The song they created, “We Are Heroes,” is now the Academy’s official anthem. “It beautifully reflects the strength, spirit, and uniqueness of our students,” said Wood.
Located in Macon, Georgia, near the campus of Mercer University, Roberts Academy is the state’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.
If you’re searching for the best dyslexia programs in Georgia, look no further. Roberts Academy not only offers a traditional, school-based academic program but also specializes in summer learning opportunities through Literacy Quest, our annual summer camp for struggling readers.
As a leading Orton-Gillingham and dyslexia-friendly elementary school in Middle Georgia, we are committed to empowering young learners. To learn more about Roberts Academy, schedule a tour or visit our website.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!