We often hear from parents who express that they’ve tried nearly everything to help their dyslexic student learn to read. Today, we’re sharing the Sweatt family’s journey to Roberts Academy.
Keep reading to learn what worked, what didn’t, and how Roberts Academy became the perfect fit for their 5th grader, Anderson.
Before enrolling at Roberts Academy, Pam Sweatt says her family tried nearly every available educational option to help Anderson learn to read. Although he was not formally diagnosed with dyslexia until March 2025, Sweatt says she recognized the signs much earlier. Anderson’s oldest sister also has dyslexia, so her familiarity with the learning difference allowed her to identify the red flags when he was young.
“My child has attended public school, private school, and was homeschooled. He even had two years of private tutoring,” Sweatt said.
Despite those efforts, she said the academic challenges followed him from setting to setting.
“The schools didn’t have the resources to help, and I was unable to provide the learning style he needed,” she said. “He was failing tests and quizzes.”
Those struggles extended beyond the classroom.
“Because he had a hard time completing class work at school, he would have to bring it home and finish it as homework,” she said. “He felt defeated, and there were lots of tears.”
Sweatt began searching for a school designed specifically to meet the needs of a dyslexic learner. She said she knew what her child needed and what had been missing.
“My child needed a multi-sensory learning style, small class sizes, and a faculty who cared about his education,” she said.
Her search led her to Roberts Academy.
“I was Googling ‘ways to help my dyslexic child’ and ‘dyslexia tutoring in Middle Georgia,’” Sweatt said. “Robert’s Academy popped up, and I looked no further! I immediately requested a visit, came to visit within a few days, and left knowing this is where he needed to attend school,” she said.
During that visit, Sweatt said she was able to see learning in action.
“I was able to visit a classroom where the teacher and students engaged with me and showed me how they learned,” she said. “I met with the staff who answered all my questions and offered resources to get my child enrolled for the upcoming school year.”
The atmosphere stood out right away.
“As soon as I visited Robert’s Academy, I felt welcomed and like I was part of the school,” she said.
She also noticed the intentional design behind how students learn.
“The curriculum offers multiple learning styles so all students can learn and understand,” she said. “Plus, the two school pups were a hit!”
Since enrolling, Sweatt says the changes in her son have been clear – academically, socially, and emotionally.
“My child has become more confident with reading and spelling,” she said. “He is reading chapter books and wants to read them.”
That confidence has extended beyond academics.
“He has made close friends, and watching him grow in confidence has been rewarding,” she said.
At home, Sweatt says the daily emotional weight her child once carried is gone.
“My child comes home with a smile on his face and wakes up every morning eager to go to Robert’s Academy,” she said. “There are no tears at the end of a school day and no moaning about not wanting to go to school.”
She points to his desire to read as the most dramatic change.
“Anderson wants to read!” she said. “And when he is writing, he is applying the spelling rules and spelling the words correctly!”
One moment, she said, captured just how far he has come.
“He brought home a chapter book from the library,” Sweatt said. “He wanted to read it to me; the whole book in one sitting! He even wanted the rest of the series as a Christmas gift,” she said.
When asked how she would describe Roberts Academy to other families, Sweatt focused on the joy her child now associates with learning.
Sweat said Robert’s Academy has brought fun to reading and learning by offering engaging curriculum, caring teachers and staff, and enriching daily and weekly activities. Anderson loves the school’s Fun Fridays, engagement with Mercer University, and activities such as archery, scavenger hunts, art, music, and physical education.
For her family, the impact has been life-changing.
“Robert’s Academy cares about each and every student,” Sweatt said. “They want to see the students learn and grow. And that’s exactly what Robert’s Academy is doing!”
For families searching for a school where dyslexic students are understood, supported, and celebrated, Sweatt’s experience reflects what can happen when instruction finally matches how a child learns.
Dyslexia affects about one in five individuals, according to the International Dyslexia Association. Chances are, it already touches your family, your classroom, or your community.Each Discovering Dyslexia session is open to families, educators, and community members interested in learning more about dyslexia and evidence-based instruction. To RSVP for one or both sessions, click here. To learn more about Roberts Academy or to schedule a tour, visit the Academy’s website.
About Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia
Roberts Academy serves students in grades 2–6 and is Georgia’s only school for dyslexic students outside of Metro Atlanta. The Academy uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach, an evidence-based method of reading instruction designed specifically for students with dyslexia. Roberts Academy is also the most affordable school of its kind in the state.
Discover Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia!