History of The Bedford School
The Bedford School began in 1985 as the fulfillment of a longtime dream by its founder, Betsy Box. Her passion to help students with dyslexia began as she studied and worked under Dr. Charles Shedd at the Reading Research Foundation in Berea, KY. She then pioneered a program for students with learning disabilities at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA in 1971 and taught there for 14 years. Dr. Box and her staff expanded this successful program into a summer camp, Squirrel Hollow, which was first held on the campus of Atlanta Christian College in East Point, GA in 1981. Students received individualized academic tutoring as well as recreation and social skills in a camp atmosphere. A group of parents who were so excited by the improvements in their children expressed the need for a full-time school specifically for children with learning differences.
In the fall of 1985, The Bedford School opened its doors to 36 students, located in the facilities of Southwest Christian Church in East Point, GA. Within 5 years, Bedford outgrew its space and relocated to a building on the campus of Atlanta Christian College in the spring of 1991. While the school continued to grow and develop over the next 11 years, Bedford purchased 46 acres of land in Fairburn, GA. After many months of planning and construction, Bedford moved into its own new home in May, 2001 where it currently resides. The Bedford School continues to expand its facilities and enrich its curriculum as it serves students with learning disabilities and their families, while surrounded by a sprawling, natural campus.
About Bedford
- We serve students in grades 1-9 who have been diagnosed with a learning disability.
- Our enrollment is typically between 130-150 students, allowing us to maintain an ideal student to faculty ratio is 5:1
- Maximum class size is 10 students for Lower School and 12 students for Middle School.
- School lunches and after-school care, including supervised homework help, are available.
- Bedford incorporates multi-sensory learning, technology, intensive specialized reading intervention programs such as S.P.I.R.E., and a structured physical education and art program.
- The Bedford School is accredited by GISA (the Georgia Independent School Association) and by GAC (the Georgia Accrediting Commission).
- The Bedford School is a member of GISA (Georgia Independant School Association), GAPSEC (Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children), LDA (Learning Disability Association of America) and IDA (International Dyslexia Association).
See what people are saying about us on Niche!
Niche is the Google Review of school websites, allowing you to search and find schools across the country and view what real former students and parents truly think about the schools.
We are humbly honored and incredibly thankful for our TBS community for supporting us on the Niche platform, and for having such kind, supportive words to say about their experiences here at The Bedford School.
Don't believe us? Check it out for yourself!
VISIT The Bedford School on Niche.com
