What Chelsea School does

Chelsea School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, non-public, coeducational day school founded in 1976 and headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland. The school serves approximately 65 students in grades 5-12 with diagnosed language-based learning differences (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) and ADD/ADHD, drawn from the Maryland and Washington DC metro area. Chelsea provides individualized, multi-sensory instruction in small classes of 2-8 students at a 4:1 student-staff ratio, with academic outcomes including 100% high school diploma attainment for seniors over the past five years and over 90% postsecondary placement.

Core program offerings are organized into three divisions: the Middle Division (grades 6-8), the Upper Division (grades 9-12), and The Oaks, supported by a specialized Literacy Program, Athletics, an Extended School Year (ESY) summer program, and a Wednesday Enrichment Program launched in February 2022. The technology platform centers on Google's education ecosystem (Google Classroom, Workspace for Education, Chromebooks) augmented by Lexia reading programs, Scientific Learning's Reading Assistant, ST Math, Newsela, Discovery Education, Khan Academy, Google Read and Write accessibility tools, and Go Guardian for digital monitoring. Student information is administered through PowerSchool.

The business model combines tuition-equivalent revenue from publicly funded IEP placements (approximately 80% of students, sourced from local school districts) with private-pay tuition from families (approximately 20%). Supplementary revenue streams include the Knight Fund (annual fundraising), Capital Campaign (launched October 2025 to fund the Laurel campus move), and the Wish List donor program. Chelsea School is preparing to relocate in August 2026 to a larger 32,000 square foot campus in Laurel, MD. The school is governed by a Board of Governors and led by Head of School Kristal Weems-Bradner (internal operations) and Executive Director Frank Mills (external affairs, fundraising, and sustainability).

Name

Chelsea School

Legal name

Chelsea School

Website

https://chelseaschool.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chelsea School is a nonprofit, non-public day school in Hyattsville, Maryland serving approximately 65 students in grades 5-12 with language-based learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD) from the DC Metro area, using individualized multi-sensory instruction at a 4:1 student-staff ratio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Private Day School

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multisensory Learning Programs & Curriculum for Dyslexia/LD (EDAKAJAL), Dyslexia & Reading Intervention Programs (EDAMAJAI)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Learning disabilities support
• Individualized instruction
• College preparatory school
• Multi-sensory learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Hyattsville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Publicly Funded Student Placements: The majority of Chelsea School's students (approximately 80%) are full-time placements funded by their local school districts in the DC Metro Area. Students are placed through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
2. Private Pay Tuition: Approximately 20% of current student population are private pay families who pay for Chelsea School's unique program privately.
3. Knight Fund (Annual Fundraising): Central fundraising effort throughout the year supporting instructional and assistive technology, literacy initiatives, professional development, financial aid for private families, student emergency funds, staff stipends, athletic programming.
4. Capital Campaign: Capital Campaign launching October 1, 2025 to fund campus move to Laurel, MD. Funds used for building remodeling, moving costs, and technological upgrades.
5. Wish List Program: Donors can choose specific items to purchase for the school or students - from school lunches and field trip fees to laptop computers.
6. Extended School Year (ESY) Program: Summer half-day program offered in July. Publicly-funded students have approval at IEP review; private-pay families may enroll at additional cost.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Chelsea School is a nonprofit, non-public day school delivering individualized, multi-sensory college preparatory education to approximately 65 students in grades 5-12 with diagnosed language-based learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) and ADD/ADHD, operating with a 4:1 student-staff ratio and class sizes of 2-8. Its offerings include the Middle Division (grades 6-8), Upper Division (grades 9-12), The Oaks specialized program, Literacy Program, Extended School Year (ESY) summer program, Athletics, and the Wednesday Enrichment Program, all aligned with Maryland State Department of Education standards and supported by assistive technology such as Google Read and Write, GoGuardian, and Lexia.

Product overview

Chelsea School is a non-profit, non-public, coeducational day school serving students with specific language-based learning differences (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) and attention deficits (ADD/ADHD) in grades 5-12. The school operates as a unified educational program with multiple divisions and specialized components including the Middle Division (grades 6-8), Upper Division (grades 9-12), The Oaks, Literacy Program, Extended School Year (ESY) summer program, Athletics, and the Wednesday Enrichment Program. The school provides individualized, multi-sensory instruction in small class settings (2-8 students) with a 4:1 student-staff ratio, delivering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum aligned with Maryland State Department of Education standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Knight Fund: Chelsea School's central annual fundraising effort supporting instructional and assistive technology, literacy initiatives, professional development, financial aid for private families, student emergency funds, staff stipends, athletic programming, and other programs.
• Capital Campaign
• Wish List

Products and services

• Middle Division Middle school program serving grades 6-8 with approximately 20-30 students annually, providing specialized individualized, multi-sensory instruction for students with language-based learning differences and ADD/ADHD.
• Upper Division High school program serving grades 9-12 with an annual population of 50-70 students, delivering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum aligned with Maryland State Department of Education standards for students with learning disabilities.
• The Oaks Specialized instructional program for students with learning differences within Chelsea School's overall educational offerings.
• Literacy Program Comprehensive literacy instruction using evidence-based multi-sensory methods, including Lexia Core 5, Lexia Strategies, and Reading Assistant, for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other language-based learning disabilities.
• Extended School Year (ESY) Half-day summer program offered in July to prevent academic regression, with four classes (two reading classes, a math lab, and a writing lab) focused on IEP objectives.
• Athletics Physical education and athletic programming designed for students with learning differences, supported in part by community partnerships such as Leveling the Playing Field.
• Wednesday Enrichment Program Enrichment program launched in February 2022 offering performing arts and creative experiences to students, with rotating nine-week sessions covering playwriting, improvisational comedy, coding, hip hop dance, drama, spoken word poetry, filmmaking, and step dance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% graduation rate for seniors with MD, DC, or Chelsea School diploma over past 5 years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Leveling the Playing FieldminorOthersNonprofit organization that gives underprivileged children the opportunity to enjoy youth sports participation through donation of used and excess sporting equipment. Has supported Chelsea School for over 8 years, donating thousands of dollars worth of sports equipment for physical education and athletics programs. During virtual learning, donated individual sports kits for middle school students including cones, jump ropes, frisbees, and balls.
• The Brewer FoundationminorOthersEducational repository for students and parents in Washington DC area supporting academic goals. Founder Darryl Brewer is parent of Chelsea School alumnus and former Board of Governors member. Provided several thousand dollars worth of computer hardware including Chromebooks during virtual learning fundraiser.
• Staples (Hyattsville Store 1561)minorOthersLocal Staples store located in same complex as Chelsea School campus. Has provided discounts on school supplies and offered supplies at cost during fundraisers. Donated large quantity of free school supplies for students.
• Printing and Promotional UnlimitedminorOthersGambrills, Maryland-based distributor of embroidery, printing, and promotional products. President Kevin Bowlin donated hundreds of dollars worth of PPE and new clothing items for Chelsea families in need during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Three Brothers Italian RestaurantminorOthersLocal restaurant in Greenbelt, MD that provided quality lunches for Chelsea School students daily. One of the founding brothers, Mario Repole, was a great friend of the school who passed away in 2020. Major sponsor of Walk for Learning Differences fundraiser.
• Educating All Learners AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of special education advocacy and innovation organizations supporting education of students with disabilities during COVID-19. Chelsea School's Executive Director Frank Mills contributed an article about Chelsea's shift to virtual learning. Launched resource hub EducatingAllLearners.org.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Prentice School: Nonprofit private school in Santa Ana, CA serving grades K-8 (and recently expanded) students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Direct peer on methodology (Orton-Gillingham/multisensory) and LD-only mission, though serving younger grades than Chelsea.
• The Howard School: Nonprofit school in Atlanta, GA serving students in grades K-12 with language-based learning differences, dyslexia, and ADD/ADHD. Comparable on population served (including ADD/ADHD), individualized multisensory methodology, and outcomes-based college preparatory positioning.
• The Gow School: Residential and day school in South Wales, NY serving students in grades 6-12 with language-based learning disabilities and dyslexia. Comparable in mission (remediating dyslexia via structured literacy), outcomes focus, and college preparatory orientation, but operates a boarding model.
• The Schenck School: Nonprofit school in Atlanta, GA serving grades K-6 students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Comparable in mission, structured literacy methodology, and small-class individualized instruction, though serving younger grades than Chelsea.
• Landmark School: Nonprofit school in Prades Crossing, MA serving grades 2-12 students with language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia). One of the most established LD schools in the US with comparable multisensory methodology, college preparatory outcomes, and small class sizes.
• Brehm Preparatory School: Nonprofit boarding/day school in Carbondale, IL serving grades 6-12 students with complex learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Comparable on individualized multisensory instruction, small class sizes, and college preparatory outcomes, with the addition of a residential component.
• The Churchill School and Center: Nonprofit K-12 school in New York City serving students with language-based learning disabilities. Comparable in mission, individualized instruction approach, multisensory methodology, and college preparatory outcomes for students with dyslexia and related LD.
• The Lab School of Washington: A private, nonprofit school in Washington, DC serving students with learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based differences. Most direct local peer — same metro, same population, similar individualized multisensory approach with college preparatory focus.
• Jemicy School: Nonprofit school in Owings Mills, MD (Baltimore metro) specifically serving bright students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Closest mid-Atlantic peer, serving grades 1-10 with multisensory structured literacy methodology nearly identical to Chelsea's approach.
• The Kildonan School: Nonprofit boarding/day school in Amenia, NY serving grades 2-12 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Direct peer on mission, methodology (Orton-Gillingham/multisensory), and outcomes-based positioning, though with broader grade range and residential component.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ChelseaSchool
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCmLJEybLSa7V9yM0nCGitsQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChelseaSchool
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chelsea-school

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chelsea School