The Briarwood School

What The Briarwood School does

The Briarwood School is a K-12 private, nonprofit independent school founded in 1967 in Houston, Texas, specializing in the education of students with diagnosed language-based learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The school serves approximately 300 students across three academic divisions (Lower School K-6, Middle School 7-8, Upper School 9-12) under a diagnostic-prescriptive instructional model that uses psychoeducational evaluations to design individualized learning plans. Core methodology is built on the Wilson Language System (Fundations, Just Words, Wilson Reading System), recognized by the International Dyslexia Association, combined with multisensory Orton-Gillingham-aligned techniques, executive functioning instruction, and a speech-language team-teach model. Class sizes are capped at 10 or fewer in core academic subjects, yielding an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and the school reports a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating Upper School students.

The school operates a tuition-driven revenue model with 2026-2027 tuition of $31,000 (Lower School) and $32,000 (Middle/Upper School) per student, plus registration fees ($900-$1,200), after-school Extended Care ($1,650/semester), Mustang Madness extracurricular classes, and a four-week Briarwood Plus summer program ($1,500-$3,000). A second revenue stream comes from Annual Giving, corporate sponsorships, legacy gifts, and planned giving. Distribution is entirely direct, through a five-step admissions process (tour, evaluation review, application, shadow day, enrollment) supported by referrals from educational consultants, dyslexia specialists, Houston IDA, and parent word-of-mouth. The school is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors chaired by Vita Goodell, with founder Yvonne Tuttle Streit still serving on the board. The Briarwood School is affiliated with The Tuttle School, a separate entity serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and earned ISAS accreditation in June 2025.

Name

The Briarwood School

Legal name

The Briarwood School

Website

https://briarwoodschool.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Briarwood School is a nonprofit K-12 independent school in Houston, Texas, founded in 1967, serving approximately 300 students with diagnosed learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia through diagnostic-prescriptive instruction and the Wilson Language System.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education K-12 Private School

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Services (61)

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), Literacy & Numeracy Intervention (Reading/Math Support) (EDAJALAD), Dyslexia & Reading Intervention Programs (EDAMAJAI)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Learning differences school
• Structured literacy programs
• Dyslexia education
• College preparatory school

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Revenue: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees for K-12 education services. Lower School tuition is $31,000 and Middle/Upper School tuition is $32,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additional revenue from registration fees ($900-$1,200), after-school programs, and summer programming.
2. Annual Giving and Donations: Unrestricted donations through Annual Giving Fund supporting academics, arts, athletics, technology, and tuition assistance. Includes corporate sponsorships, legacy gifts, memorial gifts, and planned giving options.
3. Extended Care and After-School Programs: Revenue from after-school childcare services including Full-Time Extended Care ($1,650/semester), À La Carte ($30/day), Drop-In ($25 fee), and Mustang Madness extracurricular classes ($38/class or $510-684/semester).
4. Summer Programs (Briarwood Plus): Four-week summer learning program with Full Day ($3,000) and Half Day ($1,500) options, focused on foundational literacy skills for students with language-based learning differences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Briarwood School is a private K-12 school that delivers diagnostic-prescriptive instruction to approximately 300 students with diagnosed learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Instruction is delivered through small classes (10 or fewer students, 8:1 ratio) using the Wilson Language System and multisensory, Orton-Gillingham-aligned methods, and is supplemented by Speech & Language Therapy, executive functioning training, summer programs, and extracurricular offerings including athletics, fine arts, and student clubs.

Product overview

The Briarwood School is a K-12 independent school specializing in educating students with diagnosed learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia) through diagnostic-prescriptive instruction. The school operates as a single educational institution with three academic divisions (Lower School K-6th, Middle School 6th-8th, Upper School 9th-12th) supported by the Wilson Language Program for structured literacy instruction. Auxiliary programs include Speech & Language Therapy, an Aftercare Program with Extended Care and Mustang Madness extracurriculars, and a summer Briarwood Plus program. The school also offers athletics, fine arts (music, theater, visual arts), and student clubs as part of its holistic educational approach.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lower School (K-6th) Diagnostic-prescriptive instruction for students K-6th grade with diagnosed learning differences, using the Wilson Language Program and multisensory approaches, with daily PE, recess, and weekly specials including music, art, and makerspace.
• Middle School (7th-8th) Middle School program with small classes of 10 or fewer students, elective course offerings, advisory classes, and executive functioning instruction that prepares students for academic and social challenges.
• Upper School (9th-12th) Upper School providing a full secondary experience with rigorous academics, college preparatory curriculum, robust extracurricular activities, and continued individualized support for students with learning differences.
• Wilson Language Program Structured literacy approach recognized by the International Dyslexia Association, comprising Fundations, Just Words, and Wilson Reading System programs used across all grade levels to address language-based learning differences.
• Speech & Language Therapy Individual and small-group treatment provided by certified Speech-Language Pathologists, addressing language disorders, cognitive communication disorders, and social communication disorders one to four times weekly.
• Aftercare Program After-school programs including Full-Time Extended Care, À La Carte Drop-In, and Mustang Madness extracurricular classes for families needing childcare from 3:00-6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Briarwood Plus Summer Program Four-week summer learning program focused on building confidence and foundational literacy skills using evidence-based strategies for students with language-based learning differences, with Full Day ($3,000) and Half Day ($1,500) options.
• Athletics Program Competitive sports program for Middle and Upper School students including Cross Country, Flag Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, and Golf.
• Fine Arts Program Comprehensive arts education including Lower/Middle/Upper Art, Lower School Mustang Choir, Middle School Foundations of Theatre, and Upper School Theatre Arts with annual productions.
• Clubs & Organizations Student clubs including Anime, Book, Car and Driver, Chess, Crafting, Creative Writing, Debate, Gaming, Horticulture/Animal, Investment, LEGO, Music, Photography, Poetry, Sports, and Yoga.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate for graduates
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Academic IndependencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Academic Independence to provide after-school academic and executive functioning support for students with learning differences. The program offers individualized coaching in organization, planning, time management, study skills, homework completion, and self-advocacy. Available through Study Lounge and Study Lounge + Executive Functioning programs.
• Wilson Language TrainingcoreTechnology or IntegrationLicense and training partnership for Wilson Language System programs including Fundations, Just Words, and Wilson Reading System. These structured literacy programs are recognized by the International Dyslexia Association and form the foundation of Briarwood's reading instruction.
• Houston Branch of International Dyslexia Association (IDA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with Houston IDA for professional development, networking, and advocacy in the learning differences community. Briarwood's Director of Admissions serves as VP of the Houston IDA branch.
• Neuhaus Education CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Neuhaus Education Center for professional development and curriculum support in structured literacy instruction. Neuhaus is a founding partner supporting evidence-based practices.
• Hope ImpactsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partnership for service learning. Briarwood Middle School students partnered with Hope Impacts to collect and assemble food packs for individuals experiencing homelessness, living out the school's core value of community through connections.
• Glassell School of ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership allowing Briarwood students to attend the Glassell School of Art's Advanced Curriculum for Teens Program in Houston. Provides advanced art education opportunities for talented students.
• Alley TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Alley Theatre for student participation in slam poetry competitions and theater programs. Includes citywide Teen Grand Slam Poetry Competition where Briarwood students have won awards.
• Region 4 Education Service CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in Region 4 Dyslexia Conference, a gathering dedicated to the latest in dyslexia research, intervention strategies, assessment methods, and classroom accommodations. Students and administrators share The Briarwood Way at these events.
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)minorOthersMember of NAIS, providing access to professional development, networking, and resources for independent school leadership.
• CogniaminorOthersAccreditation and quality assurance affiliation providing global recognition of educational standards and continuous improvement frameworks.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Schenck School: Independent K-6 school in Atlanta explicitly focused on students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences using structured literacy. Closest comparable to Briarwood in mission, pedagogy (Orton-Gillingham-based), and tuition-driven private school model.
• Currey Ingram Academy: K-12 independent school near Nashville serving students with learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Comparable in offering full K-12 continuum with individualized instruction and college-prep outcomes focus.
• The Kildonan School: Co-ed boarding and day school in Amenia, NY serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Comparable in specialized LD-only mission and Orton-Gillingham-based structured literacy instruction.
• Winston Preparatory School: Network of private day schools (CT, NYC, NJ, Norwalk) serving students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive functioning deficits. Comparable in individualized instruction model and focus on college preparation for LD students.
• The Churchill School and Center: NYC K-12 school dedicated to students with language-based learning disabilities. Comparable in evidence-based multisensory instruction, small class sizes, and full K-12 college-prep academic model.
• The Lab School of Washington: DC-based K-12 school for students with learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia. Comparable in diagnostic-prescriptive teaching philosophy and full K-12 college-prep continuum.
• The Craig School: Private school in NJ serving students in grades 3-12 with language-based learning disabilities. Comparable in structured literacy approach and explicit focus on students with dyslexia and related LDs.
• Forman School: CT-based boarding/day school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Comparable in mission focus, college-prep outcomes, and individualized instruction model.
• The Tuttle School: Co-located Houston school serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, founded alongside Briarwood in 1967 by the Streit family. Direct peer in geography, founding family, and adjacent LD/ID mission.
• The Vanguard School: PA-based private school exclusively serving students with learning disabilities including dyslexia. Comparable in individualized instruction, multisensory methods, and college-prep track for students with LDs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/thebriarwoodschool
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheBriarwoodSchool
• Instagraminstagram.com/thebriarwoodschool

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 The Briarwood School