What Lawrence School does

Lawrence School is a private, nonprofit, co-educational K-12 independent school operating two campuses in Northeast Ohio: the Lower School (Grades 2-6 plus kindergarten) in Broadview Heights and the Upper School (Grades 7-12) on a 47-acre site in Sagamore Hills. The school serves approximately 370 students diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences, drawing families from 11 counties and 80+ communities. Its instructional model centers on an Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory methodology delivered at a 1:6 student-to-faculty ratio, supplemented by the proprietary CodeBreakers© language arts curriculum (developed 1991), individualized assistive technology plans managed by three full-time specialists, executive function coaching, and a research-based homework philosophy. The school also operates the Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences (established 2006), which delivers psychological assessments, tutoring, and professional training in partnership with Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University doctoral psychology programs.

The school's revenue model is tuition-driven, with over 90% of families receiving reduced tuition through need-based assistance and Ohio Department of Education scholarships; exact tuition is not publicly disclosed. The Schafer Center generates a secondary professional services revenue stream from assessments, evaluations, tutoring, and community education workshops serving the broader Northeast Ohio community. Distribution is regional and consultative, relying on online inquiries, virtual information sessions, open houses, campus visits, community referrals through the Schafer Center, and content channels such as the LionShare Podcast. The institution is accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS) and holds memberships in NAIS, ALDS, OAIS, and CCIS. A material governance event is approaching: Head of School Doug Hamilton has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2027, after nearly 38 years of service, with a national search underway.

Name

Lawrence School

Legal name

Lawrence School

Website

https://lawrenceschool.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Lawrence School is a nonprofit K-12 independent school in Northeast Ohio serving 370+ students with dyslexia and other learning differences through Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory instruction, small classes, assistive technology, and the Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 Special Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Private K-12 school
• Learning differences support
• Orton-Gillingham instruction
• Psychological assessments

Headquarters

HQ city

Sagamore Hills

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, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: As a private independent school, Lawrence School's primary revenue is tuition. More than 90% of families receive reduced tuition packages through need-based tuition assistance and Ohio Department of Education scholarships. Additional fee revenue comes from summer programs (Lions Leap) and tutoring services at the Schafer Center.
2. Schafer Center Services: The Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences generates revenue through psychological assessments, evaluations, consultations, tutoring, and community education workshops for the broader Northeast Ohio community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Lawrence School is a private, nonprofit, independent K-12 school that delivers full-time, evidence-based academic instruction to students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences across two Ohio campuses. It supplements its core academic programs with psychological assessments and tutoring through the Ethan D. Schafer Center, a summer program (Lions Leap), assistive technology integration, executive function coaching, and college and career planning services.

Product overview

Lawrence School is a two-campus K-12 independent school serving students with dyslexia and other learning differences. The institution operates its core educational programs across two campuses: Lower School (Grades 2-6, Broadview Heights) providing Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory immersion, and Upper School (Grades 7-12, Sagamore Hills) offering college-preparatory instruction with assistive technology. Supporting these academic programs are specialized services including the Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences (psychological assessments and professional training), Lions Leap Summer Program, Executive Function Support, Responsive Classroom approach, and Evidence-Based Homework Philosophy. The school also provides College and Career Planning and maintains an Alumni Association. All programs are enhanced by an Assistive Technology Program integrated throughout K-12, including tools like Learning Ally, Bookshare, Google Classroom, and SMART Boards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences: Psychological assessments for diagnosing learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD, offering resources for parents, educating students and professionals, and directing families to appropriate services.

Products and services

• Lower School Program (Grades 2-6) An Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory immersion program located in Broadview Heights that closes the academic achievement gap for students with dyslexia and learning differences through evidence-based instruction with small class sizes (average 9 students).
• Upper School Program (Grades 7-12) A college-preparatory program in Sagamore Hills that prepares students to take charge of their future through multisensory instruction, assistive technology, and executive function coaching, serving middle and high school students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
• Ethan D. Schafer Center for Learning Differences A comprehensive resource offering psychological assessments for diagnosing learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD, established in 2006 as a training program for clinical psychology doctoral students from Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University.
• Lions Leap Summer Program A summer program offering OG-based multisensory instruction for children in preschool through Grade 6, allowing students to leap ahead academically during the summer months.
• Assistive Technology Program A comprehensive assistive technology suite including speech-recognition software, text-to-speech tools, touch screen devices, web-based calendars, word-prediction programs, graphic organizers, and specialized tools like FM listening systems and digitizer pens, implemented seamlessly K-12.
• Executive Function Support Coaching program developing organization, active listening, and time management skills through metacognitive classroom strategies, with grade-appropriate support from color-coded assignment notebooks (K-6) to weekly planners and Learning Resource Center time (9-12).
• Responsive Classroom An instructional approach building social and emotional competencies (responsibility, cooperation, empathy, self-control, assertiveness) alongside academic competencies, featuring techniques like Think-Pair-Share and Brain Breaks.
• College and Career Planning Comprehensive program preparing students to advocate for themselves and tackle their biggest dreams, including guidance on college applications and post-secondary options.

Quantifiable outcome

• All students in the first graduating class (2005) were accepted by their first choice college or post-secondary institution
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Case Western Reserve UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006The Schafer Center serves as a training program for clinical psychology doctoral students from Case Western Reserve University. Graduate students work under direct supervision of licensed clinical psychologists who adhere to the scientist-practitioner training model.
• Kent State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006The Schafer Center serves as a training program for clinical psychology doctoral students from Kent State University. Graduate students work under direct supervision of licensed clinical psychologists who adhere to the scientist-practitioner training model.
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)minorOthersLawrence School is a member of NAIS, the leading organization dedicated to independent education serving pre-K through 12th grade.
• Association of Learning Differences Schools (ALDS)minorOthersLawrence School is a member of ALDS, an organization dedicated to schools serving students with learning differences.
• Ohio Association of Independent Schools (OAIS)minorOthersLawrence School is a member of OAIS, representing independent schools in Ohio.
• Cleveland Council of Independent Schools (CCIS)minorOthersLawrence School is a member of CCIS, the Cleveland-area council of independent schools.
• Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS)minorOthersLawrence School is fully accredited by ISACS, a regional accrediting association for independent schools.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• The Shelton School: Private K-12 school in Dallas, TX serving students with learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia. Comparable mission, similar multisensory methodology, and dedicated teacher training in structured literacy.
• The Newgrange School: Independent K-12 school in Hamilton, NJ serving students with specific learning disabilities. Comparable in serving a similar LD-focused student population with college-preparatory outcomes.
• The Forman School: Private college-preparatory school in Litchfield, CT, exclusively serving students with specific learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD. Directly comparable in college-prep focus, executive function coaching, and small class sizes.
• The Windward School: Independent K-12 school in New York City area serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Uses multisensory, structured language instruction with similar small class sizes and individualized instruction philosophy.
• The Cambridge School: Private K-12 school in Santa Ana, CA dedicated to students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Uses a structured, multisensory approach comparable to Lawrence School's Orton-Gillingham methodology.
• The Kildonan School: Private boarding and day school in Amenia, NY, exclusively serving students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. One of the oldest dedicated LD schools in the country, with comparable Orton-Gillingham-based methodology.
• The Vanguard School: Private K-12 school in Chester County, PA serving students with learning differences. Comparable program structure, multisensory instruction approach, and student population to Lawrence School.
• The Lab School of Washington: Private K-12 school in Washington, D.C. exclusively serving students with learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and related language-based learning disabilities. Direct competitor to Lawrence School in mission, student population, and instructional approach.
• The Gateway School: Private K-8 school in New York City serving students with language-based learning disabilities and attention deficits. Adds peer benchmarking on integrated assistive technology and small class instruction.
• The Laurel School of Princeton: Independent school in Princeton, NJ for students with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia. Provides individualized, multisensory instruction aligned with Lawrence School's approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lawrence%E2%80%93school

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Lawrence School