What The Summit School does

The Summit School is a nonprofit K-8 independent school operated by the Human Development Corporation (a 501(c)(3)) and founded in 1989 by Dr. Jane R. Snider in the greater Annapolis/Baltimore region. It serves approximately 110 bright students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and related learning differences in grades 1-8, delivered at a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio on a 15-acre campus in Edgewater, Maryland. The instructional model centers on proprietary and licensed evidence-based methodologies — including WordSense©, EmPOWER™ Writing Program, PhonoGraphix®, Orton-Gillingham®, Wilson®, Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing®, Read Naturally® Live, and the Social Thinking™ framework — supported by continuous progress monitoring through aimswebPlus. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in Maryland and DC (AIMS) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as a Type I Special Education program.

The school's revenue model is primarily tuition-based at $39,800 per academic year (2026-2027), supplemented by a Summit Resource Center that sells diagnostic testing ($850–$3,500 per evaluation), benchmark testing ($240 for three sessions), and individual tutoring to non-enrolled families. Summer programming (Camp Summit, Executive Functions Workshop at $480/student, EmPOWER Writing Workshop) generates incremental fee revenue, with approximately 65% of summer participants coming from outside the enrolled student body. Charitable contributions flow through the Stallion Fund (annual giving, gifts ranging $5–$25,000), signature fundraising events (Swing for Summit, Purse Bingo, Spring Bash), and an active $11 million capital campaign for a new 20,000-square-foot Academic Learning Center. Approximately 30-40% of enrolled families receive financial aid, and county school systems fund a portion of placements via IEP-driven non-public placement referrals. Distribution is primarily direct enrollment at the Edgewater campus, with mobile/online tutoring extending reach regionally within the Mid-Atlantic.

Name

The Summit School

Legal name

The Summit School (operated by Human Development Corporation)

Website

https://thesummitschool.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Summit School is a nonprofit K-8 independent school in Edgewater, Maryland, serving approximately 110 bright students with dyslexia and learning differences through proprietary multisensory methodologies, a 5:1 teacher ratio, and a Summit Resource Center extending diagnostic and tutoring services to the broader community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Academic Enrichment Camps (General Studies) (EDAMALAB), K–12 Core Curriculum Small-Group Tutoring Centers (Math/ELA/Science/Social Studies) (EDANAHAA)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Dyslexia education
• Learning differences support
• Multisensory instruction
• Educational diagnostics

Headquarters

HQ city

Edgewater

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition for academic year enrollment. For 2026-2027 academic year, tuition is $39,800. Additional enrollment fees apply. Payment plan options include full payment, semi-annual payments, or 9 consecutive monthly payments. All families must enroll in FACTS Tuition Management System.
2. Summer Programs: Revenue from Camp Summit academic camp (July, Monday-Friday 8:25am-3:00pm) and specialized workshops including Executive Functions Workshop ($480/student) and EmPOWER Writing Workshop. Approximately 65% of summer camp students are not Summit students, expanding market reach.
3. Diagnostic Testing Services: Comprehensive evaluations offered at various price points: Psycho-educational Evaluation $2,900, Psychological Evaluation $3,500, Speech-Language Evaluation $850, Social-Emotional Assessment $300 add-on, Consultations $250/hour. Available to both enrolled and non-enrolled students.
4. Benchmark Testing: Three testing sessions throughout school year (Fall, Winter, Spring) for $240 total, providing academic performance data against national norms
5. Tutoring Services: Individual tutoring for students in grades 1-12 in reading/spelling, written expression, mathematics, study skills, homework, time management and organizational skills. Tutoring offered at home, school, library, or online.
6. Fundraising and Charitable Contributions: Annual giving through Stallion Fund, scholarship fund donations, endowment contributions, and capital campaign. Special events including Swing for Summit golf tournament, Purse Bingo, and Spring Bash generate sponsorship revenue. Individual gifts range from $5 to $25,000. Tax ID: 52-1583669
7. Capital Campaign - New Academic Learning Center: Current capital campaign for $11 million New Academic Learning Center - 20,000 SQ FT state-of-the-art facility with 12 classrooms and 2 science labs for 90 middle school students

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Summit School operates a full-day K-8 specialized education program for approximately 110 bright students with dyslexia and other learning differences, featuring a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and research-based multisensory instruction. The school also operates the Summit Resource Center offering diagnostic testing, benchmark testing, individual tutoring, and summer academic programs (Camp Summit, Executive Functions Workshop, EmPOWER Workshop) available to both enrolled and external students from the community.

Product overview

The Summit School is an independent K-8 private school serving approximately 110 bright students with dyslexia and other learning differences. The school operates from a 15-acre campus in Edgewater, Maryland, founded in 1989. The core educational program delivers specialized instruction through research-based methodologies including WordSense, Read Naturally Live, EmPOWER writing, and Social Thinking. The school also operates the Summit Resource Center offering diagnostic testing, benchmark testing, and individual tutoring to both enrolled and external students. Summer programming includes Camp Summit (academic camp), Executive Functions Workshop, and EmPOWER Writing Workshop. A capital campaign is underway for a new 20,000 SQ FT Academic Learning Center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Summit Resource Center: A division offering diagnostic testing services, consultations, benchmark testing, individual tutoring, summer programs, workshops and professional development for the community.
• Camp Summit
• Executive Functions Workshop
• EmPOWER Workshop

Products and services

• K-8 Specialized Education Program Full-day special education program serving bright students with dyslexia and other learning differences in grades 1-8. Features 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, research-based methodologies, multisensory instruction, classes grouped by skill level, and addresses literacy, math, written language, and organization. Approximately 110 students enrolled annually. Annual tuition for 2026-2027: $39,800.
• Camp Summit A four-week summer academic camp (July 6-31) for bright children entering grades 1-8 who struggle with reading, writing, and math. Features small classes grouped by skill level, research-based methods, and multisensory strategies with morning academics and afternoon recreational activities. Approximately 65% of campers are non-Summit students.
• Executive Functions Workshop A week-long intensive workshop helping students develop strategies for prioritization, organization, attention management, time management, and task initiation. Offered in two sessions for students new to executive functioning instruction. Enrollment minimum 5 students, maximum 10 per session. 8:30am-11:30am.
• EmPOWER Writing Workshop A week-long writing workshop teaching the EmPOWER writing process to help students evaluate writing tasks, organize thoughts using graphic organizers, develop voice, and self-evaluate written pieces. Available in two sessions.
• Diagnostic Testing Services Comprehensive evaluations measuring cognitive learning patterns, academic achievement, executive function, memory functions, speech and language concerns. Services include psycho-educational evaluation ($2,900), psychological evaluation ($3,500), speech-language evaluation ($850), and social-emotional assessment ($300 add-on). Available to both enrolled and non-enrolled students.
• Benchmark Testing Academic assessment evaluating students in math and reading against grade-level standards and learning goals using aimswebPlus. Identifies academic strengths and weaknesses, provides Lexile scores, and estimates grade level equivalencies. Three sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring) for $240 total.
• Individual Tutoring Individual tutoring for students in grades 1-12 addressing reading/spelling, written expression, mathematics, study skills, homework, time management and organizational skills. Tutors use multi-sensory, phonics-based approaches (Orton-Gillingham, PhonoGraphix, Wilson, Summit Word Sense) and EmPOWER for writing instruction. Offered at home, school, library, or online.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% high school graduation rate for Summit students vs 84% national average vs 71% national average for students classified with learning disabilities
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Renditions Golf CourseminorOthers · 19 October 2026Venue partner for Swing for Summit annual golf tournament. Located at 1380 Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD.
• Highlands SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025 on AI in education. Schools that specialize in education of students with learning differences collaborating on professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Wye River Upper SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025. Learning differences-focused school co-hosting professional development event.
• Jemicy SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025. Maryland school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
• Siena SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025. School for bright students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
• The Lab School of WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025. Nationally recognized school for students with dyslexia and learning differences.
• Glenelg Country SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025.
• Gunston SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025.
• Delaware Valley Friends SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 September 2025Partner school for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025. Pennsylvania school for students with learning differences.
• Riva Trace Baptist ChurchminorOthers · 27 September 2025Venue provider for Zelma Wynn Symposium 2025 event. Located at 475 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035.
• Association of LD Schools (ALDS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Founding member of ALDS - formal community for schools specializing in education of students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. Founded in 2023.
• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)coreOthersApproved by MSDE as a Type I full-day Special Education program. Curriculum aligned with Maryland State Department mandates.
• Association of Independent Schools in Maryland and Washington, DC (AIMS)coreOthersAccredited by AIMS which provides outstanding professional development, accreditation services, public advocacy, and networking opportunities for independent schools.
• Haskin Laboratories, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Joan A. Mele-McCarthy serves as Affiliated Research Scientist. Research partnership for advancing understanding of dyslexia and learning disabilities.
• University of MarylandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Mele-McCarthy serves as Research Affiliate with Department of Human Development & Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)minorOthersProfessional membership association for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech/language/hearing scientists. Summit maintains ASHA Fellow status through Dr. Mele-McCarthy.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wye River Upper School: Maryland independent school for students with learning differences, serving grades 9-12. Complementary to Summit (high school continuation option), and a named symposium partner — directly comparable in mission and methodology.
• Aim Academy: Pennsylvania independent school serving gifted students with language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia). Comparable mission, methodology, and grade span, though slightly broader student profile.
• Jemicy School: Maryland-based independent school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, serving grades 1-8 (and lower school program). Jemicy is one of the closest direct peers — comparable mission, similar size, and a named symposium partner of Summit.
• Highlands School: Maryland independent school serving bright students with specific learning disabilities. Comparable mission and grade range (1-12), and a named symposium partner of Summit.
• Landmark School: Massachusetts residential and day school for students with language-based learning disabilities (dyslexia, executive function deficits). Comparable methodology (Orton-Gillingham-based) and mission; larger scale and broader geography.
• Lab School of Washington: Nationally recognized K-12 school in Washington, DC serving students with learning differences including dyslexia, ADHD, and dyslexia-related challenges. Comparable mission, similar proprietary instructional methodologies, and a named symposium partner of Summit.
• Chelsea School: Maryland private school serving bright students with language-based learning disabilities in grades 5-12. Comparable mission and methodology, located in the same broader DC/Baltimore market as Summit.
• Delaware Valley Friends School: Pennsylvania Quaker school serving grades 1-12 students with learning differences including dyslexia. Comparable mission and pedagogical approach, and a named symposium partner of Summit.
• Siena School: Independent school in suburban Maryland serving bright students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences in grades 1-8. Nearly identical mission, age range, and methodology, and a named symposium partner of Summit.

Broad incumbents

• Kennedy Krieger Institute: Baltimore-based large institution providing comprehensive services for children with developmental disabilities including learning disabilities. Overlaps with Summit's Resource Center diagnostic and tutoring services, but is a much broader pediatric healthcare and education provider.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@thesummitschooledgewatermd259/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheSummitSchoolMaryland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-summit-school
• Instagraminstagram.com/thesummitschoolmd

Compliance2 records

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 The Summit School