“Thank you for opening this school. You are improving so many lives, including mine,” said Carson Mattox, a fifth grader at Roberts Academy at Mercer University, during the elementary school’s dedication on Oct. 18. More than 100 guests were in attendance, including University leaders and trustees, Academy supporters, student family members, and the individuals and organizations who made the Academy a reality.
President William D. Underwood officiated the event, which included remarks from the Academy’s founding donors, Hal and Marjorie Roberts, as well as two students and the inaugural head of school, Joy Wood.
“This building represents much more than just a physical space. It’s a symbol of hope, a testament to our belief in the potential of every student, and a place where children with dyslexia can find the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Wood. “We are profoundly grateful to all who made this dream a reality, particularly the Robertses, and we look forward to the many successes and milestones ahead for our students and community.”
The ceremony featured a musical performance by the Academy’s 33 students as well as a dedicatory prayer offered by University Minister Dr. Craig McMahan. Later, the Roberts Academy sculpture, crafted by artist Martin Dawe, was unveiled. The event concluded with a butterfly release.
Roberts Academy is Georgia’s only school for dyslexic learners outside of Metro Atlanta. It is also the most affordable school of its kind in Georgia. The mission of the Academy is to prepare students with dyslexia to achieve academic success through dynamic educational programs.
The Academy teaches a comprehensive curriculum designed for students in second through fifth grades using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, an evidence-based practice proven to help students with dyslexia. Students attend the Academy until they have mastered the skills to accommodate their learning differences and are prepared to succeed in a traditional school setting.
Generous gifts from the Roberts family have also created two other specialized dyslexia schools: The Roberts Academy at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and the Roberts Academy at Vanderbilt University.
“This is a celebration of what these 33 new members of the inaugural class of Roberts Academy are going to experience, as well as the benefit to their families,” said Hal Roberts. “It’s a big step toward our mutual goal of helping kids who have dyslexia to learn that they can read, they have friends with the same challenges and they can excel.”
