Champions For Learning Awards Five Classroom Grants to Educational Pathways Academy
Educational Pathways Academy’s Frey Campus, a private school for dyslexia and learning disabilities in Florida, was honored to receive five classroom grants through Champions For Learning, a nonprofit committed to advancing innovative education and student success in Collier County.
These grants have made an impact across our classrooms by supporting instruction, enriching learning experiences, and expanding opportunities for student engagement and academic growth. We are deeply grateful for Champions For Learning’s investment in our students and for their continued commitment to strengthening education in our community.
Dyslexia-Friendly Classroom Library Expansion
Through the generosity of Naples Luxury Builders in partnership with Champions For Learning, our Lower School Language Arts classroom library received a grant to expand access to high-interest, dyslexia-friendly books.
The addition of these texts has increased student engagement, with students excited to read and frequently asking for more library time. These books have reduced frustration and created a more inclusive classroom environment where all students feel capable and motivated to learn.
One student shared, “The books are really fun and easier to read.”
Mrs. Lagace, Lower School Language Arts Teacher, noted that students are more willing to engage with reading independently and continue to show growing confidence when exploring new books.
Middle School History and Science Enrichment
This grant expanded the middle school history and science classroom library with dyslexia-friendly books. These texts allow students to explore complex history and science topics at accessible reading levels while still providing age-appropriate content, visuals, and information.
Students were excited to explore the new books and topics:
“I have never seen a picture of this before!”
“Look at the pictures of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s!”
“I love to see the different tanks and airplanes from the army. This one is my favorite!”
Ms. Donahue, Middle School History and Science Teacher, shared that students were exposed to new ideas and information they may not have otherwise encountered. She noted that the books sparked curiosity and increased student engagement during reading and exploration of new topics.
Multi-sensory reading tools
Champions For Learning also awarded a grant to our Orton-Gillingham reading classes to provide reusable writing boards for multi-sensory learning. These tools allow students to actively engage in writing, spelling, and reading activities in a hands-on and structured way during daily instruction.
Students quickly embraced the new tools:
“This is so much better than a whiteboard!”
“I can erase so much easier.”
Mrs. Merino, Orton-Gillingham Teacher, shared that the writing boards have streamlined instruction and increased learning time during multi-sensory drills. She noted that students are highly engaged, and the tools add an interactive element to the structured literacy instruction used in the classroom.
Classroom Seating for Focus and Engagement
A grant was awarded to support flexible seating in Ms. Hartsfield’s classroom through the addition of wobble stools. These seating options provide students with movement while learning, helping support focus and engagement during instruction and independent work.
Students quickly adapted to the new seating:
“The stools are great because my body fidgets while my hands are working.”
Mrs. Hartfield shared that the wobble stools have helped reduce unnecessary movement around the classroom and increased student focus during instruction. She also noted fewer transitions in seating arrangements and improved student readiness for learning.
Communication Skills Through Improv
Students across campus participated in an improv-based communication workshop made possible through a grant from Champions For Learning in partnership with The Naples Players.
This hands-on experience helped students build teamwork, listening skills, and confidence through interactive activities focused on collaboration and thinking on their feet.
Students shared their excitement about the experience:
“This taught us about teamwork and working with others. This is something we need in school and for our future!”
“I really liked how you couldn’t tell you were actually learning something because it was so much fun you didn’t notice!”
Mrs. DeRienzo shared that the program created an engaging opportunity for students to take risks and support one another. She noted that it was especially impactful for students with language-based learning differences, as it provided a supportive space to strengthen communication skills in an enjoyable way.
We are deeply grateful to Champions For Learning for investing in Educational Pathways Academy and supporting students with learning disabilities. These grants have enriched classroom instruction, expanded learning opportunities, and helped our students grow in confidence and success!