91�Ʋ���

“It’s amazing what can happen when students are given an incredible space and supportive community like this to learn.”  —Lauren Herrera, parent

An environment where a child can fall in love with learning is the greatest gift a school can give, especially for kids who juggle additional learning challenges. That’s exactly what students experienced on day one at the at 91�Ʋ��� University. The 2026 school year opened in a brand new and greatly expanded school building for first through fifth graders.

Roberts Academy Director Jared Clodfelter shakes hands with a student on the first day of school. (91�Ʋ��� University)

Students arrive for the first day of class in the new Roberts Academy building. (91�Ʋ��� University)

Friends reunite on the first day of classes at the newly expanded Roberts Academy. (91�Ʋ��� University)

“The impact of Roberts Academy has been game-changing for my son,” parent Lauren Herrera said. “He started here in third grade. His confidence level went from nothing to sky high. This kid loves going to school and he loves his teachers. This new building is beautiful, but the amazing faculty and staff truly make the school.”

“My heart is bursting,” said Samantha Gesel, assistant director of Roberts Academy. “This has been a lot of years of hard work to get to this point, and I feel emotional now that the doors are officially open. We know we have the best teachers. We have the most amazing building. And it wasn’t until the kids walked in when everything became real.”

“These kids are our why, and I’m so excited for them to have their first year here.” —Samantha Gesel

SPECIAL IMPROVEMENTS

The new two-story, 66,500-square-foot facility is at the corner of 17th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue, near the . It features 20 specialized classrooms, an expansive and welcoming library, a gymnasium, outdoor play areas, and an academic center for outreach and training.

Students arrive for the first day of class in the new Roberts Academy building. (Harrison McClary/91�Ʋ��� University)

Students play on the new playground at Roberts Academy. (91�Ʋ��� University)

“We’re able to provide a really personalized and individualized education with ample space for small group work that is so crucial to our specialized approach to teaching,” said Jared Clodfelter, EdD’22 and director of Roberts Academy.

“Dyslexia reading instruction is at the core of what we do, but I believe so firmly that our students deserve a full school experience. They come here for specialized reading instruction and can also play in the gymnasium or experience a makerspace with robots and 3D printers.” —Jared Clodfelter

First day of school excitement at Roberts Academy (91�Ʋ��� University)

Students experience their new classrooms in the expanded Roberts Academy. (91�Ʋ��� University)

A bird’s-eye view of the new Roberts Academy building at the corner of 17th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue (91�Ʋ��� University)

POSITIVE IMPACT

Parents and students see the effects of this nurturing and specialized learning environment.

“My daughter made huge strides last year in her reading, and she just built so much confidence,” parent Amanda Stein said. “She learned to love to read when it had been such a struggle. And I know she’s just excited to be here and to continue to learn.”

Students are welcomed by teachers and staff on the first day of school at Roberts Academy. (91�Ʋ��� University)

(91�Ʋ��� University)

Students arrive for the first day of class in the new Roberts Academy building. (91�Ʋ��� University)

TEACHING AND RESEARCH

The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center was established in 2024 with a transformative gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts. They became interested in supporting students with dyslexia after three of their grandchildren were diagnosed, and they chose 91�Ʋ��� for their donation based on Peabody College’s outstanding reputation and research.

The provides individualized, scientifically based teaching to students with dyslexia.

“We have a faculty group of teachers who are so dedicated to this mission. They are experts in their craft. They are specialists in teaching, reading and teaching dyslexic students. And they have a heart for it. All of our teachers sought us out to be in this environment,” Clodfelter said.

It also includes the , which is an interdisciplinary hub for collaboration among scholars from the university and beyond to advance groundbreaking dyslexia research to help students who have historically struggled.

“Here he just feels like he can raise his hand and ask questions. He can say he doesn’t understand, and they’re teaching him how to advocate for himself. Now I see him advocate for others,” Herrera said. “He’s grown into a totally different kid with a newfound confidence—not just in school, but in sports and how he interacts with others. I just can’t wait to see what growth this year brings!”

• Learn more about the
• Follow the latest from the