Prep
Program

The Prep Program at Landmark School serves students in grades 9 - 12 who have language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, and average to above average reading abilities but struggle with executive function, time management, organization, processing speed, and focus. Our students “learn how to learn.” We offer an intimate, structured environment where students and teachers continuously work and process dynamically—both inside and outside of the classroom. We embed learning support throughout every class—rather than providing a learning center approach. 

How We Teach Students

The Prep distinguishes itself from other college preparatory programs by fully integrating effective organizational strategies and study skills in every class. These skills are taught explicitly and consistently across all subject areas. With an enviable 10:1 student to teacher ratio, each student’s needs are proactively assessed and no student will ever get lost or go unnoticed here.

Our program challenges students, while effectively providing the constructive and practical support to meet those challenges. They don't just learn history, math, or literature—but are also taught to break down the content, actively decipher and comprehend it, and critically analyze and communicate their knowledge. Students learn, step-by-step, to initiate, plan, and complete writing assignments and long-term projects independently. The end result is that students discover the confidence to take risks, find their voice, and reach their potential.

Why the Prep Program Works

  • Ratio of students to faculty is 10:1
  • Program Directors continuously reassess students goals, needs, and performance
  • Emphasis placed on integrating the writing process across the curriculum
  • Study and organizational strategies woven into the fabric of all academic subjects
  • Landmark faculty specialize in skill instruction
  • Project-based learning allows students to delve more deeply into academic material
  • Students consistently participate in cross-curricular and experiential learning exercises
  • Participation in athletics and extracurriculars is supported and encouraged

Our Students

  • Are bright and creative, whose academic performance does not match their potential
  • Have average and above average intelligence
  • Have a healthy emotional well-being
  • Need to develop organizational and time management skills
  • Have difficulty initiating and prioritizing
  • Need to better understand their own learning style
  • Aim to go to college

Testimonials

Garland Wintzer

"Being a member of the Prep Program community has impacted me tremendously both as a student and as a person. The Prep is a unique and special place—it's really more like a family. Your teachers and peers care and are always there to support you. I have been able to build relationships with faculty and friends that will last a lifetime. This sense of community has not only made me a better learner, but also helped improve my independence and confidence. Most importantly, the Prep has shaped who I am, who I want to be, and provided me with skills and strategies to achieve my goals."

 

Hometown: Jamaica Plain, MA
Attended Prep: 4 years

Piper Nichols

“In my time here, I've watched new students arrive with no trust. Eventually, they buy into Landmark's approach and that's because of the teachers. I have never met a more patient, passionate, and helpful group of people with the ability to see the potential in every student. They are my role models and the reason I want to become a teacher, too.”

 

Hometown: Wilmington, MA
Attended Prep: 4 years

David Kast

”I arrived at Landmark’s Prep program half way through my sophomore year. My parents and I realized that I really needed to be here. The teachers at the Prep are always there for you and will always help you. They teach you how to manage your work. All the kids in the Prep program have a special relationship because we’ve shared a lot of experiences together. I will miss the small things about Landmark: walking up the hill, hanging out on weekends, feeling really close with my teachers and other students. My advice to students looking at the Prep program is to think about the long term, not the short term. Landmark will help you find a way to make learning easier and you’ll be so much happier.”

 

Hometown: Greenwich,CT
Attended Prep: 2.5 years

Karen Hatch 

Parent of Christopher and Oliver

“Our sons are very different from one another. Chris could do the work in the public schools but was disorganized and was falling through the cracks. His teachers at the Prep held him accountable for his work but never gave up on him. Landmark’s art department was also a savior for Chris and he was able to discover his true passion. After Landmark he went to the Savannah School of Art and Design and did incredibly well.”

“Oliver also thrived in the Prep program. He was truly inspired by his teachers and they motivated him to be his best. He was not happy or understood in his former school but he became a confident, successful, happy kid. We are so grateful to Landmark and the Prep program for giving our sons the best education we could possibly imagine.”

Prep Program
Admissions

Admission to Landmark’s Prep Program is determined after full application review and screening by our Admission team. Learn more about our application process.

Learn More

Program Comparison

Not sure if the Prep Program is right for you? See a comparison of all Landmark programs in one chart.

Program Comparison