Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about life at Landmark, the admission process, academics, the dress code, or the food at Landmark? This FAQ page has the answers! 

About Landmark

  • What is Landmark School's mission?

    Landmark's mission is to enable and empower students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) to reach their educational and social potential through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and training, assessment, and research. 

    Landmark is a coed day and residential school for students in grades 2–12 with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities (LBLD). These fall under the broader category of specific learning disabilities (SLD). We celebrate our students' differences by individualizing a program based on their specific needs. The Landmark approach empowers students to reach their academic and social potential. Each faculty member is highly trained and specializes in educating students with dyslexia and other SLDs.

  • What type of student attends Landmark School?

    Who Landmark Serves

    Landmark School is tailored to meet the needs of students who have one or more of the following primary diagnoses: 

    • SLD (Specific Learning Disability or Specific Learning Disorder)
      • With impairment in reading (dyslexia)
      • With impairment in written expression (dysgraphia)
    • ​Expressive Language Disorder

    Many of our students have a secondary diagnosis or executive function weakness and/or ADHD. 

    Landmark May Not Be Suitable For

    Students with the following learning profiles are likely better served by other schools or programs that have the expertise to meet their specific needs: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disability, Intellectual disabilities, Emotional and/or behavioral disorders, Complex communication disorders, including primary receptive language deficits

    Learn more about our Student Profile.

  • Does Landmark School help students with dyslexia?

    Yes. Landmark School is a language-based program for students with dyslexia (specific reading disabilities), along with other language-based weaknesses, such as spelling/writing, expressive language, and executive function challenges. 

    Learn more about our Student Profile.

    Learn more about how Landmark helps students with dyslexia in the Landmark Approach.

  • How many students attend Landmark School?

    The capacity for each campus is as follows:

    Elementary•Middle School: 165
    High School: 300 (this includes up to 160 Boarding students)

  • What grades are served at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: 2–8
    High School: 9–12

  • Where is Landmark School?

    30 miles north of Boston

    High School Campus: 
    429 Hale Street
    Beverly, MA 01965

    More info about the High School Campus


    Elementary•Middle School Campus: 
    167 Bridge St
    Manchester, MA 01944

    More info about the EMS Campus

  • Where do students at Landmark School come from?

    Landmark students come from all over the U.S. and other nations. Read how Landmark supports international students.

  • Does Landmark School have a Summer Program?

    Yes, both the High School and the Elementary•Middle School offer Summer Programs for students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia or another language-based learning disability. Read more about the Summer at Landmark.

    Additionally, we offer a Skills+ Summer Study Skills Workshop for students in traditional middle and high schools who need to improve their executive function skills.

Admissions

  • How do I learn more and visit Landmark School?

    Fill out an Inquiry to get on our email list. Watch for additional information to come from [email protected] about our programs, scheduling a visit, navigating our application process, and more.  

    If you are ready to visit campus, you can register for a visit here.

     

  • How do I apply to Landmark School?

    For more information on how to apply, visit our Apply page.

  • Is there a deadline for applications?

    Submit all required documentation by December 15th to be considered during the first round of reviews. Applications received after the deadline will be accepted on a rolling admission basis, as space and time allow.

  • What documents/records and assessments are needed to apply?

  • Does my child need an interview?

    After the completion of the application review process, if Landmark appears to be the appropriate school for your child, we will contact you to schedule an interview. For the Summer Program, the Admission Committee determines the need for an interview on a case-by-case basis.

  • When will I find out if my child is accepted to Landmark School?

    An admission decision will be provided once all required application materials have been reviewed and an admission appointment has taken place. For applications received by the December 15th deadline, feedback will be provided by January 15th. 

    Please note: For those families applying for financial aid, decisions will be made after February 1st.

  • Is there a different application for the Summer Program?

    No. Please follow the instruction on the Apply page to apply for the Landmark Summer Programs.

    Skills+ has a registration but does not have an application process.

  • How much does it cost to attend Landmark School?

    Learn more about tuition at Affording Landmark.

Academics

  • How do I get my transcripts from Landmark School?

    You should contact our registrar’s office for copies of your transcripts.

    Elementary•Middle School: 978-236-3110
    High School: 978-236-3235

    Paper files are destroyed seven years after a student leaves Landmark.

  • How many students are in each class at Landmark School?

    Class sizes on average are 6–8 students.

  • Will my child get individualized instruction at Landmark School?

    All the instruction at Landmark is highly individualized. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who oversees their program, matches each student with a tutorial teacher and supports that curriculum, makes adjustments as needed, is the primary contact to parents/guardians, and serves as a safety net, coach, and friend. Students will never get lost at Landmark School. 

    Classes are grouped in the various content/subject area by skill levels. Students at Landmark receive a daily 1:1 language-based tutorial for individualized remediation of literacy skills.

  • How are students placed in classes at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: The head of the Elementary•Middle School, academic dean, and department heads review testing and file information, placement exams, and reports from previous school years, including teacher recommendations. Ultimately, administrators and department heads place students in classes deemed to be the best fit for that child based on skill level, learning style, peer group, and age.

    High School: Generally the academic dean, department heads, and academic advisors review testing and file information, placement exams, and reports from previous years, including teacher recommendations. Ultimately, administrators, department heads and academic advisors place students in classes deemed to be the best fit for that child based on skill level, learning style, peer group, and age.

  • How much homework is given at Landmark School?

    Typically Elementary•Middle School students receive 45 minutes to one hour of homework each night, and High School students generally receive an hour and a half each night as underclassmen and two to three hours a night as upperclassmen for their eleventh- and twelfth-grade years.

  • Are foreign languages offered at Landmark School?

    There are no foreign languages offered at Landmark School. However, American Sign Language is offered at the High School.

  • What electives are offered at Landmark School?

    Each campus offers a robust selection of electives. Click below by campus to learn more:

    Elementary•Middle School Electives

    High School Electives

  • What is the matriculation rate of Landmark School graduates?

    100% of our students are accepted to college and 94% choose to attend, or pursue post-secondary education. 

  • When will my child receive their class schedule?

    Elementary•Middle School: Students receive their class schedules on the second day of the program.

    High School: Students receive their class schedules at the end of orientation period.

  • When can I meet my child's Academic Advisor?

    The normal procedure begins at the end of August, when academic advisors return from the summer break, review files, and make tutorial and class assignments. During the orientation process, you will be given the name of your child’s academic advisor. If you are unable to attend the orientation events, you can expect communication from your child’s academic advisor during the first two weeks of school. You should feel free to contact your child’s academic advisor at any time. They are your primary point of contact at Landmark School. 

  • When can I meet my child's teachers?

    Conferences with teachers are scheduled twice each year, at Conference Days held in the fall and spring. There are other less formal opportunities to meet at school events. Your child's academic advisor is your primary point of contact. 

  • How can I get updates about how my child is doing in class?

    There are three main ways to get updates: reports, conferences, and from academic advisors. Reports are issued quarterly, conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring, and updates can be arranged through your child’s academic advisor on a routine basis as determined by the two of you.

  • Where can I see the academic year calendar?

    There is a Calendars page on this website where we have furnished you with an interactive calendar that you can sync to your own online calendar app. At the bottom of that page, there are at-a-glance calendars that you can view and print for both the Elementary•Middle School and High School. 

Student Life

  • What time does school start and end?

    Elementary•Middle School: 7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
    See the EMS Resources page for a Daily Schedule.

    High School: 7:50 a.m. – 3:13 p.m.
    See the HS Resources page for a Daily Schedule.

  • How do I let Landmark School know my child will be absent?

    Elementary•Middle School: Call the main office: 978-236-3100
    High School: Call the attendance line: (978) 236-3300 or email [email protected]

  • What meals are provided at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: breakfast, milkbreak (snack), and lunch
    High School: Weekdays: breakfast, milkbreak (snack), lunch, and dinner. Weekends: brunch and dinner.

    SAGE Dining Services is our food service partner and they do an excellent job of providing a range of offerings for our community including kosher, gluten and dairy-free options, a full salad, sandwich bar, soups, hot and cold entrees, seasonal specialties, and more. 

    SAGE features a comprehensive program to accommodate students with food allergies. This includes a "serve it safe program," an online allergen filter, and online ingredient information. A team of registered dietitians goes through each menu, tagging ingredients for allergens and ensuring there is a variety of allergen-free options.

    View the SAGE interactive daily menu. You can filter by campus at the top left of the screen.

    All meals are included in tuition for both the High School and Elementary•Middle School.

  • Does Landmark School accommodate students with dietary restrictions?

    Elementary•Middle School: Yes, academic advisors coordinate dietary accommodations.
    High School: Yes, students and parents can work with the food services staff to make sure any dietary needs are met.

    SAGE Dining Services, Landmark's food service provider, features a comprehensive program to accommodate students with food allergies. This includes a "serve it safe program," an online allergen filter, and online ingredient information. A team of registered dietitians goes through each menu, tagging ingredients for allergens and ensuring there is a variety of allergen-free options.

    View the SAGE interactive daily menu. You can filter by campus at the top left of the screen. 

  • What happens if my child gets sick or injured at Landmark School?

    There are nurses on staff at the Elementary•Middle and High School who can address minor illnesses and injuries, and there is a nearby doctor on call who can see students as required by the school nurse. In the event of a serious injury or illness requiring immediate medical attention Landmark School uses:
    Beverly Hospital
    85 Herrick Street
    Beverly, MA 01915
    Main Number: 978-922-3000; extension 2770, for Emergency Room

  • What after-school or extra-curricular activities are offered at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: Typically, more than half of our students stay after school for activities. These range from interscholastic sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, track, baseball, etc.) to club activities (e.g., drama, bike club, games club, croquet club, art, woodshop) to special programs offered through outside vendors (e.g. fencing, KnowAtom science program, and more).  Read more about the EMS after-school program.
     

    High School: Residents are required to participate in after-school sports or other activities. Day students are welcome to and encouraged to participate as well. Beyond the athletic programs, we offer art, woodworking, weight lifting (on and off-campus), yoga, auto mechanics, study hall, drama, dance, and technical theater (set design) on a consistent basis. Depending upon the needs and interests of our students, we have offered mountain biking, bouldering, skateboarding, skiing, and others. Learn more about the High School After-School Activities.

  • Is community service required at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: Community service is not a requirement. We do have a Community Action Team with optional meetings during the school day and offerings for off-campus after-school field trips throughout the year.

    High School: Community service is not a requirement for graduation. Landmark has a robust community service program that is offered as an after-school activity. Our students contribute thousands of hours to local organizations each year. 

  • Does Landmark School have a performing arts program?

    The Performing Arts Department at the High School puts on many performances throughout the year, including three theatrical performances that consist of two plays and a musical; a wide variety of performances that range from student-run coffee houses to choral and ensemble concerts; and an annual Evening of Dance recital, which features styles ranging from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and contemporary are all offered. All performances are produced by our Technical Theater Department, which engages students in everything from light and sound production to set design and construction. Read more about Landmark’s Performing Arts program.

  • Are classes held on Conference Days?

    Elementary•Middle School: There is a half-day of classes, with noon dismissal, for both fall and spring Conference Days.

    High School: There is no school on Conference Days, but there are off-campus activities for residential students until 3:00 p.m.

  • Do students board at Landmark School?

    Students can board at Landmark High School. The High School is a mix of day and boarding/residential students. Landmark's on-campus student life is rich, rewarding, and intentionally designed for residents to build independence, self-reliance, self-advocacy, and confidence. Learn more about the Residential Program at our High School. 

    Boarding is not an option for Elementary•Middle School students.

  • Are there coed dorms at Landmark School?

    Males and females are placed in separate residences. Read more about the residential houses.

  • Do boarding students stay on campus during the weekends at Landmark School?

    Students can stay on the High School campus during the weekend. There are wide range of choices of activities and outings every weekend. Read more about Residential Life at Landmark.

  • Does Landmark have a chaplain?

    Yes. Landmark’s chaplaincy addresses the spiritual and religious life our students.

  • Is there a dress code at Landmark School?

    There are dress codes at both the Elementary•Middle School and the High School

    Learn about the EMS dress code.

    At the High School, students must be in dress code during the academic day. Learn about the High School dress code.

  • Does Landmark School give students their medication?

    Elementary•Middle School: The EMS campus nurses administer student medication with an accompanying physician order.

    High School: The Health Center at the High School distributes medications with parental permission.

  • Do students at Landmark School need money?

    High School students need money for expenses, such as allowances, spending money, and weekend activities. Each High School student is expected to have funds in their Student Bank. Learn how to make a deposit in the Student Bank.

  • What do boarding students do on weekends at Landmark High School?

    A variety of activities and outings is offered to students each weekend, including trips to museums in Boston, amusement parks, movies, laser tag, local beaches, community service projects, and more. Learn more about weekend activities.

  • What do boarding students do in the evenings at Landmark High School?

    Boarding students are required to participate in an after-school activity, which can sometimes extend into the early evening. After dinner, students have free time, study hall, clean up, and check in. Bedtime varies by level. Read more details about the daily schedule for residential students.

  • Does Landmark faculty or staff live in the dorms?

    Yes. Each dorm/house at Landmark High School has a live-in houseparent(s) and several faculty members who staff each residence.

  • Does Landmark School provide transportation?

    Landmark School does not provide bus transportation. However, the school offers transportation to and from the Beverly Depot MBTA Commuter Rail station in the morning for Elementary•Middle School students and in the morning and afternoon for High School students. The schedule is subject to change. Check the Newburyport/Rockport line schedule for delays and changes. You can also sign up for text alerts. 

    High School

    Morning arrangements can be made by contacting Jen O'Riordan. Students make afternoon arrangements are made through the Student Life office. 

    Elementary•Middle School

    For morning arrangements, please call or email Leslie Victorine for details and to schedule transportation: 978-236-3110 or [email protected]

    There is no afternoon transportation to train stations. 

  • Where is the lost and found at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: The Lost and Found box is located in the main lobby.

    High School: The Lost and Found box is located outside of the Student Life Office.

  • Does Landmark have a school store?

    Yes. Check out The Store website.

  • I would like to ship items to my high school student. Where can I send packages?

    Packages should be sent to:
    Landmark School
    412 Hale Street
    Prides Crossing, MA 01965
    Please include your child’s name. There is no need to include the residence hall (dorm) name.

Athletics

  • What sports are offered at Landmark School?

    High School Athletics 

    Elementary•Middle School Athletics

  • Are students required to participate in sports at Landmark School?

    Elementary•Middle School: No, students are not required to participate in athletics at the EMS.
    High School: Students are not required to participate in competitive athletics. However, there is a physical education requirement, but this can be satisfied in a number of ways. We encourage our students to be physically active and mindful of health and wellness. 

  • Do students at Landmark School try out for competitive athletics?

    Elementary•Middle School: No, any student who wants to play a sport makes the team.
    High School: There are evaluations for JV and varsity teams.  JV teams have a no-cut policy.

  • Are there user fees for team sports at Landmark School?

    No. Landmark provides uniforms and absorbs any costs for practice and competition space, as well as transportation.

Supporting Landmark

  • How can I make a gift to Landmark?

    Donations to Landmark come in all forms and sizes. Options include cash, gifts of stock and securities, corporate matching gifts, planned gifts, and in-kind donations to be used for auctions and raffles. Read how you can support Landmark.

  • How is my gift to Landmark School used?

    Donations provide a variety of opportunities for Landmark School to further its mission. Contributions expand our financial aid offerings, provide financial support and professional learning opportunities for our talented and dedicated faculty, enhance facilities for our students, provide technology improvements, and more. Gifts to the school make a direct and positive impact on the day-to-day experience of our faculty, staff, and most importantly, our students. Finding ways to support the school financially and through in-kind contributions is part of the culture of Landmark School. 

  • What is the Landmark Fund?

    The Landmark Fund is the cornerstone of the school’s fundraising program. For more than 20 years, the Landmark Fund has provided immediate and flexible dollars where they are most needed. This bridges the gap between tuition income and the cost of running the school. Learn more about the Landmark Fund.

  • How can alumni get involved at Landmark?

    Alumni are invited to a several events throughout the year. Visit out Alumni webpage for more details.

  • How can parents get involved at Landmark?

    All current parents and guardians are automatic members of the Landmark Parents’ Association (LPA). The purpose of the LPA is to cultivate a strong sense of community and to support Landmark School in its mission to foster an understanding of language-based learning disabilities. The LPA often requests volunteers, donations, and ideas from the parent body and welcomes their ongoing support.

    The Office of Advancement also offers programs for current parents, parents of alumni, alumni, and friends. Learn about these events.

  • When is Landmark’s Homecoming?

    Homecoming is usually held in the fall. Check out the Events page for details about Homecoming and other social and fundraising activities. We hope you will join us at a future event. 

  • When is Landmark’s Spring Concert, Making Waves?

    Making Waves is usually held in April.  Check out the Signature Events section of the Events page for details about Making Waves.

Miscellaneous

  • I am interested in carpooling with other families. How can I find out who lives in my area?

    Parents interested in carpooling should complete and return the Landmark Release form when you register online. Here is a link to the Family Portal where you can log in and complete enrollment and registration forms. On the Family Portal you can also see a list of others who are interested in Carpooling.

  • How can I get to know other Landmark parents?

    The Landmark Parents Association (LPA) is an active and engaged group of parents who develop programs to benefit the entire Landmark community. There are several ways to stay connected to your child’s Landmark experience, get involved, and meet other Landmark families. The LPA sponsors periodic meetings and events and hosts a variety of educational events throughout the year.