DePaul is a private, nonprofit day school specializing in teaching students whose primary learning barrier is dyslexia or dyslexia symptoms. We serve students in grades 2–8 using Orton Gillingham and research-based, structured, multisensory methods tailored to individual learning profiles.

DePaul is an elementary and middle school for students in grades 2–8 with dyslexia or symptoms of dyslexia.

Our enrollment process begins well before the first day of school. Every candidate is screened for three key areas:

1. Learner profile – Are dyslexia symptoms the primary barrier to learning?
2. Attendance – Has the student demonstrated consistent school attendance?
3. Conduct – Does the student follow directives and demonstrate good citizenship?

This screening is a 4-step process:

1. Tour the school. Tours usually open by October almost a year before the fall when you want to enroll.
2. Apply for a tryout day by submitting the last report card showing conduct and attendance, and a psychoeducational evaluation (link to info@depaulschool.com)
3. If invited, attend a tryout day, which will include a short screening
4. If accepted and a seat is available, we will invite you to enroll by submitting a completed enrollment form and a $250 deposit.

Students must be ready to attend regularly, follow classroom routines, and do their best at all times.

DePaul is typically fully enrolled 5-6 months before school starts.
Students who complete the first 3 steps may join the waitlist. Waitlist order is based on fit and available class combinations—not just who applied first. Students on the waitlist are not guaranteed seats.

No. For diagnosis, please see a psychoeducational evaluation through a licensed psychologist, such as Dr. Edward Taylor or Dr. Michael Sisbarro.

No, we take undiagnosed students with dyslexia. We do ask all DePaul families to get a private psychoeducational evaluation for their student before the end of their first year at DePaul. The key for admission: dyslexia symptoms must be the primary barrier to learning.

Yes! All DePaul teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and deliver research-based, multisensory lessons tailored specifically to their class.

No. Even with the best scholarship package, families should expect to pay $300+/month plus an annual enrollment fee ($250 for new students, $100 to re-enroll, and a $525 program fee for all students). We regularly hold fundraisers to keep DePaul affordable.

No school can promise this. DePaul provides individualized instruction and regularly measures growth, but student progress is affected by many factors including attendance, health, home environment, behavior, and willingness to participate.

DePaul focuses on dyslexia and reading-based learning differences as the primary barrier to learning, so parents can expect the school day and all lessons to be designed for the neurology of dyslexia.

We understand how important this process is to families. Because placement decisions reflect many factors unique to our instructional model and classroom structure, we do not provide detailed feedback on admissions decisions.

A limited number of tryout days are available, so each student is allotted one per year. If you must cancel or reschedule your tryout day, please message us ASAP at info@depaulschool.com.

Approximately 16:1.

They will need a different environment from our classrooms.

Yes! Electives vary yearly and may include Dance, Drama, Gardening, Sign Language, Music, PE, Lego building, and more.

Yes! Tour slots typically open in October, and you simply sign up on our website. If no slots are available, call us to schedule an individual tour.

DePaul takes all FL Step Up scholarships!