Dear Chelsea School Friends and Families,

As part of the Chelsea School family, you’re probably already well aware of the difference that we make in the lives of our students. As part of our annual scholarship fundraiser, we’d like to provide you with some concerning facts. Did you know that close to half of secondary students with learning disabilities perform more than three grade levels below their enrolled grade in essential academic skills? In addition, 22% of students with learning disabilities drop out of high school compared to 8% of their non-disabled peers.

At Chelsea School, we’re changing these statistics by offering students with learning disabilities an appropriate education in an appropriate setting. For over 35 years, Chelsea School has achieved graduation rates well above the national average by providing our students with an academic program of individualized instruction, small teacher-to-student ratio, specialized reading program, multi-sensory pedagogy, and a staff of committed and highly-trained teachers. The impact and results are clear. Chelsea School has a graduation rate of 99% with an average of 85% of those students going on to higher education.

By participating in our Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, you will be changing the life of a student with a learning disability. For example, take Elijah. He began at Chelsea School in the 7th grade. He spent most of his life struggling in school and never feeling successful. Although he was able to pass his classes, he never felt that he was truly learning or reaching his potential. His mother decided to place him at Chelsea School because of the small class sizes, attention to students with executive functioning issues, and reading tutorials. Elijah has found success here and has never looked back. He has made huge improvements – academically and socially. His mother says, “For the first time, Elijah feels smart and has friends!” Without financial support from our scholarship fund, Elijah would not be able to attend Chelsea and experience the many benefits of a Chelsea education.

You can help Elijah and students like him who cannot afford the full cost of tuition right now. Please help Chelsea School to assist families that need tuition support by donating to our annual Scholarship Fund. Your tax-deductible contribution can be made online at www.active.com/donate/chelseaschool or you can send a check payable to Chelsea School to Jeff Green, Director of Finance, at 711 Pershing Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Your generous support will help us to keep gifted and overlooked students from becoming just another statistic. Thank you.

Katherine Fedalen

Interim Head of School

Nehemais-Worthy “Giving Tree” Gift Groups

$10,000 And Above Roots

$5,000 - $9,999 Acorns

$1,000 - $4,999 Leaves

$250 - $999 Friends of Chelsea

Gifts up to $249 Blue and White Club