What is the Sally Borden Program?
The Sally Borden Program (SBP) is an integrated program at Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA for students with language-based learning differences (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) who need a different type of learning environment to realize their full potential. Friends Academy offers dedicated SBP classes for grades 3-8, as well as the Bridge Program for students in first and second grades.
Grounded in the firm conviction that each child learns differently — that one size does not fit all — SBP is a leader in education for dyslexic learners, with proven results for nearly 20 years. This philosophy reflects Friends Academy’s deeply rooted belief in the need to appropriately support each child to succeed in school.
Openings in Grades 1-5!
We are currently accepting applications for openings in the Sally Borden Program (including the Bridge Program) for grades 1-5. For grades 6-8, we accept applications for qualified candidates to join our wait pool. SBP classes at the Middle School level are typically full and/or in significant demand, but openings may become available. (For the best chance to secure a seat, we encourage families to explore SBP as early as possible.)
Inquire About SBP AvailabilityWhat Does SBP Offer Compared to Other Schools?
As an integrated program within an independent school, SBP offers a unique “sweet spot” among educational choices in southeastern New England for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Small class sizes are a hallmark of the program.
Direct/Explicit Instruction in Literacy, Math & Humanities
SBP students receive direct instruction in specialized classes for literacy, math, and humanities. All SBP faculty are trained in Orton-Gillingham and other multi-sensory approaches, and have experience teaching students with language-based learning differences. Because classes are small, SBP faculty are able to personalize their instruction for each student’s learning needs.
In SBP classes, students also spend time learning important “brain-builder” skills such as executive functioning, entrepreneurship, and the unique strengths of neurodiverse learners in our community and the world.
Inclusion/Integration for All Other Experiences
The rest of the time, SBP students are fully integrated with other students in their grade. During much of the school day, SBP students are indistinguishable from their traditional grade-level peers.
Integrated classes and experiences include:
- Science (with a trained support teacher/learning specialist in Middle School classes)
- Middle School advisory, service learning, and elective/enrichment periods
- Lower School “Mix It Up”/activity periods and Library
- Studio art
- Music and drama
- Physical education and athletics
- Lunch and recess
- Field trips and special events
- After-School Programs
Who Is a Typical SBP Student?
SBP students demonstrate average to superior cognitive abilities, but may have difficulty with reading, spelling, math, written expression, and organizational and/or study skills. They are very capable, but they need a different type of environment and instruction to thrive. The Sally Borden Program is not for students with significant social communication challenges.
The goal of SBP is to build successful, lifelong learners. SBP students see themselves as capable individuals who love learning, feel confident about school, believe they are going to be successful, and are optimistic about their future.
“Friends Academy has made a huge difference in helping my son understand his dyslexia and have confidence in his ability to learn.”
Parent of a Sally Borden Program student
Read More: Five Faces of Dyslexia at Friends Academy
More Dyslexia Services
For families seeking tutoring, literacy screenings, and evaluations/assessments, please explore Sally Borden Connect. We also offer summer programs and teacher trainings in Orton-Gillingham to support students of all ages who have language-based learning differences and executive functioning challenges.
2026-27 Sally Borden Program Openings by Grade*
| SBP Grade Level | Current Enrollment Status |
| Bridge (Grades 1-2) | Openings available! |
| Grade 3 | Openings available! |
| Grade 4 | Openings available! |
| Grade 5 | Openings available! |
| Grade 6 | Full (Wait pool applications accepted) |
| Grade 7 | Full (Wait pool applications accepted) |
| Grade 8 | Full (Wait pool applications accepted) |
* Statuses reflect openings in Sally Borden Program classes only.
Apply to the Sally Borden Program
If you feel that your child could be a good fit for the Sally Borden Program, please submit an inquiry or begin an application. Space in the Sally Borden Program is extremely limited, and only qualified candidates will be considered.
Meet the Sally Borden Program Team
Grades 3-8 have a dedicated Sally Borden Program classroom teacher. All SBP students also work with Learning Specialists during literacy periods.
Who Was Sally Borden?
Sally Borden taught at Friends Academy for 30 years until her death from cancer in 2005. She was a beloved teacher who is remembered for her compassion for all children, and as one who embraced the notion that each child comes with a unique range of strengths and weaknesses.
Sally looked at learning differences as learning diversity. She worked with children individually to bring out the best in each. This is exactly the kind of spirit and philosophy that the Sally Borden Program embraces.
Sally Borden Program Curriculum
The Sally Borden Program curriculum is based in the Orton-Gillingham approach. O-G is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.
Grade 2 and Earlier (Bridge Program)
- Offered in second grade and earlier, before dedicated SBP classes begin in third grade.
- Bridge students are part of a traditional classroom.
- During their class’s regularly scheduled literacy period, Bridge students receive individualized small-group literacy instruction with a Learning Specialist.
Grades 3-5 (Lower School)
- Dedicated SBP classes are offered at each grade level.
- SBP students receive daily literacy instruction to explicitly teach reading and spelling skills.
- Literacy focuses on phonics, decoding, spelling, and phonemic awareness — shifting toward more complex words, applying skills to writing, and building reading fluency and comprehension in fifth grade.
- SBP students are integrated with their grade-level peers during specials (science, music, art, PE, and library), lunch and recess, activity/”mix-it-up” periods, and special events.
Grades 6-8 (Middle School)
- Dedicated SBP classes are offered at each grade level.
- SBP students receive literacy instruction 3-4 times per week to explicitly teach reading, writing, and spelling skills.
- Literacy focuses on reading and spelling more complex words, applying skills to writing, and building reading fluency and comprehension.
- SBP students are integrated with their grade-level peers during advisory, science, specials, lunch and recess, service learning, electives, and special events.
News & Stories
Read recent news and stories about the Sally Borden Program.
News
September 12, 2025
Free Literacy Screenings in Dartmouth, MA for Kindergarten-Grade 6 Students
Monthly screenings measure the development of local children’s literacy skills, including reading, spelling, and written expression. Read More
Stories
October 30, 2024
Dyslexia Awareness Month: Get to Know the SBP Faculty
In observation of Dyslexia Awareness Month, get to know the Sally Borden Program faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping our SBP students succeed. Read More
News
April 29, 2024
Heads Up: Introducing Our New K-8 Math Curriculum
Illustrative Mathematics is a problem-based curriculum designed to make math relevant, accessible, and engaging to all learners, allowing for real-world application. Read More