Dallas, TX – April 2025 – Shelton School marks its milestone 50th anniversary in the 2025–2026 school year, honoring half a century of transformative education for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language‑based learning differences. Since opening in April 1976, Shelton has grown into the largest independent school of its kind in the region, offering cutting‑edge programs and a uniquely supportive community.
🎉 A Legacy Begins: From 48 Students to a National Model
- On April 2, 1976, educator Dr. June Shelton founded Shelton in Dallas, TX, with a bold vision to support students who learn differently. The school opened in August 1976 in a church building with just 48 preschool through sixth‑grade students, backed by dedicated parents and a forward‑thinking board.
- By the next school year, enrollment had more than doubled to 112 students, supported by 31 faculty and staff, firmly establishing Shelton as a trusted local resource.
Building Specialized Services from Day One
Early in its development, Shelton recognized that traditional classrooms alone couldn’t meet the needs of its learners. Leaders created three core community‑serving divisions that remain central today:
- Speech & Language Center: Offers therapy, screenings, and assessments both on campus and in the broader Dallas community.
- Evaluation Center: Provides comprehensive assessments and personalized success roadmaps for individuals of all ages.
- Outreach Teacher Training Center: Delivers research‑based professional development to educators, parents, and professionals—enabling Shelton’s strategies to reach beyond its own classrooms.
Growth to Today: Upper School, Accreditation & Campus Evolution
- Shelton added upper‑grade levels beginning in 1986, achieving a full PreK–12 program by 1999.
- Accreditation milestones include Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation from 1990–2004, followed by Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) accreditation since 2004.
- Leadership transitions over time have reinforced Shelton’s mission. Dr. Shelton served as founding Executive Director (1976–1986), followed by interim head Sherrye Camp, then Dick Cadigan, and Joyce Pickering, who led for two decades (1990–2010). Since 2010, Suzanne Stell has served as Executive Director, guiding significant growth and new initiatives.
A Stunning New Campus & Expanded Growth
- From multiple temporary sites and split campuses (1999–2002), Shelton consolidated campuses. In 2016, it launched a capital campaign that enabled the purchase of a permanent home at 17301 Preston Road, Dallas.
- In August 2020, the school moved to a 30‑acre campus complete with a Fine Arts Center, athletic facilities, and expanded classrooms—significantly enhancing academic, artistic, and athletic programming.
- By May 2025, enrollment reached 1,136 students, making it Shelton’s largest student population ever.
Academic & Graduation Highlights: Class of 2025 Sets Records
- The Class of 2025 was Shelton’s largest graduating class yet, with 101 seniors, earning 506 college acceptances and $12.6 million in merit scholarships. Seniors will attend 54 colleges across 21 states, including Hofstra, SMU, Baylor, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Wake Forest, SCAD, Oklahoma State, and the University of Arkansas, among others.
- Academic performance was outstanding: a composite ACT score of 35, with section scores as high as 36 in Reading and 35 in Math, Science, and English.
Shelton’s Signature Approach: Inspiring Students Who Learn Differently
Shelton offers a highly individualized, structured, multisensory academic program tailored to bright learners with language‑based learning differences. With an average student‑to‑teacher ratio of 6:1 and teachers trained across multiple states and countries, students receive personalized attention to thrive academically and socially.
- The school emphasizes executive functioning, organization, and self‑regulation, helping students become confident, self‑aware learners.
- As one Shelton graduate shared,: “The individualized instruction … has made me realize there are no limits to what I can do.”
Community Programs & Outreach: Impact Beyond the Classroom
Shelton extends its mission into the wider community through numerous programs:
- Shelton Scholars Program: Saturday and summer remediation for students age 6 and up who do not attend Shelton full time, using the same SEE (Sequential English Education) curriculum classroom students receive.
- Teacher Training & Certification: Since 1991, Shelton has trained thousands of educators in Multisensory Structured Language Education (MSLE), SALA, SARA, and Take Flight programs, many endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association and accredited by IMSLEC for national certification.
- More than 3,500 teachers have completed professional development with Shelton, and over 3,600 students have participated through the Shelton Scholars program.
- Speech & Language Therapy Services: Licensed therapists provide services for children in Early Childhood through eighth grade, including group and individual sessions, and classroom‑based integration. Social communication skills groups support pragmatic language and peer interaction.
Celebrating 50 Years in 2025–2026
As Shelton enters its 50th year, it is planning a series of celebrations for students, families, alumni, and the broader community. Events will include community service, campus commemorations, performances, and a gala—for example, a community meal-packing day on September 5, 2025 featuring students, staff, alumni, and families.
Why Shelton Stands Out: Key Benefits & Lasting Impact
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Multisensory, Structured Curriculum | Proven effectiveness for dyslexia and other learning differences. |
| Low Student:Teacher Ratio (6:1) | Enables individualized instruction and strong social-emotional support. |
| Community‑Wide Services | Therapy, evaluation, teacher training, and outreach extend Shelton’s impact far beyond students on campus. |
| Professional Staff with Deep Expertise | Many faculty have advanced degrees or national certifications in dyslexia, language therapy, or LD instruction. |
| Consistent Accreditation & Quality | ISAS-accredited since 2004, plus continued innovation and facility expansion. |
Join the Celebration & Learn More
Shelton invites current and prospective families, alumni, educators, and community members to join in celebrating this anniversary year. Explore how Shelton continues to fulfill its mission to engage, enrich, and empower every individual who learns differently.
Visit shelton.org/50th‑anniversary for event details, 50th-anniversary stories, and ways to participate.
In Summary
For 50 years, Shelton School has been a beacon of educational innovation, purpose‑driven leadership, and life‑changing impact for learners with dyslexia and other language‑based learning differences. Its comprehensive approach—spanning academics, evaluation, therapy, and community outreach—continues to shape confident, college‑ready graduates, empowered professionals, and families equipped to navigate learning differences with knowledge and hope.
As Shelton enters this golden anniversary year, its legacy of excellence and dedication remains stronger than ever.
