Our Mission
Diminish the impact of learning disorders
in the lives of individuals.
Our Vision
Provide outstanding academic testing and instruction by knowledgable educators in a supportive environment.
At ARK Institute of Learning, we believe this courage to continue comes from knowing that you have necessary skills to carry on in the face of adversity. People with learning challenges can be frustrated because they lack these skills that sometimes come naturally to other people.
ARK Institute of Learning is here to provide students with customized toolkits for achieving learning success in and out of the classroom.
We are not tutors. We are not here to teach students how to memorize rote facts. We are not here to teach students how to conform to the current standards issued by their school.
We are here to breakdown the causes of learning frustration. We are here to evaluate, diagnose, and provide a lifetime of skills for overcoming learning challenges.
What does ARK do?
ARK provides comprehensive educational evaluations, early screening for dyslexia, and specialized, individualized instruction.
Educational Evaluations: An ARK evaluation tests for and documents each client’s academic strengths and weaknesses and how they impact learning.
Instruction: Based on an evaluation of the student’s learning, educational staff design a comprehensive learning profile to meet the individual’s specific learning challenges. ARK staff work to equip the client with skills and strategies of school or work.
Ongoing Support for Clients: ARK staff members are available for follow-up sessions to address changing classroom and work place requirements. They also identify the accommodations individuals need and become advocates for such accommodations. ARK continues to be a resource into the future.
Dyslexia Screenings: The purpose of this screening is to provide information for intervention and instruction. The screening (ages 5-9) will identify characteristics of dyslexia, not provide a formal diagnosis. The screening includes background, test results, and recommendations for instruction and possible classroom accommodations.
How is ARK different?
Many places provide educational evaluation; others provide instruction. ARK combines both to provide multi-sensory research based instruction geared to an individual’s strengths and problem areas. Instruction at ARK is designed to address the underlying problems to learning.
ARK is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Why choose ARK?
Dedicated, highly qualified instructional staff have extensive training and experience with those who have personal learning challenges including dyslexia, dysgraphia, problems with numbers, and other learning issues. Through research based, innovative strategies, individuals learn to overcome their learning challenges. With a comprehensive, individualized learning plan, students learn how to use their strengths. They learn how to learn.
Who comes to ARK?
Non-readers read; poor readers improve. Students learn to comprehend math, to write, to understand lectures, and to pass tests. Adults, too, come to overcome reading or math problems that have plagued them all their life. Individuals recognize their strengths and acquire resources for the obstacles they face. As a result, they develop faith in themselves and the ability to be their own advocates. When a parent says, “I know he or she is smart. Why is (this subject) so hard?” When a student says, “I’m good at math. Why am I always in the lowest reading group?” When an adult says, “I’m tired of trying to hide my inability to read.” It is time to go to ARK.
Support for Families
ARK staff can accompany families to conferences with teachers and other school officials to discuss a 504 Plan, Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or classroom accommodations. ARK resources are available for families including support groups, SAT prep and college counseling.
Support for Teachers
ARK staff conducts training for teachers and other professional opportunities including official clock hours.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
ARK provides need-based financial aid on a sliding scale in the form of scholarships for services. A Scholarship Committee meets monthly to review applications. Each year, ARK awards more than $100,000 in scholarships, funded entirely by generous grantors and donors. Scholarship are available for clients of all ages. They are awarded for educational evaluations and/or individualized instruction. To request a scholarship application or for more information, call 253-573-0311 or email admin@arkinst.org.
Begin your journey to learning success.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ”
