Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2017

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Transforming
Lives
TRIDENT ACADEMY
What started as a Saturday-only tutorial program in
a room in a Mount Pleasant church has grown to
serve hundreds of Lowcountry families since its
inception as a school in 1972. In the early days, local families
worked alongside medical experts and specialists such as Dr.
Lucia Karnes, who studied with the
“father of dyslexia,” Dr. Samuel T.
Orton, to develop curriculum.
Now, as one of only 13 accredited Orton-Gillingham
schools in the country, Trident Academy strives to create
a space where students who learn differently can thrive
together. With curriculum catering to those with everything
from dyslexia and dysgraphia to dyscalculia and ADHD,
Trident Academy has achieved the standard in multi-sensory
education.
The primary goal at Trident Academy is to give
students the tools they need to return to conventional
learning environments. This includes creating specialized
individualized programs for each student that incorporate
audio, visual and kinesthetic teaching tools and technology
to ensure that students are learning the way that is most
beneficial to them.
Trident Academy’s missions statement – “Through
individualized, multisensory and research-based teaching
approaches, Trident Academy transforms the lives of
cognitively capable K-12 children diagnosed with learning
differences” – is carried out every day by providing a space
for kids to gain confidence in school and in life. Their
hands-on comprehensive curriculum, partnered with a
hardworking and nurturing staff, has propelled students
toward success for decades.
“Trident Academy is one of Mount Pleasant’s best kept
secrets,” said Head of School Betsy Fanning.
“Nestled in the middle of two neighborhoods, we strive
each day to help really bright students who struggle in
traditional learning environments. Our students not only
begin to overcome their learning challenges, they begin to
thrive. Trident Academy transforms lives,” she said.
Trident Academy is located at 1455 Wakendaw Road in
Mount Pleasant. To learn more, visit
or call 843-884-7046.
BY SHELBY DAVIS