Our Story
A School Built Around How Students Learn
DePaul School of N.E. Florida was founded in August 1980 by a group of Jacksonville parents (with the help of experts) who realized Northeast Florida desperately needed a school for kids with dyslexia.
- Jacksonville, FL
- Grades 2-8
Our Mission
Understanding Students. Strengthening Skills. Building Confidence.
DePaul is committed to understanding and educating students with dyslexia and related specific learning differences, including visual and auditory processing challenges and attention deficits.
We maintain a commitment to excellence in core academics while nurturing each student’s confidence, independence, and personal development.
How DePaul Began
Founded by Families Who Saw a Better Way
DePaul School of Northeast Florida was founded in August 1980 by a group of Jacksonville parents who recognized the need for a school specifically designed for children with dyslexia.
They envisioned a school that would teach students in the way they were wired to learn. Instruction would be multisensory, structured, and informed by the Orton-Gillingham approach. Students would experience creative projects, immersive lessons, meaningful practice, and opportunities to learn through their strengths.
The school began as a Saturday program, expanded into a summer program, and became a full-time day school in 1982.
Stories From Parents
What Our Students & Parents Have To Say
For more than forty years, DePaul families have watched their children rediscover what they are capable of. Here is what a few of them have to say.
Watch DePaul students and parents share their experience in their own words.
“My son was held back in first grade. Since coming to DePaul five years ago, he now has a passion for learning and the drive to achieve. Thank you, DePaul, for laying the foundation for his success.”
Aretha
“Never before has my daughter so readily desired to learn and get her homework done. DePaul has, in a very short time, turned my daughter around and she is enjoying it!”
Alaina
“My daughter’s self esteem has improved 100% since attending DePaul. She is in a safe, nurturing environment.”
Carol
“Words cannot express how this school has changed our daughter’s life. The staff, the kids, are all full of love and extremely supportive of each child’s challenges and needs. I’ve never seen anything like this place.”
Vania
“Our tears of frustration and uncertainty have turned into tears of joy! Our child is now confident and finally realizes that he is the bright, capable son that we saw all along.”
Dawn
“DePaul has been the best school ever for my son. He now feels confident thanks to the good teachers and good leadership.”
Barbara
The School They Envisioned
Teaching Students the Way They Learn
From the beginning, DePaul was designed to provide an educational experience that differs from a traditional classroom.
The school’s founders believed students with dyslexia needed:
- Multisensory instruction using the Orton-Gillingham approach
- Research-based curriculum taught to mastery
- Creative, engaging, and immersive lessons
- Instruction that builds on student strengths
- Direct support for areas of academic difficulty
- A school environment that does not allow students to quietly fall behind
- A more balanced workload without excessive homework
These principles continue to shape the DePaul experience today.
Our Educational Approach
Specialized Support Across Core Academics
DePaul combines research-based curriculum, dedicated educators, small classes, and specialized academic groupings to create a learning environment designed for students with dyslexia.
Students Benefit From
- Orton-Gillingham-informed instruction
- Multisensory teaching techniques
- Small classroom sizes
- Experienced and dedicated teachers
- Academic groupings based on operating levels in reading, language, and mathematics
- Engaging classroom activities and projects
- Instruction designed to build mastery, confidence, and independence
DePaul’s goal is not simply to help students complete schoolwork. It is to give them the skills and strategies they need to succeed in education and eventually pursue meaningful work and participation in their communities.
Who DePaul Serves
Is DePaul the Right Fit?
DePaul serves students in grades 2 through 8 whose primary learning barrier is dyslexia or a related reading-based learning difference.
DePaul may be a strong fit for a student who:
- Has dyslexia, an IEP for reading, or significant difficulty with reading and spelling
- Benefits from structured, multisensory instruction
- Can participate positively in the school community
- Will be entering grades 2 through 8
- Needs a smaller and more supportive academic environment
Every prospective family begins with a campus tour.
Growing With the Needs of the Community
From a Parent-Led Program to DePaul's Broader Mission
The goal of DePaul is to teach children the way they learn so they can succeed in education, and eventually, in fulfilling their life’s work as members of our community. Over the years, DePaul has continued to expand its reach while staying true to the purpose established by its founders.
Today, that mission extends beyond the school through the Florida Dyslexia Literacy Center (FDLC), which brings DePaul’s proven approach to more struggling readers through intensive Orton-Gillingham tutoring and educator training.
The school is accredited by the AISF and the NCPSA, and is accountable to a board of directors and the McKay and the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program.
Recognition
- Association of Independent Schools of Florida
- National Council for Private School Accreditation
- Candid Platinum Nonprofit
The First Step Is a Campus Tour
Students learn best when they are understood, taught in ways that work for them, and given the support they need to build skills and confidence. We’re here to help.
