Charles Armstrong School: Market Research Report
Background
Mission and Vision
Founded in 1968, Charles Armstrong School is dedicated to unlocking the unique potential of students with dyslexia and related learning differences, thereby changing the trajectory of their lives.
Campus and Facilities
Located in Belmont, California, the school occupies a 4.5-acre campus featuring 29,000 square feet of classroom and specialty program spaces. The campus includes outdoor play areas and creative spaces, and it borders McDougal Park, utilizing its playing fields during school hours.
Student Demographics
- Enrollment: Approximately 240 students in grades 2 through 8.
- Diversity: 40% of students identify as people of color.
- Financial Aid: $2 million in tuition assistance awarded to 30% of families.
Key Strategic Focus
Educational Approach
Charles Armstrong School specializes in educating students with language-based learning differences, primarily dyslexia. The school employs research-informed teaching practices tailored to neurodiverse learners, emphasizing:
- Structured and Systematic Instruction: Lessons are appropriately paced and utilize multi-sensory and multi-modal learning methods.
- Integrated Social-Emotional Learning: Programs are designed to foster self-awareness and advocacy skills among students.
- Specialty Programs: Offerings include athletics, visual and performing arts, music, movement, physical education, library services, design thinking, and a MakerSpace.
Financials and Funding
Revenue and Expenses
- Fiscal Year Ending June 2023:
- Revenue: $14.7 million
- Expenses: $14.9 million
- Net Assets: $17.5 million
Funding Sources
- Program Services: $12.7 million (86.7% of total revenue)
- Contributions: $1.4 million (9.6% of total revenue)
- Investment Income: $353,713 (2.4% of total revenue)
Leadership Team
- Neil Tuch: Head of School
- Sarah Fox: Director of Lower School & Research
- Andy Bryant: Chief Financial Officer (until August 19, 2022)
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The demand for specialized education for students with dyslexia and related learning differences is significant, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Charles Armstrong School addresses this need by offering tailored educational programs.
Competitor Analysis
While Charles Armstrong School is unique in its comprehensive approach, other institutions in the region also serve students with learning differences. However, specific competitor details are not readily available in the provided information.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
The school has implemented programs like System 44, a reading intervention designed to build foundational reading and decoding skills for the most challenged readers. This collaboration has demonstrated significant gains in English Language Arts proficiency among students.
Operational Insights
Faculty and Staff
- Total Faculty and Staff: 74 members
- Student-to-Educator Ratio: 4.5:1
- Specialty Area Teachers: 8
- Instructional Coaches and Learning Specialists: 6
- Counselors: 2
- Next School Placement Coordinators: 2
- Advanced Degrees: 46% of teachers hold advanced degrees
- Average Teaching Experience: 13 years overall; 4.5 years at Armstrong
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Charles Armstrong School aims to continue its mission by:
- Expanding Outreach: Increasing awareness and accessibility for students with dyslexia and related learning differences.
- Enhancing Programs: Continuously updating and improving educational programs to incorporate the latest research and methodologies.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Building collaborations with organizations and experts in the field to provide comprehensive support for students.
Contact Information
- Website: www.charlesarmstrong.org
- Address: 1405 Solana Drive, Belmont, CA 94002-3653
- Phone: (650) 592-7570
- Fax: (650) 591-3114
This report provides a comprehensive overview of Charles Armstrong School, highlighting its mission, strategic focus, financials, leadership, and operational insights.
