Founded in 1970 by Harriet Royce and other dedicated parents, The Royce School began as Chatham Academy with eight students, providing specialized education for children with learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. After relocating several times and merging with Royce Learning Center in 1995, the school became the only institution in the Coastal Empire dedicated to students with learning differences.
For over five decades, The Royce School has successfully prepared students to transition to traditional schools, colleges, and careers, fulfilling its mission to help every child reach their full potential.
Harriet Royce
1899 – 1986
Harriet Royce was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, around the turn of the 20th century. She earned degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, where she specialized in Gillingham Reading methods, earning a Master of Arts. Married to Frank G. Royce, she dedicated her life to pioneering education for students with learning differences.
Mrs. Royce passed away in 1986 and was laid to rest at Philadelphia Memorial Park, leaving behind a legacy that continues to transform lives today.
1970
Royce Learning Center is Founded
Royce was founded in 1970 by visionary educator Harriet Royce, alongside a dedicated group of professionals and parents who were passionate advocates for individuals with learning disabilities. As recognized leaders in special education, Mrs. Royce and her colleagues understood a powerful truth: education could transform lives—not just for students, but for their families and the entire Savannah community.
1978
Chatham Academy Foundation, Inc is founded
Chatham Academy Foundation, Inc. was established in 1978 by a committed group of parents and concerned citizens who recognized an urgent need: children of average intelligence with specific learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders deserved a full-day instructional program designed specifically for their success.
The school opened with just eight students in the Central Wing of Candler Hospital, made possible by a generous donation from Christ Church. As enrollment grew, Chatham Academy relocated first to the Bull Street Church of Christ, then to Grace United Methodist Church, where it flourished for thirteen years. The school became the only institution in the Coastal Empire specializing in educating students with learning differences
1995
Two Legacies Unite
In the summer of 1995, Chatham Academy merged with Royce Learning Center, bringing together two pioneering organizations committed to excellence in specialized education. To honor the established reputations of both entities, the merged organization retained the Royce name for the center while the school program continued as Chatham Academy.
2020
Chatham Academy Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
The 2020 academic year marked a significant milestone as the school celebrated 50 years of transforming lives. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment had grown to 66 students—a testament to the school’s enduring mission and the community’s trust in its specialized approach.
2025
A New Chapter Begins
In 2025, we proudly launched our rebrand as The Royce School, uniting our programs under one name that honors our founder’s legacy while looking boldly toward the future. Today, we continue the work that Harriet Royce began over five decades ago: empowering students with learning differences to discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve success.
For more than 50 years, we’ve been changing lives – one student at a time.