50+ YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
The Admissions Process
We understand that choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The Royce School is the Coastal Empire’s leading school dedicated to supporting children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other specific learning differences in reading, writing, and math.
1. Inquire
We’ll begin with a phone conversation to learn more about your child and their educational needs. During this call, we’ll request evaluations and other relevant information to help us understand your child’s unique learning style.
2. Meet and Tour
Next, we’ll schedule an in-person meeting to discuss our program in detail. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the school, and we’ll conduct an informal assessment to better identify your child’s ideal learning environment.
3. Registration and Application
Submit the Enrollment Application along with a $150 non-refundable application fee to move forward in the process.
4. Teacher Recommendations & Evaluations
Our admissions team will review your child’s application, formal evaluations, and teacher recommendations to begin creating a personalized learning plan tailored to their strengths and needs.
A recent psychoeducational evaluation (completed within the last three years) is an essential component of the admission process. Our Admissions Office will carefully review your child’s evaluation and guide you through each step of the process.
Depending on your child’s needs, we may also request additional documentation such as an IEP or 504 Plan, speech-language evaluation, occupational therapy evaluation, or other relevant assessments.
5. Student Visit
Your child will be invited for a shadow day, where they can take part in classroom activities and connect with current students.
6. Admissions Decision
Within two weeks of the visit, a member of our admissions team will contact you with our decision and discuss next steps in the enrollment process.
🎓 IEP vs. 504 Plan: Understanding the Difference
Choosing the right kind of support for your child can feel overwhelming — this quick guide helps you see how IEPs and 504 Plans work, side by side.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Purpose: Provides specialized instruction and individualized services for students whose disabilities affect their learning.
Who Qualifies:
Children diagnosed with one of 13 specific learning or developmental disabilities (such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or speech/language impairments) who need special education support.
What It Includes:
- Individualized goals and tailored instruction
- Services such as speech, occupational, or reading therapy
- Accommodations and modifications to help your child succeed
- Annual progress reviews with a dedicated team
504 Plan
Law: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Purpose: Provides accommodations so students with disabilities can access the general education classroom and curriculum.
Who Qualifies:
Students with a physical or mental impairment (such as ADHD, anxiety, or a medical condition) that substantially limits a major life activity — but who do not require specialized instruction.
What It Includes:
- Classroom supports and testing accommodations
- Preferential seating or flexible scheduling
- Access to assistive technology or note-taking help
- Periodic plan reviews to ensure needs are met
At a Glance
| IEP | 504 Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Law | IDEA | Section 504 |
| Focus | Specialized instruction & services | Equal access & classroom accommodations |
| Eligibility | Disability that requires special education | Disability that impacts access but not instruction |
| Supports | Instruction + accommodations | Accommodations only |
| Review | Annually | As needed |
| Team | Parents, teachers, specialists, admin | Parents, teachers, staff |
💡 In short:
- An IEP provides specialized instruction and services.
- A 504 Plan provides accommodations for access and support.
