Our Program

Longleaf Academy
Established in 2009 as a non-profit day school for children with specific learning differences, Longleaf Academy became an exclusive resource program in 2016. Using a multi-sensory approach, Longleaf Academy collaborates with area private schools to ensure that children with language-based learning differences receive quality instruction.

Mission Statement

Longleaf Academy
To empower children with dyslexia to become self-sufficient, intrinsic learners who are equipped with the ability to achieve academically, to enable private and charter schools the ability to offer effective remedial services to students who require specialized instruction, and outreach to communities to promote awareness and understanding of dyslexia.

Educational Philosophy

Longleaf Academy
Academic success is not only the responsibility of the student, but also the teacher. Children with learning differences need to learn how to learn. We believe that it is our responsibility to guide the student toward success by using research-based curriculum, individualized instruction that is multi-sensory, scientifically sound, systematic and cumulative.
Resource Collaboration providing Excellence in Academics!

Longleaf Academy

A Few Words About

Longleaf Academy

We are dedicated to the success of our students; the betterment of their future as lifelong learners; and the philosophy that every child will succeed. Longleaf Academy collaborates with private schools in Moore and Cumberland Counties. In all of our programs, instruction is implemented in a 4:1 student teacher ratio and is based upon the student’s present level of performance.

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Orton-Gillingham Approach

Our Approach

Our Collaborative Resource programs use the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach which is based on more than 70 years of  research and practice.  This unique approach helps students develop new neurological pathways by stimulating the visual-auditory-kinesthetic/tactile neurological processes for reading, writing, spelling, and math.

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Watch this video on the struggles of dyslexia and the science behind it.

Call Us 910-315-8978

Do You Have Any Questions?

Longleaf Academy admits qualified students and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the admission of its students. To learn more about dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, visit The International Dyslexia Association.
The International Dyslexia Association
Empowering Your Child To Become Self-Suffcient

Our Teachers

Jill Dejak

Jill Dejak

Founder, Fellow of Record
M.Ed. Reading Education, F/OGA
Orton-Gillingham Fellow of Record
Teacher Training & Instructional Coach

Shannon Townsent

Shannon Townsend

Executive Director
B.S. Early Childhood Education, CE/OGA
Longleaf Academy Instructional Coach

Gretchen Blanton

Gretchen Blanton

Longleaf Academy Orton-Gillingham Teacher
B.A. Early Childhood Education
St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Fayetteville, NC

Gina Hardy

Gina Hardy

Longleaf Academy Orton-Gillingham Teacher
B.S. Business Administration, CE/OGA
Elizabethtown Christian Academy
Elizabethtown, NC

Lauren Hunt

Lauren Hunt

Longleaf Academy Orton-Gillingham Teacher
M.S. Reading Education, CE/OGA
Episcopal Day School
Southern Pines, NC

Jenny Hicks

Jenny Hicks

Longleaf Academy Orton-Gillingham Instructional Coach
Reading Education CE/OGA
Episcopal Day School, Southern Pines, NC
Village Christian Academy, Fayetteville, NC

Candice Disney

Candice Disney

Longleaf Academy Orton-Gillingham Teacher
M.S., Elementary Education
Village Christian Academy
Fayetteville, NC

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