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Larry King Supports Lake Oswego’s Park Academy Programs for Dyslexic Students

School Founder, Piper Park, had a chance to pose with 81 year old news personality, Larry King. She's an inspiration to many parents and students.

Lake Oswego, June 25th, 2015. Park Academy hosted its first ever benefit featuring a lighthearted talk with Larry King. School Founder, Piper Park, had a chance to pose with 81 year old news personality. The veteran news personality entertained the over 150 guests during an interview conducted by Margie Boulé. The event raised $256,800 for the school. Funds will benefit the Park Academy Scholarship Program, which ensures deserving students are able to receive the instruction they need to help address their dyslexia.

This inaugural event allowed the school an opportunity to share their mission and reflect on the critical need for students with dyslexia to receive an educational experience that meets their unique learning profiles.

The evening consisted of a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, a live auction, then an interview with Ms. Boulé and Mr. King. Being dyslexic herself, Margie shared how she has always seen her dyslexia as a gift rather than a deficit.

Using evidence-based teaching methodologies and individualized instruction, Park Academy serves grades 3-12 and fills a critical void in the traditional education system.

Park Academy, which is located in Lake Oswego, is unique because it provides articulated elementary through high school curriculum specifically designed for students with dyslexia.

Park Academy students are enjoying great success. According to Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, “Dyslexia affects 1 out of 5 people. It crosses racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, and with proper instruction and accommodations, it can be remediated.”

Park Academy serves students with dyslexia and other language learning differences in grades 3-12. Using the Orton Gillingham-based multi-sensory instructional methodology, students develop fundamental academic skills. The Academy offers a low student-to-teacher ratio with a complete range of core academic and enrichment classes, including Theater, Spanish, Visual Arts, Music, Videography, Culinary Arts and Physical Education.

Founded in 2015, Park Academy is located on South Shore Boulevard in Lake Oswego, approximately ten minutes south of downtown Portland. Park Academy is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (AdvancED) and is a designated Subscriber School with Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). These organizations provide both program oversight and professional development resources.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.