The Linder Academy is a K-12 school in Old Town Alexandria where students belong to a close-knit community of educators and peers. Through small class sizes, skill-based cohorts, and personalized instruction, students thrive in the classroom and beyond.
What Makes Us Different:
Exceptional Education By Design
Personalized for each learner
There is no "normal" learner, and traditional education often leaves students behind. While Linder started by focusing on interventions for learning disabilities, we quickly saw that the best strategies help all learners.
We nurture each child's unique strengths through tailored learning experiences that adapt to their needs and interests—empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Small, skill-based cohorts
Classes of 5-9 students make personalized learning possible. Skill-based groups in reading and math offer students the right level of challenge in each subject.
Students advance at their own pace, moving between cohorts as needed. Standardized testing and assessments three times a year offer transparency about growth. The result: Linder students average 1.5 years of academic growth in a single year!
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) immerses students in real-world problem-solving. From building catapults to designing earthquake-resistant structures, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
PBL also fosters essential life skills. Through team-based projects, students practice active listening, effective communication, adaptability, and conflict resolution. At the same time, they enhance executive functions by planning, organizing, managing commitments, and staying accountable to their team.
Executive functioning focus
Planning, organizing, and time management are part of daily life at Linder. Students learn to break down assignments, track tasks with visual tools, and set priorities.
In middle and high school, the schedule is designed to build these skills. With study halls, advisory meetings, and independent work periods, students practice managing their time and responsibilities in a supportive environment.
This balance of structure and freedom helps students grow into confident, capable, and self-directed learners.
Orton-Gillingham (OG)
All of Linder’s elementary educators are certified in OG at an intermediate level or higher. This multi-sensory method accelerates literacy growth, and Linder students improve their reading, writing, and spelling skills at a much faster rate than those in public (or private!) schools.
While particularly effective for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and language processing disorders, OG benefits all young readers by breaking language into parts and reinforcing learning through sight, sound, and touch.
Big on innovation,
not on screens
As education is more and more dominated by screens, studies show this hinders deep learning—especially for children with learning challenges like ADHD.
At Linder, students explore ideas through hands-on projects, physical books, handwriting, discussion and debate—igniting their curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking.
Inspired educators
Our passionate educators ignite curiosity and nurture every student’s potential with innovative, engaging instruction tailored to their needs.
Unlike other schools where teachers are stretched thin, Linder offers more training and resources than any other school in the DC area—public or private. With 1.5 hours of built-in planning time each day, and a max of 9 students per class, our educators have the space to collaborate, refine their craft, and focus on what matters most: helping students succeed.
Academic rigor, scaffolded support
Students are challenged with rigorous curriculum, and supported every step of the way. From Kindergarten though senior year, small class sizes, one-on-one check-ins, and responsive teachers create a culture of high expectations with the right level of support.
For example, the daily high school schedule mirrors college—with semester-long courses, built-in study blocks, independent work time, and flexible scheduling—giving students real opportunities to practice time management, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility.
What impact could Linder have on your family?
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Confident and engaged
Our son is very bright but was struggling in school. His self-confidence was suffering and he was getting increasingly frustrated and disenchanted. With Linder's help, we have been able to pinpoint why he was struggling, where his strengths are, and formulate a plan to both challenge and support him. Our son is happier and is more engaged. As parents, we are so appreciative of the Linder team. Their candor and no-nonsense approach is very refreshing. It is abundantly clear that their primary concern is what is best for our son.
— Parent of 7th grader -
We see that spark again
Our daughter always felt lost in the shuffle at her old school. The one-size-fits-all approach just didn’t work for her. At Linder, everything changed. Cohorts placed her at the right level for math and reading, small classes give her the one-on-one attention she needs, and her teachers genuinely know her strengths, challenges, and how she learns best. She loves going to school (I mean, how many parents can genuinely say that?). For the first time, she feels successful—and we see that spark in her eyes again. It’s a transformation we never imagined could happen, and we’re endlessly grateful.
— Parent of 5th grader -
Feels like he belongs
Our child doesn’t always pick up on social cues or know how to connect with other kids. But the way Linder incorporates social-emotional learning into every part of the day has been life-changing for him, and for us. They didn’t just teach him what to say—they showed him how to notice when a friend was upset, how to share his feelings, and even how to take turns in conversations. Now, he’s coming home excited to tell us about recess and who he played with. It’s been incredible to watch him grow into a confident, caring kid who feels like he belongs. Seeing him so happy and connected is everything we hoped for.
— Parent of 2nd grader -
Learning life skills
Linder’s focus on executive functioning skills has been a game changer for our child. Not only is he more organized, but he’s also learning how to manage his time and responsibilities in a way that sets him up for success in high school. These skills are invaluable and have made such a difference in his day-to-day life (and ours!)
— Parent of 8th grader
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Serious about academics
Don’t let the “no homework” rule fool you. As parents of a 2e child, we were searching for a school that could challenge our daughter academically while supporting her unique needs in other areas. Linder has been that perfect balance—offering very rigorous academics that push her to excel, while providing a nurturing environment with caring and understanding educators. She’s actively building the skills she needs to manage her anxiety and navigate social settings. For the first time, she feels confident and proud in her strengths and growth areas.
— Parent of 7th grader -
Partnership with parents
We are finally partners in our daughter’s education. It’s a huge relief to feel understood and supported by a team of experts when your child has learning differences. From day one, the school has been transparent about her progress and challenges. They involve us in regular discussions about her learning path and make sure everyone is aligned on what’s best for her. Linder teachers don’t just send updates—they ask for our input and genuinely value our insights as parents. Whether it’s a meeting to adjust her goals or a quick note to celebrate a breakthrough, we feel like true partners in her education. It’s a level of involvement and care we haven’t experienced anywhere else.
— Parent of 4th grader
Is Linder right for your child?
Please complete our Admission Inquiry Form to begin the process. Together, we will explore how Linder’s personalized approach can support your child’s unique needs.
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