Overview

Pinnacle School students are given daily opportunities to develop needed skills, and to reinforce these through practice and application. Our faculty members have expertise in multiple subject areas, including specialized and clinically-proven language approaches (like Orton-Gillingham, Kurzweil and others) to help students develop the tools and strategies to learn to read, spell, comprehend text, and write. 

We work to build on the innate talents and interests of our students.  Students progress at the pace that is right for them. For example, they may join a more advanced math class when they are ready to do so. Challenging students in a variety of subject areas and providing a range of experiences allows them the opportunity to develop in all of Gardner’s eight intelligences. 

Pinnacle School first began serving families as the Bloomington dePaul School in 1981. This year, we are proud to celebrate our 32nd year of teaching success. Many Pinnacle graduates go on to higher education and to pursue careers in science, technology, business, the arts, and more.

Memberships and Affiliations  (*indicates school membership)

International Dyslexia Association*; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; National Science Teachers Association; National Council of Teachers of Math; International Reading Association; National Council for the Social Studies; National Art Education Association; National Council of Teachers of English; Indiana Computer Educators; National Association for the Education of Young Children; Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce*

The Core Values of Pinnacle School (adopted April 2006) are to…

• Build from the innate strengths and talents of these bright children
• Recognize that all people learn differently
• Use teaching approaches that help children with dyslexia to succeed
• Individualize learning
• Provide daily opportunities to learn through projects and problem-based learning
• Give students the tools of learning (technology, skills, attitude…)
• Provide appropriate and authentic means of assessment
• Promote self confidence, involvement and pride in school, respect, and an appreciation of diversity
• Support student achievement in academics, cultural activities, decision-making, social skills, lifetime fitness, and leadership
• Engage students in real-life learning experiences in the community
• Work with families to realize goals for student achievement and learning
• Support a caring and dedicated faculty with expertise in their respective specialties
• Celebrate the gifts of dyslexia and similar learning differences
• Recognize our heritage of helping students become successful learners

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Additional Programs

Pinnacle School offers several other enrichment and remediation programs.  Some are available only to students and families enrolled full-time at Pinnacle School; others are open to the community.

Orton-Gillingham, Language, and Writing Tutoring: Individual tutoring is available after school for students who need a more intensive program.  One-on-one tutoring is generally provided twice a week for one hour each time.  Times are arranged and classes take place at school.  There are openings available to students in the community who would benefit from the approach.  Orton-Gillingham is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association.

Math Tutoring: Individual tutoring is also available after school for students who need more direct practice with math concepts, problem solving, applied math, and computation.  One-on-one tutoring is generally provided twice a week for one hour each time.  Times are arranged and classes take place at school.

Homework Help: Pinnacle School students may enroll in our after-school Homework Help program to help them focus, learn basic strategies for being successful in the academic setting, and encourage active learning.  Held from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at school in a small group setting, these sessions are staffed by educators and pre-service interns.

After-School Program: The After-School Program is designed to offer students the opportunity to explore topics of interest in greater depth while developing social skills in a structured setting.  The program runs from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  This year’s schedule includes science exploration, sports, dance, robotics, running club, and more. 

Summer Academy: Visit our Summer Academy page

Dyslexia Screenings: Pinnacle School offers a variety of services to help identify indicators of dyslexia and similar learning differences.  A one-hour basic screening looks at seven areas indicative of dyslexia and similar information processing differences.  We also offer the CMAT (math assessment), CTOPP, GORT, GRST, and other more extensive assessments.  Psychological evaluations are available through referrals to private practitioners.  Contact the school (812-339-8141) for more information.

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