Ben Bronz Academy, a day school in West Hartford for students with learning disabilities in grades 2-12, graduated one of its largest classes ever on June 22.

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On Thursday, June 22, 2017 at West Hartford Town Hall, Ben Bronz Academy graduated one of its largest classes of high school graduates ever with four students receiving high school diplomas.

Founded in 1985 and located in West Hartford, Ben Bronz Academy is a day school for students with learning disabilities in grades 2-12. The graduation, which was not open to the public, celebrated the achievements, perseverance and resilience of Mary Kate Coburn of West Hartford, Ruth-Mariah Crocker of Ellington, Emily Gibbs of North Haven, and Tanzania Stephens of Windham. All four students overcame special educational needs to complete their high school education.

“The Ben Bronz community celebrates the accomplishments of these four amazing young women. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors,” said Head Mediator Michelle Turek.

Each student gave a brief graduation address. In the fall, Coburn will attend Curry College, Gibbs will attend Endicott College, and Stephens will attend Dean College. Crocker was admitted to Landmark College but is deferring enrollment.

Crocker and Gibbs had been enrolled at Ben Bronz Academy for seven years. Coburn and Stephens had been enrolled for two years or less. Generally, students are enrolled only until they have identified and corrected their functional weaknesses and developed strong, spontaneous thinking habits that build self-confidence and foster greater curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

While each student’s needs are unique and addressed individually, Ben Bronz Academy has had success in addressing the educational needs of students with:

• A Specific Learning Disability
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Dysgraphia (writing disability)
• Dyslexia (reading disability)
• Dyscalculia (math disability)
• Executive Function Disorder (EFD)
• High functioning Autism (Like Asperger’s)

Ben Bronz Academy accepts applications for students between the ages of 7 to 18 and is approved by the Commissioner of Connecticut State Department of Education as a Special Education program for learning disabled students. Applications are accepted at any time throughout the year.

Ben Bronz Academy is a day school for students with learning disabilities in grades 2-12. Since 1985, its unified approach has made a lasting difference for hundreds of learning disabled students. Ben Bronz Academy’s goal is to help students identify and correct their functional weaknesses and to develop strong, spontaneous thinking habits that build self-confidence and foster greater curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Ben Bronz Academy has a proven track record of guiding specially challenged students to begin on a successful lifelong learning path. A range of needs are addressed from dyslexia and dysgraphia to Executive Functioning Disorder and ADD/ADHD. Ben Bronz Academy is a full-time State of Connecticut Approved Private Special Education Program. For more information visit www.benbronzacademy.org or call 860-236-5807.