Shelton Admission FAQs

Shelton is the largest independent school serving intelligent students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and related language-based disorders. Since 1976, Shelton has been a turning point for students who learn differently, transforming challenges into strengths through evidence-based, multisensory instruction and a supportive, inclusive environment.

Serving students from Early Childhood through 12th grade, Shelton provides a comprehensive educational experience that integrates academics, social-emotional growth and self-advocacy. Students benefit from customized learning in a mainstream environment, a curriculum that builds academic strength and self-confidence, a social skills program spanning all grade levels, division-specific study and organizational strategies, and clubs for every passion including fine arts, music, athletics and STEM.

Shelton’s mission extends through its Evaluation Center, Speech Center and Outreach & Training Center, which shares the Shelton approach with educators and families worldwide.

Shelton has a highly trained team of 298 faculty, specialists and staff dedicated to serving students who learn differently. More than 40 percent hold advanced degrees, including 75 teachers with graduate degrees, and the faculty has an average of 18 years of teaching experience.

Shelton educators receive ongoing professional development in the school’s multisensory teaching methods and best practices for supporting students with learning differences. The staff includes classroom teachers and specialized professionals who collaborate to support students academically, socially and emotionally.

Shelton’s student-teacher ratio is 6:1. Profiles of staff can be viewed at this link.

Shelton serves students from Early Childhood through 12th grade, with developmentally appropriate programs in Lower School, Middle School and Upper School.

Shelton supports students with a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, executive function challenges, and language-based learning differences.

Yes. Many Shelton students are bright, creative, capable learners who need specialized strategies, structure and support to thrive in the classroom.

The first step is to submit an inquiry form or contact the Admissions Office. Families typically then schedule a tour or conversation, share relevant records and complete the admissions steps outlined by the team. Contact Laura Nichols at lnichols@shelton.org or at 972-774-1772, Ext. 2312. 

The admissions process may include a review of student records, teacher feedback, shadow/visit opportunities (as applicable by grade) and any evaluation information needed to determine whether Shelton is the right fit.

Shelton is a strong fit for students who:

• need specialized academic support or language remediation
• benefit from structure and consistent routines
• learn best through multisensory instruction
• want to build confidence and independence as learners

Admissions will partner with you to assess fit based on the whole child.

Shelton is built specifically for students who learn differently. Instruction is structured, multisensory and student-centered — with an emphasis on skill-building, confidence and individualized support.

Shelton provides individualized support and teaching strategies matched to student needs. Class sizes and programming are designed to promote engagement, direct instruction and the development of skills students can use across settings.

Support services vary based on student needs and may include speech-language services, reading therapy, executive functioning support and learning strategies.

The Shelton Evaluation Center, a division of Shelton School, is a non-sectarian, non-profit assessment center providing comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents and adults. Through psychoeducational evaluations and evaluations, the SEC helps families gain a complete picture of how an individual learns and functions.

Evaluations may assess strengths and needs in areas such as:

• cognitive ability
• attention and behavior
• auditory and visual processing
• oral and written language
• fine motor skills
• academic skills
• emotional, social and personality functioning

The Evaluation Center then provides detailed recommendations to support growth and success.

It evaluates individuals with suspected learning differences and related disorders, including dyslexia, ADHD, fine motor impairment, communication/language disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, nonverbal learning disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. More information: link.

Yes. Shelton Scholars offers tutoring support for learning-different students on Saturdays and during the summer, depending on availability and student needs. More information: link.

In some cases, yes. Shelton may be able to accommodate midyear admissions, depending on space availability and fit.

Shelton admissions is based on student fit and space availability. Because Shelton is specialized, the process focuses on whether Shelton can meet a student’s academic and support needs.

Shelton offers tuition assistance and financial aid resources. Families are encouraged to contact Admissions for information about tuition assistance and application timelines. Tuition information is at this link, and tuition assistance information is at this link. Shelton accepts Texas Education Freedom Accounts Funds: link.

Yes, Shelton accepts Texas Education Savings Accounts (TEFA) funds for eligible families as allowed under state guidelines. TEFA is optional, and families should review TEFA requirements and official program rules. More information about Shelton and TEFA is at this link.

Many Shelton students have ADHD and benefit from support for executive function skills such as organization, planning, time management and attention. The Admissions team can help determine whether Shelton’s program is the right fit.

Yes. Shelton graduates attend a wide range of colleges and universities and are equipped with the academic skills, self-advocacy and confidence needed to succeed after Shelton.

Shelton’s Class of 2025 includes 101 seniors who earned 506 college acceptances, went to 54 colleges across 21 states, and were awarded $12.6 million in merit scholarships. Acceptances ranged from Southern Methodist University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Arkansas and Hofstra University to Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Wake Forest University, Carnegie-Mellon and the Savannah College of Art and Design, among many others.

Students also achieved exceptionally strong scores, including one senior with a composite ACT score of 35 and two seniors earning a 36 in ACT Reading, with top ACT Math, Science and English scores of 35.

Shelton is also proud to share that a member of the Class of 2026 has been accepted to Stanford University.

Shelton’s Upper School profile can be viewed at this link. Profiles of Shelton students can be viewed at this link.

Yes. Shelton provides college and career advising in the Upper School, including guidance on accommodations, college research, essay support, applications, course planning, and transitions to postsecondary life. Two staff members are dedicated to the college and career advising department. At Shelton’s annual alumni panel in January, Shelton alumni return to offer advice, experience and tips to Shelton’s Upper School students and parents.

Yes. Shelton graduates thrive in a wide range of careers, including law, medicine, engineering, software engineering, entrepreneurship, research (PhDs), nursing, teaching, digital storytelling, journalism and more.

View Shelton alumni profiles: link.

Yes. Shelton students enjoy a vibrant school community that includes fine arts, athletics, clubs, leadership and school traditions — so students can grow socially and emotionally while building confidence and belonging.

Examples include:

• Fine Arts: theatre productions, band, drumline, choir, visual art, ceramics, film, photography, and dance. More information: link.
   
• Athletics: Charger teams include football, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track & field, cross country, golf, tennis, swimming, cheer, Chargerettes, mascots and school spirit events. More information: link.
   
• Clubs and leadership: Student Council, National Honor Society, Debate, Service Clubs, STEM clubs, Urban Homesteading, Film, Daily News, Hope Squad and other student-led activities
   

Shelton believes students who learn differently deserve the full school experience — friendships, creativity, competition and community.

View more information in the Upper School Course Catalog at this link. Information about Shelton’s facilities can be found at this link.

Interested in Shelton? Watch students, parents and teachers tell their own stories: link. More admission information can be found at this link.