Kathy Hunt, Co-Founder of Abington's Center School, Steps Down After 27 Years: Her Vision Helped Create Award-Winning School for Students With Learning Differences

ABINGTON, Pa., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kathy Hunt, co-founder of Center School, has announced plans to step down after an almost three decade tenure with the Abington-based school, formed over 27 years ago for students with learning disabilities ranging from dyslexia and dysgraphia to ADHD, auditory processing issues, and other language-based processing issues.

"Without Kathy's vision and determination, there would not be a Center School today," said co-founder and Board president Susan Floyd, who together with Hunt founded the school in 1989.  "We knew there was a void when it came to schools for children with reading and other learning problems.  Together, as parents of children who needed such a school, we built it and, as they say, 'they came.'"

Since 1989, Center School has graduated hundreds of students who have gone on to success in both public and private high schools and every kind of college, university, or specialty school.  For students struggling in school or those diagnosed with a learning disability, Center School has often been described as a "godsend." 

"Long before it stopped being taboo to talk about learning differences, my own child was struggling and there needed to be an option when we knew a public school system couldn't meet his needs," said Hunt.  "It was a dream to help create this amazing school and now, after 27 years, my dream has been fulfilled and I look forward to my next adventure."

Hunt's keen business sense was instrumental in procuring initial funding for the formation of Center School and for finding it a permanent home.  After years of serving as the CFO for the school, and in many other capacities without a "title," the Board will now look to add a business manager in the next fiscal year.

Hunt, of Horsham, won the Visionary Service Award from the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools in 2011 and in 2010 received the Janet L. Hoopes Award from the PA Branch of the International Dyslexia Association for her distinguished contribution to the field of learning disabilities. 

Center School serves students with learning difficulties in grades one through eight. Instructional teams foster each child's optimal development by tailoring instruction to student learning profiles. Teachers employ a diagnostic approach to help students choose appropriate learning strategies and to become empowered as self-advocates. 

SOURCE Center School