Medical research indicates that between five and eight percent of children have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), suggesting there are more than 35,000 children in Maricopa County (AZ) with this disorder. Most of these children struggle with focusing while in the classroom. Another five to ten percent of children learn differently because of dyslexia or other learning challenges. Yet, there are few schools dedicated to providing a highly academic program in a small, nurturing environment where teachers are trained to deal with the unique strengths and challenges of children who learn differently. That may change soon as private school owner American Education Group (AEG) prepares to meet with local developmental pediatricians, school psychologists and guidance counselors, as well as parents of children with ADHD and other learning differences, to discuss the potential opening of a new K - 8th-grade private school in the Phoenix area.

The prospective school, Lexis Preparatory School (www.lexisprep.com), would serve students throughout Phoenix and would be modeled after the highly respected Tampa Day School (www.tampadayschool.com) in Florida. Founded in 1969 and acquired by American Education Group in 2007, Tampa Day School specializes in college-prep educational programs for children with learning differences who have exhibited average to above average cognitive abilities. Tampa Day School has established a strong reputation for delivering high quality, individualized education for students who thrive in smaller class environments. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Walt Karniski and Head of School Lois Delaney, the school has been widely recognized for its high academic standards and student achievement.

"I believe that there is a pressing need for alternative educational opportunities in the Phoenix area for average and above average students who are struggling in their current placements due to challenges with learning differences resulting from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders and other developmental difficulties,€ states Christopher Nicholls, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Nicholls Group in Scottsdale (www.drchrisnicholls.com). €Many of these children are not being given the individualized help that they need to overcome their difficulties, and the resources which are available are overloaded. These students typically need a small class size, a carefully tailored and regularly updated approach to instruction, and the support of well-trained specialists in the areas of speech and occupational therapy.