Mission, Values, & History
Our Mission
The Fletcher School empowers students with learning differences to achieve bright futures by offering an individualized, multisensory, college preparatory curriculum that prepares them to reach their full potential.
Through The Rankin Institute, The Fletcher School increases understanding and improves programs relating to learning disabilities by providing training, information, and services to parents, teachers, and other professionals in the community.
Core Values
The Fletcher School empowers each community member to reach their full potential by adhering to these core values:
I Take Personal Responsibility
for my actions and intentions.
I Commit
to learn and grow.
I Accept
myself and other community members.
Together, we unlock extraordinary futures one student at a time.
History
The Fletcher School opened its doors for the first time in August 1982. It was the culmination of a dream and the result of untiring efforts by a group of parents, including Mac Fletcher, who were frustrated by the lack of educational options for their children with learning disabilities. The original Board of Directors rented space at Providence Baptist Church, and the school began with a principal, a teacher, six students, and high hopes. In 1984, The Fletcher School, having outgrown the Providence Baptist Church space, moved to larger quarters at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. In the fall of 1993, the School moved back "home" to expanded facilities at Providence Baptist Church to accommodate the seventy five students then attending the program.
In 1995, Margaret Sigmon, M.Ed., was hired as Head of School. She brought with her a vision of a comprehensive program on a private campus. Eight years later, in the fall of 2003, The Fletcher School opened its facility on Sardis Road and added kindergarten and twelfth grade classes.
Today, the School serves nearly 300 students in grades K-12 with a faculty and staff of more than 90. The after-school program has expanded to include many clubs and activities, and the athletic program supports seven competitive sports. Led by Head of School Dr. Tara Terry, the School stays committed to nurturing a joyful educational environment that empowers students and transforms lives.
Recognizing that The Fletcher School cannot serve every child in the community with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders, The Rankin Institute began operating in 2004 as an outreach program to provide education and resources to teachers, professionals, and parents beyond those directly involved with the academic programs at Fletcher. By educating community members, the number of struggling children who can be helped is increased exponentially.
