Pioneering special education school in Media, PA (founded 1970) serving grades 1-8 with 1:1 laptops and programs for dyslexia and ADHD
Benchmark School is a pioneering special education school in Media, PA, founded in 1970 to support bright children with learning differences. With a co-ed enrollment of 172 students across grades 1–8, the school focuses on empowering students who have yet to reach their full potential. The institution maintains a 1:1 laptop for every student and offers rolling admissions, ensuring accessibility for families seeking a supportive environment where uniqueness is respected.
With 48 teaching staff members and 85% holding advanced degrees, Benchmark provides specialized programs for dyslexia, ADHD, executive function deficits, and language-based learning differences. The curriculum builds self-efficacy, social skills, and motivation while addressing academic weaknesses. Beyond academics, students participate in diverse extracurriculars including sports like soccer and golf, as well as clubs ranging from Chess to Creative Writing, fostering a well-rounded development.
Tuition is $49,400 for grades 1–5 and $51,500 for grades 6–8, covering all fees including laptops, sports, field trips, and lunch. The school is nonsectarian and accepts 39% of students on financial aid. Families can contact Admissions Director Megan Wonderland at (610) 565-3741 or visit benchmarkschool.org for details on summer programs and course listings.
| School Type | Special Education School |
| Year Founded | 1970 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $49,400 |
| Tuition Notes | Grades 1-5: $49,400; Grades 6-8: $51,500 (includes the use of a laptop for each student). Tuition covers all fees, including the individual electronic devices (laptops/iPads), sports, activities, field trips, clubs, books, and lunch. |
| Total Students | 172 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 48 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 85 |
| Average Class Size | 12 |
| Grades Offered | 1-8 |
| Admissions Director | Megan Wonderland |
| Admissions Associate | Jamie Lauth |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 39 |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 26 |
| Sports | Basketball · Cheering · Flag Football · Golf · Soccer |
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · Activities Club · Art Club · Board Games Club · Chess Club · Creative Writers Club · Fort Building Club · Indoor Soccer Club · Lego Club · Nature Club · Puzzle Club · Running Club · Arts and Music Programs: · Chorus Club · Middle School Musical |
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) · Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| School Calendar | www.benchmarkschool.org/calendar |
| Summer Program Details | View Summer Program Details |
| Summer Program Cost | $4,295 |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
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