Sponsor of the Month

Fortune Academy

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF TRANSFORMING LIVES

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Fortune Academy, which has been transforming the lives of students with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, as well as those with ADHD. According to research from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, nearly 1 in 5 students is affected by dyslexia, 1 in 30 have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, and over 40% of students with language-based learning differences are improperly placed in special needs programs that aren’t addressing their needs. Fortune Academy is home to these students. They deserve an education that directly meets their specific learning needs and makes sense to them. We are here to provide it.

Our “Fortune Family” started with a small group of visionaries around a kitchen table. These founding members were united in their conviction to provide an emotionally safe learning environment where students were met where they are, understood for what they could be, and given the help they need to succeed. These core values still guide us today.

Located at historic Fort Benjamin Harrison, Fortune Academy is currently the only school in Indiana with a fully immersive learning environment based on the Orton-Gillingham Approach. The Orton- Gillingham Approach has been well researched and is known in classrooms for its individualized structured learning. This dynamic, multi-sensory, and personal approach is used daily in Fortune classrooms and allows the flexibility to meet complex student needs.

“Our students come to us with average to above-average intelligence; they just learn differently than their peers,” said Vanesa Coles, Head of School at Fortune Academy. “For 20 years, Fortune Academy has been providing this transformative education. The mission of Fortune Academy is to be a comprehensive school dedicated to equipping our students with [the skills] to become competent and confident lifelong learners. Fortune is designed to provide an environment that nurtures each child’s development, builds upon their strengths, and offers remediation in areas of weakness.”

The 6:1 student to teacher ratio is critical for the academic intervention programs our students require to find success. However, tuition alone does not cover the cost of a Fortune Academy education. Each year, Fortune Academy hosts a fundraising gala. The revenue from this celebration enables us to keep tuition costs low while addressing needs, balancing the budget, and living the mission of transforming the lives of the students we serve.

Staci Koehler, event and fundraising manager, has been leading this event. “After two years of online virtual events, we are incredibly excited to come together in person with our Fortune Family of supporters on Saturday, May 14 at 6 PM,” said Koehler. “This adult-only event will include cocktails, plated dinner, entertainment by GrooveSmash, raffles, wine pull, and a live and silent auction.”

The Gala is Fortune’s largest fundraising event of the year, “It is an annual celebration of our students, teachers, and community of supporters. All proceeds raised from this event go directly to our students and teachers by supporting tuition assistance, specialized programming, performing arts, athletics, and community outreach.” Koehler said.

The celebration event will be held at Embassy Suites in Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center Dr. South, Noblesville, IN 46060. If you are interested in attending the Gala, you can do so by visiting the Fortune Academy website at www.thefortuneacademy.org/annual-celebration-gala

Become a sponsor, buy raffle tickets, and bid on our auction items (you can do this without attending!). https://celebration20.ticket.qtego.net/tickets/list

Fortune Academy can only give this level of specialized education because of supporters like you. Your generosity allows us to continue to empower the 1 in 5 students to thrive in our community for generations to come.

Admissions information: www.thefortuneacademy.org 5626 Lawton Loop E Drive, Indianapolis, IN Phone Number | Fax Number

Media Inquiries: Lydia Chastain 317-474-7588 Lchastain@thefortuneacademy.org

Fortune Academy is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. If you are interested in donating to Fortune Academy to help support students with learning differences, please click here.