Sally L. Smith founded The Lab School of Washington® in 1967 in Washington, DC. Her innovative and rigorous teaching methods emphasize the arts and hands-on experiential learning techniques. Thousands of children with learning disabilities have successfully completed high school and have gone on to college. Smith is Professor in Charge of Special Education: Learning Disabilities at American University and is the author of numerous books. She is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of learning disabilities. The Academy In Manayunk will be modeled after The Lab School of Washington® and our faculty and staff will be trained by Sally Smith.

The founders of the Academy In Manayunk believe that every child should be given the opportunity to receive an education that can provide them with life-long learning opportunities. The future is filled with possibilities when a strong academic foundation is enhanced by a feeling of self-worth and optimism.

It is with deep sadness that we share the following news: Our inspiration and the Founder and Executive Director of The Lab School of Washington, Sally L. Smith, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Sally dedicated her life to successfully teaching children with learning disabilities. It is with profound respect for her numerous accomplishments, her passion to teach children who learn differently and her commitment to excellence that we will continue her legacy of a "lab school" education for our children. Fortunately, Sally and her staff had the foresight to require that the staff at the Academy have the training and passion that Sally felt was crucial for a successful school. Our commitment to Sally is to continue her legacy for years to come at AIM (Sally's Philadelphia School).

The Teacher at the Head of the Class (Washington Post)

Remembrances: Special-Education Innovator Sally Smith (NPR)

Obituary (Washington Post)