Academics at Fortune Academy

Fortune Academy's curriculum includes the core subjects of reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Art, music, drama, and physical education are included as regular curricular offerings. Course content is directly taught in a structured, sequential, and multi-sensory approach. Students are given the gift of time to process information and achieve success.

Lower School 

Fortune Academy's Lower School serves children in 1-8th grade. Our typical class sizes range from 3 to 6 students, which gives our lower school students a feeling of safety and comfort in learning. Our middle school class sizes typically range from 6 to 8 students. Our highly trained staff take advantage of every "teachable moment" and understand that these creative students have great potential to learn if given explicit, multi-sensory, structured, sequential instruction that moves from the concrete to the more abstract. Our curriculum is woven into the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which is the foundation of Fortune. Instruction includes small daily group or individual language classes, math instruction, reading, written expression, grammar, cursive writing, interactive note-taking, SELF, executive functioning time, social studies, science, art, performing arts, and wellness.

Every student receives what they need to be successful. At Fortune, everything from academics to extracurricular activities is designed to build on students' strengths while addressing their remediation needs.

Fortune Academy is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, and the International Dyslexia Association. Fortune Academy is a member of both the Indiana Association of Non-Public Schools (INPEA) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. ( ISACS)

High School

Fortune Academy's High School program offers students with learning differences the opportunity to pursue an AP Honors Diploma, Core 40, or General Diploma. Through direct instruction, multi-sensory learning, and technological supports, students build academic knowledge, executive functioning skills, study skills, and a heightened awareness of how they learn best. Throughout the program, students learn strategies for success that counterbalance their learning challenges.  

How is Fortune High School similar to other high schools? 

• We offer three diploma tracks: Honors Diploma, Core 40 Diploma, and General Diploma.

• We offer dual credit for courses taken through Ivy Tech.

• We offer athletic opportunities.

• We also offer co-curricular programs, events, and activities such as winter dance, prom, clubs, and Student Council.

How is Fortune Academy High School unique for students with learning differences?

Fortune Academy's high school program is based on an in-depth understanding of language-based learning differences. At the heart of the curriculum is the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which provides for a structured, sequential, concrete approach to an abstract framework for learning using multi-sensory techniques. Content-area courses are designed and redesigned with student success in mind. Multi-sensory instruction, executive functioning skills, and study strategies are emphasized throughout. Faculty members receive ongoing training in approaches that maximize student learning potential, and they are committed to providing individualized attention and extra help. Fortune teachers know that students' futures depend on this expertise and dedication.

Fortune Academy High School curriculum meets the needs of the individual student. Students in the Honors and Core 40 program can expect rigorous coursework. College tours, taking ACT/SAT, completing the Common App. are just a few of the expectations for these diploma tracks.

General Diploma track students learn and practice self-advocacy skills as they prepare for life after high school. Field experience and career exploration are offered for these students as requested.

• Partnering with Ivy Tech Community College, Fortune Academy provides learning opportunities for students seeking Honors AP courses or Vocational coursework. Students attend classes on the Ivy Tech Campus located 1 mile from our campus, in Fort Benjamin Harrison. The Ivy Tech Accuplacer Test is administered at Fortune, allowing high school students a relaxed, secure environment for testing purposes.

• Small class sizes (average 8:1) No greater than 10:1.

• Advisory/Mentoring program serves to establish meaningful and supportive relationships between students and faculty and teach students organizational skills.

• Teachers and advisors assist students in recognizing their specific academic needs to develop effective learning strategies.

• American Sign Language is offered to meet Foreign Language requirements.

• Teachers are experienced and skilled in a range of instructional strategies and modifications to meet student needs.

• Student-led conferences provide an opportunity for students to lead, self-advocate, and discuss their learning differences, academic progress, and goals.

• College campus tours, led by High School faculty, give students a glimpse of educational choices after graduation from Fortune. Vincennes University, Butler University, Ball State University, University of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech, and IUPUI are potential campus tour visits.