May Center for Learning

Programs Overview

Multi-sensory and Structured Literacy(™) teaching methods with an added focus on executive function skills are key to our teaching practices. May School instructors have an in-depth understanding of learning differences and receive continuous training on best teaching practices.

May School Programs Overview

May School is a living laboratory for best practices in the science of learning. Our goal is simple: every May student is seen, understood and empowered.

We draw on a deep understanding of language-based learning differences to provide daily reading intervention and explicit, multisensory, individualized instruction that builds on each student’s strengths.

The change is real. May School students become confident self-advocates who know how they learn best.

Explore our Elementary and Intermediate programs below:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

May Center’s Elementary program celebrates the joys of learning and growing in a nurturing Montessori-based environment specially designed for students with learning differences. Our classrooms are grounded in the Montessori Applied to Children at Risk pedagogical approach. Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR) is a specialized educational framework that adapts the traditional Montessori method to support students with learning and processing differences, neurodivergence, or high-risk factors for academic failure.

Key Elements of the MACAR Approach

  • Structured Individualization: Lessons match a child's exact developmental level rather than a rigid grade-level standard. 

  • Concrete-to-Abstract Learning: Uses physical, manipulative materials to help students grasp abstract concepts. 

  • Sensory and Motor Integration: Focuses on refining gross and fine motor skills and sensory processing, which are cognitive skills directly correlated with self-regulation and academic achievement later in schooling.

  • Order and Predictability: The highly organized, predictable "prepared environment" reduces anxiety and fosters self-regulation.

  • Design for Success: Tasks are sequenced so that children experience continuous small successes, building a positive self-concept and internal motivation. 

All Elementary students engage in the following areas of study:

  • Reading Intervention through the nationally accredited Sequential English Education program (developed by Dr. Charles Shedd and Dr. Joyce Pickering)

  • Oral Language

  • Written Language

  • Practical Life

  • Social-Emotional

  • Sensorial

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Cultural

  • Arts

  • Bodily Movement

  • Executive Functioning Skills

MACAR was developed by Dr. June Shelton and Dr. Joyce Pickering of the Shelton School of Dallas. 

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Intermediate students experience an individualized-strength based pedagogical approach that uses the same principles as MACAR with a focus on preparation for success at the high school of each student’s choice.  An emphasis on reading comprehension, academic language, vocabulary building, executive functioning skills and developing critical thinking skills is present across the curriculum.

Each student participates in daily reading intervention lessons utilizing the Sequential English Education (SEE) program developed by Dr. Charles Shedd and Dr. Joyce Pickering.  This is the same nationally certified curriculum that is taught to educators in our Dyslexia Specialist program.  May Center’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program teaches students to be creative problem-solvers through understanding multiple points of view and design thinking.. Students also receive explicit instruction in social-emotional learning (SEL) with relevant practice in social skills and mindfulness.

Additionally, Intermediate School students participate in a number of special programs throughout the year, including our Winter Ski and Sports Program.  

May School graduates leave prepared to be curious, independent learners with the organizational and planning skills necessary to succeed in the high school of their choice. Our Intermediate School graduates attend:

  • Santa Fe Preparatory School

  • Santa Fe High School

  • New Mexico School for the Arts

  • The MASTERS Program

  • St. Michael’s High School

  • Monte del Sol Charter School

  • Mandela International School

  • Albuquerque Academy

  • Sandia Preparatory School

And more!

Need-based financial aid is available for May School Programs on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Please visit our financial aid page for more information.