The Learning Specialists are a team of learning experts who provide support to children with neurodiversity. Our mission is to cultivate confident, skilled, and independent thinkers and learners. We are dedicated to helping children unlock their full potential both at school and in life. The learning specialists create tailored academic plans for students with various learning styles. Our specialists utilize science-based educational programs to help students close their academic gaps, understand how their brains work, and grow into lifelong, independent learners. If you're searching for a learning specialist near me, look no further than our dedicated team.
As a learning expert, I provide comprehensive academic assessments, focusing on reading, writing, and math intervention. I also offer work habits coaching and support in executive functioning. If you're searching for a learning specialist near me, I can assist with IEP and 504 consulting, management, and coaching to help students succeed. Many wonder what does a learning specialist do, and my role is to guide and empower students through tailored support.
We partner with schools to provide high-impact tutoring programs led by our learning experts. If you're looking for a learning specialist near me, contact intakes@TheLearningSpecialist.org to learn more about what does a learning specialist do and how The Learning Specialists can help.

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Racquel Ward and her team for nearly 10 years, both as a parent and as a colleague. I first met her when my daughter was moving into first grade and was struggling with some foundational skills. As soon as my daughter met Racquel, a true learning expert, she began to transform! Within just a few sessions, we could see that Racquel’s teaching strategies, combined with her incredibly warm and encouraging personality, were making a significant difference. My daughter is now a 5th grader and reading at the highest level in her class, and we owe it all to Racquel. Additionally, Racquel supported my son, who is highly gifted, by creating incredibly interesting projects that helped him navigate the transition to at-home learning. As a child psychologist, I have also collaborated with Racquel on several clients, witnessing their self-confidence bloom under her guidance. If you're looking for a learning specialist near me, I can’t recommend her highly enough! She has become a cherished part of our family.
I have been fortunate to work in collaboration with Racquel, a true learning expert who stands apart. Her observational capacity, skill, and deep investment in the children and families she works with are incredibly valuable. As a learning specialist near me, she demonstrates a clear passion for her work and has a strong ability to connect with even the more challenging kids. Racquel goes above and beyond and is an exceptional part of any child’s team, showcasing exactly what a learning specialist does.
Dr. Jennie E. Green, Psy. D. Clinical Psychologist
When I refer a patient to Racquel, I always know that child will make great progress in their academics. As a skilled learning expert, she utilizes various strategies to address children's learning differences effectively. Even more importantly, Racquel knows how to connect with students, making them feel comfortable and excited to work with her. If you're looking for a learning specialist near me, I highly recommend her and the learning specialists she collaborates with. They truly understand what a learning specialist does to foster academic success.
Audrey Griesbach, MD Developmental Pediatrics
Racquel is a true learning expert with an incredible ability to pinpoint a child's exact point of error and determine how to address it effectively. With her extensive background in Special Education, she acts as a learning specialist near me, breaking down complex information so that all students can access it. Racquel also excels at building strong and caring relationships with her students. During my time working with her, many kids would often ask for 'Ms. Ward' not just for extra help, but also to spend time with an adult they trusted and loved. This is what a learning specialist does—providing support and fostering connections.
I coached and supervised Racquel for many years when she taught at Achievement First Endeavor Charter School. As a learning expert, she was an incredibly thoughtful and intelligent special educator. Racquel motivated her students and formed strong relationships with them, embodying what a learning specialist does. She brings a sense of joy and humor to the classroom, and we truly miss her as a teacher at our school! If you're looking for a learning specialist near me, Racquel would be the ideal choice.
Anna R. Special Education Dean
There was more than a little bit of panic when our son was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD. We needed help, and our renowned doctor gave us one recommendation – Racquel Ward, a highly regarded learning expert. Our apprehension rapidly dissipated as our son’s learning needs were quickly identified, allowing him to flourish under Racquel’s singularly innate expertise. From struggling, behind, and frustrated, our son made grade-hopping leaps and is now an engaged, energetic, and confident learner. We are so proud of him and cannot thank Racquel enough. As one of the leading learning specialists near me, Racquel is an extraordinary teacher and is unequivocally recommended.
Jace C., parent
Racquel Ward of The Learning Specialists was THE ANSWER to our daughter's reading and dyslexia challenges. Racquel is a highly gifted expert in her field. Her approach to diagnosing and prescribing a plan of action to help her students is concise and comprehensive. What does a learning specialist do? Racquel's work with our daughter resulted in immediate gains. Her approach can be compared to that of a physician, assessing, evaluating, and quickly developing a plan of highly specific and productive interventions. We'd recommend Racquel to anyone in need of learning interventions for their child. We feel so thankful and lucky that she's in our community!
Amy G., parent
My son has learned how to read, write, and spell under the guidance of Racquel, a dedicated learning expert. She is committed to ensuring my son's academic success and has successfully elevated his reading, writing, and spelling skills from a 1st grade level to a 4th grade level—something the public school system could not achieve. As a responsible and professional learning specialist near me, she brings years of teaching experience and knowledge to the table. I highly recommend Racquel, knowing that anyone who hires her will not be disappointed in her ability to help their child thrive. It's clear what a learning specialist does, and Racquel excels in this role.
Gabrielle S., parent
My family and I were fortunate to have partnered with Racquel Ward, a dedicated learning expert, two years ago when we began our journey with our daughter, who has learning “differences.”
When we first met, we felt completely deflated, and my daughter's struggles had robbed her of her enthusiasm to learn. However, from the very beginning, Racquel, as a knowledgeable learning specialist, created a personalized program tailored specifically for my daughter. She introduced us to limitless environments, and as my daughter's biggest advocate, she believed in her potential, fostering an atmosphere that nurtured both learning and risk-taking. Racquel established an undeniable trust with my daughter, all while making significant academic strides. She instilled a new sense of confidence and independence that we will always be grateful for.
Thanks to Racquel’s expertise, my daughter developed a newfound love for learning—she held space for my daughter's curiosities and fascinations. I can proudly say that we’ve truly moved mountains! We will forever be grateful for being under Racquel’s wings these past few years. She not only helps your child navigate everything academically but also opens the doors to endless opportunities and accomplishments, demonstrating exactly what a learning specialist does.
Anonymous parent,
Daughter started at 8 years old
We first worked with Racquel, a learning expert, for both our son and daughter (6 and 8 at the time). Racquel was the perfect combination of intellectual rigor, playfulness, and empathy, along with sturdy boundaries to help them not just meet their academic requirements, but exceed them. As a learning specialist near me, Racquel helped instill in them a self-confidence in their academics and in finding their own intellectual, creative, and humanistic voices. Our family benefited immensely from her guidance and care, and we've continued to utilize the many resources provided by The Learning Specialists over several years.
Racquel is a truly unique and skilled learning expert, and I highly recommend her to anyone searching for a learning specialist near me. Our daughter has ADHD and other differences, and at the end of her second grade year, she was in real academic trouble. We were introduced to Racquel, and she began working with our daughter twice a week. By the end of the summer, our daughter was back up to speed, and her third grade teacher was very pleased with her progress, which exceeded expectations. Our daughter can be challenging to motivate and work with, but Racquel knows how to stay ahead and get the most out of her. The two have since become friends, and I consider Racquel a part of our family. When my son faced some writing difficulties during the transition to virtual schooling, she was able to turn it around in just a few months. Racquel has been a confidant and a reliable source for me personally in navigating my daughter’s needs and in putting together a learning pod. She truly cares about our children and the families she works with, embodying what does a learning specialist do. Racquel is dedicated, enthusiastic, and a delight to work with. We feel very fortunate to have her in our lives!