Main Street Business

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Emilie Dyson to discuss the founding of The Reading Barn and how it continues to make an impact in the lives of so many.

I saw the sign at 3625 Route 82 and all the red barns in front of your house. What is The Reading Barn?

The Reading Barn is a comprehensive educational tutoring experience in af relaxed fun-filled environment. It aims to ingrain a love of learning and give young kids a fun, creative experience in a beautiful outdoor setting while enhancing reading, writing, and math skills.

Our summer program is held half days in July and August in seven custom-built barn classrooms for students from three to twelve. Creative arts classes are held outdoors in the pavilion. We have individual approaches for gifted students, those who want to maintain their grade level during the summer, and special needs students. Students work individually or in small groups according to their skill needs. Our team of six certified teachers and three assistants focus on reading, math, writing, creative arts, and music.

Who attends?

Students from all over Dutchess County from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome, and it’s rare that we don’t accept a student. Many students come back year after year and our project-based learning approach means it’s never dull.

How do you apply? How much does it cost?

Students apply online, and then we evaluate each child individually in person while relying on information from their parents and teachers. This helps us determine a custom curriculum for every student. How much time should they spend with the special ed teacher? What is their level of reading and math? How can we challenge them? The fee for each week is $250, and we encourage students to come for the entire five-week program. The minimum is two weeks. This year we start on Tuesday July 8 and end on August 7, but families can select fewer weeks to fit their schedule. Financial assistance is available to those in need.

When did the Reading Barn begin?

This is our fortieth year – I was thirty-four and wanted to be part of a lot of children’s lives. When we moved to the Spring Hill Farm house after my husband Rob’s father passed away, we built this barn facility to house the school. I didn’t want students to look at the buildings and think “Oh my God, I’m in summer school.” 

I created the model for The Reading Barn when I was in graduate school. The methodology was strongly influenced by my own education at a Waldorf school, with its emphasis on exploration and holistic, project-based learning. I want kids to be unafraid of learning.

How do you select teachers?

In the beginning, our teachers were exceptional teachers that I knew from various schools, both public and private, where I had taught. Now, these veteran teachers are being replaced by a new generation of certified teachers who are vetted by our current teachers and are innovative and compassionate. One change is their digital approach to education. 

How has the program changed over the years?

Initially it was a full day, but students need time off, so now we just run from 8:30am until 12:30pm. Program wise, we have remained true to our basics of reading, writing, and math but have evolved to focus on project learning. Each summer has a different fun theme that guides the students’ experience. One year it was The Beatles; another year it was imagination. 

We also demand good behavior. Every morning each student must shake my hand, look me in the eyes, and say “good morning.” We encourage socialization skills, respect, and compassion for others. Our mission remains the same: to instill a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. The Reading Barn has high expectations and demands engagement. We want students to be present, alive, and awake. Every student has to complete a story each week to the best of their ability.

How many kids are there? How do you divide them up?

We aim to have around 35 students in attendance although that can change summer to summer largely based on how many special ed students register since they require more one-on-one attention from teachers. Each summer we have three age groups: preschool to first grade, second and third grade, students completing fourth grade through sixth grade. The children rotate among the classrooms on a set schedule. Our biggest challenge is the wide age span of three to twelve. The program is designed with broad-based interest in mind so we can address the different grade levels.

How do you measure your success?

We measure our success child by child on whether they are prepared to start school in the fall. Each teacher completes individual evaluations every week, and I read them all before preparing a report for the parents. Sometimes, I advise parents about school choice. For example, one child was in a parochial school, and I suggested transferring to a large public school that had teachers who could help him learn. He’s thriving now.

You have had an extensive career in education and won many awards for your service. What are you proudest of?

First, I’m proudest of my own children and grandchildren, and, of course, The Reading Barn. Also, I’m very proud of the Family Partnership Center I founded in Poughkeepsie, which connects families with young children to the joy of books. I also have to mention 50 years of Dyson Racing. This year my husband Rob was inducted into the International Motor Sports Association Hall of Fame. •

To learn more visit thereadingbarn.com.