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Stars School & Learning Center

Located in Weymouth, MA, our school will serve children in grades 1-6 with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More!

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Open House – Stars School & Learning Center

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Review our mission, admission process, and how we can support your child’s journey. You can apply directly through this packet.

Discover the Path to Success for Your Child

School Overview

Stars School & Learning Center, located at 163 Libbey Parkway, WeymouthLocated at 163 Libbey Parkway, in Weymouth, MA, the Stars School & Learning Center is a private nonprofit school for children grades 1 – 6 with language-based learning differences, like dyslexia and co-occurring conditions, including ADHD. This first-of-its-kind on Boston’s South Shore day school will offer a unique experience for students with average to above-average intelligence, whose diverse learning styles may not be leveraged by a traditional academic setting.

Under the leadership of Dr. Renée Heywood, CEO and educational leader, we continue to deepen our impact. Dr. Heywood brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, equity, and inclusion—particularly for children with language-based learning differences. Building on the strong foundation established by former CEO Dr. Jennifer Curtis Whipple, she is guiding South Shore Stars into its next chapter of growth and innovation. The launch of the Stars School & Learning Center in 2025—a school designed for children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities—reflects this enduring vision: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Each student will have access to:

  • A comprehensive learning plan that links specific diagnostic information, with specialized instruction, modified curricula and other related services (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy).
  • Assistance using state-of-the-art materials and methods to address specific learning differences by Orton-Gillingham trained and certified teachers and staff.
  • Individualized tutoring to assist students in meeting their individual academic goals.
  • A South Shore School that values building confidence, friendships, and a love of learning.

We believe that students learn best when instruction is direct, sequential, multi-sensory, and addresses individual strengths and differences. Our approach to education is designed to help students reach their full potential. From our curriculum to our class sizes, everything we do is grounded in scientific research and decades of experience and evidence-based methods.

Along with our day-school program, we also offer additional programs for our students, such as enrichment opportunities, summer programs, and after-school activities.

Richard Bransfield

Meet our School Director

Richard Bransfield

Richard Bransfield is a highly respected educator with more than 40 years of service in K–12 public education. He began his career as an elementary and middle school teacher and also coached three varsity high school teams. Rich later moved into school leadership, serving first as an assistant principal for grades 5–8 and then as principal of a K–8 school.
In Weymouth Public Schools, he led both the Talbot School and the Wessagusset School before completing his career as the district’s Executive Director of Elementary Education.
Rich is widely recognized for his expertise in literacy. Throughout his career, he worked to strengthen principals’ and district leaders’ understanding of the Science of Reading and championed the use of research-based, developmentally appropriate instruction. His commitment to ensuring that every child learns to read with confidence has shaped the work of educators across the district and continues to influence his leadership today.

To learn more or connect directly, reach out at rbransfield@southshorestars.org

News, Press, & Updates

Stars School & Learning Center Receives Full Chapter 766 Approval, Expanding Access to Publicly Funded Educational Support

We are thrilled to announce that Stars School & Learning Center has officially received FULL Approval as a Chapter 766 School! This milestone allows us to partner directly with public school…

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Celebrating 50 Years of IDEA: Stars School Proudly Stands With MA Leaders, Educators, and Families

On November 12, 2025, members of our Stars School & Learning Center team joined educators, advocates, and state leaders at the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS) celebration…

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A New Chapter Begins!

The Stars School & Learning Center officially opened its doors on September 4th, welcoming our very first students into a school designed to support bright learners who experience challenges such as dyslexia…

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South Shore Stars Welcomes Anastasia Frank as School Director and Literacy Specialist of Stars School & Learning Center

South Shore Stars is proud to announce the appointment of Anastasia Frank, M.S., CCC-SLP as the first School Director and Literacy Specialist of the newly established Stars School & Learning…

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Stars School & Learning Center Opening in September 2025

For Immediate Release: South Shore Stars is proud to announce the September 2025 opening of the Stars School & Learning Center in Weymouth—an innovative, nonprofit day school designed for students…

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Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors!

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