A School Where Confidence Grows and Community Matters.
When a bright child struggles in school, it is often a sign they need a different approach.
Many students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences are capable, curious, and smart; they simply learn differently. When teaching does not match how their brain works, school can begin to feel frustrating, and confidence often takes a hit.
Stars School & Learning Center is a private nonprofit day school in Weymouth, Massachusetts, serving students in grades 1-8 with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
We offer a structured, supportive environment with small class sizes, evidence-based instruction, and individualized support; all rooted in scientific research and best practices.
Our Approach – What Your Child Can Expect:
- A personalized learning plan based on diagnostic information
- Expert instruction from Orton-Gillingham certified teachers, using state-of-the-art materials and proven methods to address specific learning differences
- Individual academic support to build skills and confidence
- A school community that values belonging, friendships, and a love of learning
Under the leadership of Dr. Renée Heywood, Stars School & Learning Center continues a strong legacy of supporting children with language-based learning differences. Our belief is simple: when students receive the right instruction, they can thrive both academically and emotionally.
In addition to our day school, students may also participate in enrichment, summer, and after-school programs.
Is Stars School the right fit?
This school may be a good fit if your child:
This may not be the right fit if:
Mission & Philosophy
Upcoming Events
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.
Learn more or connect directly: rbransfield@southshorestars.org | 781-331-8505 x461
How Admissions Works
We believe the admissions process begins with a conversation. Families interested in the Stars School & Learning Center are encouraged to start by submitting an inquiry to learn more about our program and determine whether it may be the right fit for their child.
After an initial inquiry, our admissions team will schedule a call with your family to discuss your child’s learning profile, answer questions, and share next steps. If appropriate, families are then invited to complete an application and are provided with any required forms as part of that process.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. Our admissions team is here to guide you, answer questions, and help you determine whether Stars School & Learning Center is the right fit for your child.
News, Press, & Updates
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DESE Approval for Grades K–8 at Stars School & Learning Center
South Shore Stars is proud to announce that the Stars School & Learning Center has received approval from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to serve students…
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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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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…
Contact Us About Stars School & Learning Center
Building the Gift of Literacy
An invitation to make a meaningful difference.
Every child deserves to feel capable, confident, and understood in school. At the Stars School, we meet students where they are and teach them in the way they learn best. When instruction aligns with how a child processes language, everything begins to shift. With specialized teaching, small classrooms, and deeply committed educators, students move from frustration to confidence and from self-doubt to success.
Through Building the Gift of Literacy, we are strengthening and growing a school intentionally designed to support bright students who simply need a different approach.
We invite our community to be part of this journey.
Whether you are a parent, neighbor, business leader, educator, or friend of Stars, your support helps create a place where literacy unlocks confidence and confidence opens doors for a lifetime.
Join us. Make a gift. Share our story. Be part of building a school where every child can read, learn, and thrive.
Together, we can give the gift that changes everything.
Be Part of What Happens Next
To speak to someone personally
Please Contact
Karen Smizer, Star's Director of Philanthropy at 781-340-5109 or email
Thank you to our corporate sponsors