About us
Nurturing a love of learning
Emerson House creates a safe and nurturing environment where
children support each other and find their love of learning
Emerson House Learning: Charlottesville
Emerson House provides individualized support to elementary and middle school-aged children. Using our experience and research based programs, we help students to fill the gaps in the foundations of literacy and mathematics: building confidence and enjoyment in learning with every step.
Emerson House in London was established by two pioneering educators in the UK — Jane Emerson and Dorian Yeo — as a teaching center for children. For more than 25 years, Emerson House programs have remained at the forefront of research and best practice, helping children who need extra support with literacy and mathematics, especially those who are struggling in their existing educational environment because of a Special Educational Need (SEN).
Our teachers are trained specialists with extensive experience in supporting children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder).
Children are taught one-on-one or in pairs for literacy and math, and in small groups for typing. They benefit from the combination of our specialist programs and concentrated extra attention from specialist teachers.
Dr. Paula Bishop-Liebler, Director
Having worked as a Specific Learning Difficulties Tutor, Disability Advisor, Specific Learning Difficulties Consultant, Assessor, and Researcher in the UK for more than 15 years, Paula moved to Virginia with her family in 2016.
Paula began her career in classical music studying at Oxford University (BA Hons) and the Royal Academy of Music (Masters). She became interested in Specific Learning Difficulties during her Masters and subsequently trained as a Dyslexia Tutor and Assessor.
She taught specialist programs in literacy, study skills, and mathematics to students aged five to adult for various organisations (e.g. Dyslexia Teaching Centre in London, the Royal Academy of Music, and Bedford University).
In addition to literacy, Paula developed two specialist areas within Specific Learning Difficulties, that of mathematics and music. She trained in dyscalculia support with Jane Emerson and completed doctoral research at University College London, Institute of Education, exploring connections between music and dyslexia; both the difficulties experienced with musical learning and the possibility that musical training can support literacy development.
Paula is a fantastic teacher, she is a very patient and clear communicator who taught me how to understand Math (a subject that I found incredibly hard at the time). However most importantly, Paula instilled a self-confidence in me which I have carried with me ever since her private sessions. I would not be where I am now (a special needs teacher) without her support.
— Jasmine, previous student, London
Paula taught all three of my children at the Dyslexia Teaching Center. They unanimously agreed over dinner one evening when asked which teacher had changed their lives, that Paula had given them math confidence! Thanks to Paula, my children all went on to further education which they could not have done without passing a Math GCSE exam.
With this recommendation, I have chased Paula across the world and persuaded her to set up a Learning Center in Charlottesville so other children can have the same opportunity and chance I was lucky enough to find for my own children.
— Cathryn, Head of Emerson House, London
A space to think
At Emerson House we not only acknowledge, but embrace, the fact that successful support needs a holistic approach:
- Structured, individualized, research, and experience based programs
- Exceptional, nurturing teachers
- A physical, and virtual, space that is a haven of welcoming calm
We are pleased to have found our physical home in the cozy rooms of 308 E. Market Street, just look for the yellow door!
Letters from students
