Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to frequently asked questions about our approach, who we serve, services, scheduling, scholarships, resources, and other helpful information below.

  • No. At Alliance, we believe every child is a unique individual with their own strengths, challenges, and potential — and that personalized instruction is the most effective path to real, lasting progress. Many programs hand every child the same scripted lessons regardless of what that child actually needs. Our team has deep knowledge across every area we support — from the science of reading and math to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and beyond — and we use that expertise to build every lesson with intention, grounded in current assessment data and your child's demonstrated needs. Personalized lessons, delivered with fidelity within a science-backed framework, are what make our students successful. Your child is not a worksheet packet. We meet them exactly where they are and build from there. This personalized approach, delivered one-on-one, gives your child the strongest possible foundation for lasting success.

  • It starts with listening and assessing. From there, we design instruction targeted to their specific strengths and gaps, and we adjust as they grow. Because our tutors understand the why behind their instructional decision making, they can respond in the moment to what your child shows us, rather than following a fixed script. The result is instruction that is personalized, responsive, and always guided by evidence-based practice.

  • We use ongoing assessment data to guide instruction and to track growth over time, so decisions are grounded in evidence rather than guesswork. We believe parents deserve to understand how their child is doing in clear, honest terms, and we keep you informed along the way. Our goal is steady, measurable progress that you can see, not vague reassurance.

  • We support students with a range of learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and autism, as well as students who need help with executive function, speech and language, and more. Our services include structured literacy and Orton-Gillingham based reading instruction, multisensory math, writing, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and executive function coaching. If you are not sure whether we are the right fit for your child's needs, reach out and we will talk it through honestly with you.

  • A formal diagnosis is not required for us to begin supporting your child. We start by understanding your child's specific needs and meeting them there. That said, if you are interested in scholarship funding, eligibility requirements vary by program. The Jon Peterson Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship both require a current Evaluation Team Report (ETR). The Autism Education Plan (AEP) requires documented documentation of an Autism diagnosis from a physician. We are always glad to help you understand what is needed for the program you are considering — just reach out and we will walk you through it.

  • We serve students in kindergarten through grade 12 across Ohio.

  • We offer services in-person and virtually across Ohio, depending on what works best for your family. We offer limited in-person services in the Columbus area, and we provide virtual services to families across Ohio. Our virtual instruction is designed to be just as engaging, personalized, and effective as in-person work, so families anywhere in the state can access the same expert, science-backed support. We serve students in kindergarten through grade 12. If you are wondering whether virtual instruction will work for your child, reach out and we will talk honestly about what to expect and the tools we provide to keep your child actively engaged.

  • We accept both the Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships, and we are approved providers for each, so for many families these state funds cover the cost of services. We also welcome private payment for families who do not qualify for a scholarship or who prefer to pay directly. We do not bill insurance. If you are not sure which option fits your situation, reach out and we will help you understand your choices and find the best path forward for your child.

  • Both scholarships are Ohio programs that let families use state education funds, already designated for their child, to access services from approved private providers like Alliance. Here is the general path for each.

    For the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (JPSN):

    • Your child needs a current, finalized ETR from your district of residence.

    • Choose an approved provider (that is us).

    • We help you complete the provider paperwork, and the provider submits the application online through the state portal. Parents do not submit the application themselves.

    • Awards are prorated if they are not approved at the start of the award year, which begins July 1st.

    For the Autism Scholarship:

    • Your child needs an autism identification and a current, finalized ETR from your district of residence.

    • Choose an approved provider.

    • We help you complete and submit the required documentation, which typically includes the IEP, proof of Ohio residency, and the child's birth certificate.

    • Applications are accepted year-round, though processing time can affect the scholarship's effective start date. Please note that awards are prorated if they are not approved at the start of the award year, which begins July 1st.

    For the Autism Education Plan (AEP):

    • Your child must have a documented Autism diagnosis from a physician or psychologist.

    • The documentation must meet the requirements outlined by Ohio Revised Code 3310.41(A)(6)(c), including the provider's signature, contact information, student identification, and a clear statement of diagnosis.

    • Unlike the Autism Scholarship, the AEP does not require a district-issued ETR — a private diagnosis is sufficient to qualify.

    • Awards are prorated if they are not approved at the start of the award year, which begins July 1st.

    • We are happy to help you review your documentation and guide you through the application process

    We are approved providers for both programs and we walk families through the paperwork at every step. Because details and deadlines can change year to year, we always confirm the current requirements with you directly. You can also review the official information at education.ohio.gov.

  • "An Autism Education Plan (AEP) is an Ohio scholarship program that provides funding for educational services for students with a documented Autism diagnosis. Unlike the Autism Scholarship, the AEP does not require a district-issued Evaluation Team Report (ETR) — a private diagnosis is sufficient to qualify.

    To be eligible, families must provide documentation of an Autism diagnosis that meets the requirements outlined by Ohio Revised Code 3310.41(A)(6)(c). The documentation must:

    1. Be dated and signed by the diagnosing doctor or psychologist.

    2. Include the address and telephone number of the diagnosing provider, preferably on official letterhead.

    3. Identify the student by name, address, and date of birth, along with their parent or guardian.

    4. Clearly state the diagnosis.

    Please note that awards are prorated if they are not approved at the start of the award year, which begins July 1st. If you have questions about whether your documentation meets these requirements or would like help getting started, we are happy to walk you through the process.

  • Both scholarships require a current ETR to apply, and the choice of scholarship depends on your child's identified disability category. One key difference: the Autism Scholarship has an alternative path in some cases, while the Jon Peterson Scholarship strictly requires an ETR with no alternative. It is also worth noting that an IEP can be written prior to or after a student application is submitted, so you do not need to wait for one to be in place before moving forward.

    If you are unsure which scholarship applies to your child, we are happy to help you review your documentation and point you in the right direction.

    Both scholarships require a current ETR to apply, and the choice of scholarship depends on your child's identified disability category. One key difference: the Autism Scholarship has an alternative path in some cases, while the Jon Peterson Scholarship strictly requires an ETR with no alternative. It is also worth noting that an IEP can be written prior to or after a student application is submitted, so you do not need to wait for one to be in place before moving forward.

    Award amounts are determined by the state legislature each year and are based on your child's qualifying disability category. Any costs above the scholarship award are the responsibility of the family. One important note: students may not hold more than one state scholarship at a time, regardless of which program they are applying for.

    We are here to help you find the right fit and answer any questions along the way.

  • This is one of the most common questions we get, and the short answer is no, not at the same time. A student who receives a Jon Peterson scholarship or Autism scholarship cannot participate simultaneously in any of the other state scholarship programs. If you are weighing your options, we are happy to help you think through which program best matches your child's needs. We always recommend confirming the current rules, since Ohio's scholarship landscape can change over time.

  • "We do, and we love this question — helping a child understand their own learning profile can be genuinely empowering. We are happy to share age-appropriate books, videos, and tools that explain dyslexia in a way that builds confidence rather than shame, sparks curiosity, and helps children see themselves as capable, creative learners.

    Here are a few of our favorite short videos that explain dyslexia well for people of any age:

    Reach out and we will point you toward additional resources that feel like the right fit for your child.