Atlanta Speech School

In 1938, a seed of compassion blossomed in Atlanta. The Junior League of Atlanta, led by the visionary Katherine Hamm, recognized a critical need. They saw children struggling to communicate, silenced by deafness, hearing impairments, or speech disorders. Right here, at 3160 Northside Parkway, they planted that seed. It grew into the Atlanta Speech School, a beacon of hope for generations. The Atlanta Speech School is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to the power of language and the transformative impact of literacy. Initially called the Junior League School for Speech Correction, it began as a free school, a radical concept at the time. The school quickly expanded its reach, partnering with Atlanta Public Schools in 1947 to provide the first speech therapy program. Imagine the ripple effect, as these trained professionals brought their expertise to countless classrooms. The Atlanta Speech School’s commitment to innovation is woven into its history. In 1952, it established the first audiology clinic south of Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University. Then, in 1963, the school pioneered the first home training program for infants with hearing impairments in the United States. This groundbreaking program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, demonstrated the school’s commitment to early intervention. Today, the Atlanta Speech School continues to flourish, encompassing four distinct schools, a clinic, and the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy. The Katherine Hamm Center, named after the school’s founder, provides auditory-verbal education for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Wardlaw School offers specialized instruction for elementary-age students with dyslexia. Stepping Stones Preschool supports children with speech and language delays. And the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool provides a mainstream preschool experience. The Atlanta Speech School’s influence extends far beyond its campus. The Rollins Center, with its online platform, Cox Campus, provides free training and resources to educators and families across Georgia and beyond. They are empowering a network of individuals to champion language and literacy. As you stand before the Atlanta Speech School, consider the thousands of lives touched by its programs. Hear the laughter of children discovering their voices, the confident articulation of a student overcoming dyslexia, the joy of a parent connecting with their deaf child. This isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to the power of communication, a place where silence is broken, and potential is unleashed.