The Learning Curves is a diagnostic learning center, specializing in learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing disorders and attention. Its mission is to strengthen the cognitive skills necessary for success in learning.

The owner, Sandy Hartzell, is a certified Special Education teacher, specializing in Learning Disabilities. Sandy taught special education in public schools for years before becoming certified in the PACE and Master the Code programs in 2001. She is also a certified provider for Wilson Reading Systems, The Listening Program®, and Learning Ears®. She continues to learn about new programs and methods that help struggling learners. She also recently became a level 1 certified Wilson Reading Systems instructor. Wilson is a premier phonics reading program, based upon Orton-Gillingham principles

Sandy was born in Gettysburg and presently lives at Hundredfold Farm, the first cohousing community in Pennsylvania. See www.hundredfoldfarm.org for more information about the community.

Sandy received her Masters degree in Education from Shippensburg University. Her goal is to help people of all ages overcome learning challenges by developing underlying processing skills, such as processing speed, and executive function skills. Specific tools and techniques are matched to the specific learning issues to address the root causes of a learning disability.

Students of The Learning Curves find that they spend less time on homework. They report that they are able to pay better attention and are more successful in the classroom. The number one comment heard is that students feel more confident in their abilities to do their work independently.

Services are provided in South Central Pennsylvania, not far from the Maryland border. The Learning Curves is located eight miles west of Gettysburg, PA, (near Cashtown, PA), or from Maryland, just north of Emmitsburg.