The Odyssey School in Lutherville, Maryland, has announced a $5 million matching gift from the family of James F. Knott.

The largest gift in the school’s history will support the expansion and improvement of Odyssey’s facilities to include a dedicated cafeteria, meeting space for professional development and outreach efforts, and additional classroom space. The school serves students with dyslexia and language learning differences. 

“There was a time when children who suffered with dyslexia and other learning afflictions had to quietly endure the associated humiliation, with little chance to reach their full potential. Odyssey has changed this. Built upon understanding the difficulties these children face and through a focused, small group, self-advocacy curriculum, Odyssey awakens the desire to learn, to be the best you can be, in each of its students,” said Odyssey trustee and parent James F. Knott, Jr. “They graduate not just ready, but excited to take on the challenges of higher education and everyday life. Both of my daughters, Olivia and Isabel, are testimonial to Odyssey’s success. The financial gift by the James F. Knott family is made in the abiding belief that Odyssey serves the community in ways other institutions cannot. It is given for the betterment of the students and their families.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Kara Gebhardt)