Sonny’s Place is an educational studio dedicated to skill remediation and acceleration for school-age children (ages 5–13). We offer in-person, one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, and math, with lessons tailored to each child’s unique learning profile.
Our targeted, explicit teaching approach is designed to fast-track academic growth. Rooted in a Universal Design for Learning framework, we honor and support the diverse ways children think, learn, and thrive.
Low-tech enrichment at Sonny's Place focuses on hands-on, creative learning experiences that do not rely on technology. These activities are especially effective for children, encouraging tactile exploration, imaginative thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
What is Enrichment?
Enrichment refers to educational experiences that go beyond the standard school curriculum to deepen understanding, spark curiosity, and develop a broad range of skills. It supports academic achievement and enhances a child’s intellectual, creative, social, and emotional growth.
Letters are 'mixed case' meaning interspersed upper and lowercase and confusion as to where letters 'sit' without a writing line.
Letters are on the writing line, evenly spaced, and all lowercase. The student self-corrects to start the 'h' above the 's.'
In-person, 1:1, multi-sensory reading tutoring tailored to your child’s specific literacy goals. 18 sessions, 2-3x per week is expected for prescriptive Orton-Gillingham.
Designed to build foundational skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Ideal for students with dyslexia, learning differences, or those needing a structured path to literacy success.
Are you worried homeschooling is not meeting the needs of your learner? Bi-weekly 1:1 planning throughout the academic year with a dual-certified educator and experienced homeschool parent.
Whatever type of homeschooling family you are, we will prioritize learning and documentation in your homeschooling journey.
Concerned about uneven skills in your homeschooler? You're not alone—most children have both strengths and areas that need extra support. The beauty of homeschooling is that it lets you honor that, rather than forcing a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Once or twice weekly in-person tutoring & asynchronous options to help your child meet or exceed grade-level expectations.
Tutoring sessions are 50 minutes, pre-paid, and range from $65-$125, depending on the goals and specialized instruction. Limited partial scholarships are available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Package discounts and flexible payment plans are available to make tutoring accessible for all families.
Not sure which program is the right fit? Book a free consultation to talk through your priorities - we will build a plan together.
Sonny’s Place, Skills & Enrichment Studio, is the thoughtfully designed vision of Sidney DeMello—a Middletown, Rhode Island native and mom of six, including three school-age children, two teens, and one University of Texas Longhorn. With over 20 years of experience as a special educator and administrator, Sidney has taught in public, private, and international schools across the globe—from Saudi Arabia to Poland, and throughout the United States.
A former HQ Special Needs Program Manager for the Department of the Army Child and Youth Services, Sidney brings deep expertise in social-emotional learning, out-of-school time programming, and academic skill remediation. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching Students with Special Needs from Wheelock College and completed her Orton-Gillingham training at the former Massachusetts General Hospital Reading Disabilities Unit.
Sonny's Place is named for her sunshine, Sonny Thomas.
770 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI, USA
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