We have collected parents’ most frequently asked questions about our reading programs in one place.

Founded by Paul Copperman in 1970, the Institute of Reading Development has become a nationwide leader in reading instruction. Through its partnerships with numerous colleges and universities, the Institute offers reading programs to help kids succeed in every season of every grade. So far, programs designed and taught by the Institute have helped over three million students build new skills and develop a lifelong love of reading. Learn more about us.

A reading program is an effective and inspiring learning experience for your child! These programs feature wonderful books, classes taught by a teacher who specializes in reading development, interactive lessons that build new reading skills, and lots of personal support and encouragement. Find one for your child.

We offer a full range of program sessions to keep kids reading and learning throughout the year: summer, early fall, late fall, winter, and spring. Enroll in one session, skip a session, or enroll in all of them – whatever meets your family’s needs. Many families choose to re-enroll session after session, to make sure their kids are always on track with skills development.

There are many flexible schedule options for busy families. You’ll always be able to find a program starting soon that works for you. View the latest program schedules.

Every reading program includes weekly classes led by an expert teacher. Between classes, your child will complete reading assignments in the very best, age-appropriate books as well as interactive lessons that build core skills and overall confidence. At the end of each program, you’ll get a personalized progress report and have the option to continue with the next program session available for your child’s grade level.

Our teachers are experts in every stage of reading development. We’re very selective, hiring and training fewer than two teachers out of every 100 applicants. Most have, or are working toward, a graduate degree. Teachers must be dynamic, warm, playful, and direct in their communication style, with a knack for nurturing student participation. Above all, they must have a personal passion for books and reading.

From phonics and sight words for beginning readers to textbook and note-taking skills for young adults and everything in between, our programs teach the grade-specific reading skills students need to feel confident and succeed in school. Your child will learn new skills through a combination of exciting weekly classes led by a knowledgeable teacher and interactive lessons and assignments between classes. Select your child’s grade for more information about specific skills.

Every program features high-quality books filled with timeless stories and relatable characters. We carefully select books for each season of each grade to ensure that they are at the appropriate level of difficulty and interest for our students. Your child will build the right skills and get the necessary support to succeed with reading these great books. The confidence that comes from reading them will also inspire your child to read more for pleasure, even after the program is over. Select your child’s grade to see current books.

Taking a reading program will teach your child the grade-specific reading skills he or she needs to succeed in school and grow into a strong reader who loves great books. Whether your child is struggling to keep up in school, already on track with reading, or exceeding expectations, our program will meet your child where he or she is. Your son or daughter will be appropriately challenged and make progress at every step.

Yes. Families receive $20 off each additional child after enrolling one child in a program. We also offer a significant discount for returning families.

Select your child’s grade for more information about what to expect in the program. When you are ready to sign up, click Enroll Now or call 1-800-470-2891 to speak to a Program Advisor.