Before Your Program
- Reading Skills Assessment: A quick assessment ensures your child starts at exactly the right level with perfectly matched materials and instruction.
Since 2002, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Youth Programs has proudly partnered with the Institute of Reading Development, a nationwide leader in reading instruction, to help students of all ages build strong reading skills and a lifelong love of books.
UNC Charlotte Youth Programs is delighted to offer programs that help students become confident and skilled readers. I recommend parents learn more and consider enrolling their children.
Summer: One Season Can Shape Your Child's Reading Future
Summer break is a critical turning point in your child's reading development - it can either accelerate progress or lead to significant setbacks.
The Achievement Gap
Students who don't read over the summer can lose 2 months of reading progress, while those who do can gain 2 months. This creates a 4 month achievement gap by the start of school.
The Snowball Effect
Reading progress compounds. Strong skills build upon themselves each year, while gaps in reading widen year after year. For example, without help, 88% of students who fall behind in 1st grade remain behind in 4th grade.
The Summer Turning Point
The path you choose this summer shapes your child's entire year. Our time-tested program turns potential learning loss into real gains, sending students back to school motivated and ready to excel.
"This program has truly transformed my child's reading skills. He now approaches books with excitement and confidence!"
- Emily L., Mother of 4th Grader
The Reading Advantage Program
Transform your child's summer into a season of reading success with our proven approach.
Research-Based Skills Development
Our research-based approach ensures progress at every stage of reading development.
- Grade-specific skill development at every level
- Science of Reading principles guide early instruction
- Powerful strategies for deeper reading comprehension
Live Classes & Inspiring Instruction
Our outstanding teachers create dynamic learning environments where every student thrives.
- Active participation and discussion
- Guided skills practice and feedback
- Individual attention and support
A Complete Path to Success
Our comprehensive program integrates everything your child needs for reading achievement.
- Reading assessment ensures the right level
- Interactive learning between classes
- Expert guidance throughout the journey
Your Child's Path to Stronger Reading Skills
Pre-K & Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th & 5th Grade
6th-8th Grade
9th-11th Grade
12th Grade & College
Program for 4-Year-Olds and Entering Kindergartners
In this fun and exciting program, your child will learn to read.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Develop strong letter recognition skills
- Build essential beginning phonics abilities
- Learn important sight words
- Discover the joy of reading through wonderful picture books
By the end of the program, your child will be reading simple words and sentences with confidence!
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 1st Graders
In this fun program, your child will learn to read independently. Through great reading experiences in terrific books, children build the skills needed for reading success.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Strengthen essential phonics skills
- Build a strong sight word vocabulary
- Develop key comprehension strategies
- Experience the excitement of reading wonderful books
Your child will return to school ready to tackle first-grade challenges with confidence and enthusiasm!
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 2nd Graders
In this fun program your child will become a confident, enthusiastic reader. Children build strong phonics skills and improve reading fluency and comprehension.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Master advanced phonics and word-attack strategies
- Develop strong reading fluency
- Build key comprehension skills
- Experience the joy of reading terrific books
Your child will return to school in the fall as a stronger, more confident reader, ready to tackle second-grade challenges with enthusiasm.
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 3rd Graders
In this fun program, your child will become a strong, enthusiastic reader. Children master long-word decoding while building fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Master strategies for reading longer, more complex words
- Build strong reading fluency and expression
- Develop comprehension skills
- Build vocabulary skills
- Discover great chapter books
Your child will return to school in the fall as a stronger, more confident reader, ready to tackle third-grade challenges with enthusiasm.
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 4th and 5th Graders
In this exciting program, your child will become a more skilled, confident reader. Children strengthen comprehension strategies while mastering textbook reading and building rich vocabulary.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Strengthen comprehension strategies
- Develop strong textbook and nonfiction reading skills
- Build a rich, academic vocabulary
- Enhance reading fluency
- Experience outstanding children's novels
Your child will return to school in the fall ready to excel in all subjects with confidence and enthusiasm.
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders
In this exciting program, your middle schooler will become a more confident reader and student. Students develop strong reading strategies while mastering essential study skills.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Build reading efficiency
- Master comprehension strategies
- Strengthen textbook and nonfiction reading skills
- Develop a strong academic vocabulary
- Learn powerful study and organization techniques
- Experience engaging novels
Your child will return to school prepared to excel across all subjects with confidence and strong academic skills.
Summer In-person Program $349 + Materials
Program for Entering 9th - 11th Graders
In this exciting program, your high schooler will become a more confident reader and stronger student. Students learn high school reading strategies and powerful study skills.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, your child will:
- Learn to read faster
- Improve comprehension in fiction, nonfiction and textbooks
- Learn study skills like note-taking, time management, and test-taking
- Develop a strong academic vocabulary
- Read two engaging novels from start to finish
Your child will return to school ready to excel in challenging courses adn earn better grades and higher test scores.
Summer In-person Program $349 + MaterialsReading Skills Assessments are not included in the 9th-11th Grade Program
Program for Entering 12th Graders & College Students
This highly effective program prepares students to excel in college-level courses. Students develop the advanced reading and study skills essential for college success.
Under the guidance of an expert instructor, students will:
- Learn to read faster in college-level materials
- Develop advanced comprehension strategies
- Build strong academic and research reading skills
- Learn effective workload management techniques
- Master essential study and organization strategies
Students complete the program ready to tackle college courses with confidence and strong academic skills.
Live Online $279 + MaterialsReading Skills Assessments, Progress Reports, Certificates of Completion, and additional parent resources are not included in the 12th Grade & College Program
How Your Summer Reading Program Works
The roadmap for your child's summer reading success
During Your 5-Week Program
- Weekly Live Classes: Five engaging 75-minute sessions with an expert teacher who guides reading growth through instruction, activities, and discussion.
- Interactive Learning: Three 30-minute sessions each week in our Online Learning Center deliver additional skill-building instruction and reading practice.
- Books & Materials: Carefully selected reading materials support your child's progress and foster a love of reading.
Throughout Your Program
- Personal Teacher Support: Schedule one-on-one teacher appointments or reach our teacher helpline whenever you need guidance.
After Your Program
- Final Report: Receive a detailed report with individual recommendations—perfect for sharing with your child's school teacher.
"My friend asked how my daughter became such a confident reader—the transformation in just 5 weeks was incredible! Now when she faces challenging books, she doesn’t give up—she gets excited to figure them out!"
"I was worried about summer learning loss, but this program did more than prevent backsliding. When school started, her teacher was amazed at how well she was reading. The structured approach and great teaching made all the difference."
"Amazing! The teacher was great and my daughter looked forward to her weekly class. The books were easy to follow along and the teacher made learning sight words fun! Also, the weekly assignments online were fun and engaging. This program definitely helped my daughter entering Kindergarten. She's in the top two on MAP testing!"
"The in-person class was fun and interactive. Students got to know each other and they were very engaged throughout. Our child made noticeable improvements in reading comprehension and vocabulary. I would definitely consider signing up again next summer."
"Grateful we did it! An excellent way to help improve and maintain my kids' reading skills throughout the summer time. They enjoyed it very much. The schedule is really great so you can easily fit it into your other summer activities."
"My son was already a strong reader, but this program took it to another level. I really wanted him to improve on his comprehension, and he did. I'm very impressed with the teacher and the overall instruction."
"Great reading program. Helped my child improve vocabulary and engagement. Instructors are focused on each child's progress and are very engaged with their class. Children engage and participate in discussion. Great program! Recommend it."
"This reading program is very professional and my son loved it. It helped him progress through his love of reading fluently and quickly. He also helped him understand and discuss the message of each book with his classmates. Great!! I would recommend it."
"Teachers are genuinely interested in each student. Although my child enjoyed the books, the classroom and personal experience with the other students and the teacher was the most important."
"Excellent teachers with engaging weekly classes. A wonderful investment for reading over the summer, clear objectives met. Building confidence and fluency for young readers."
"This is a great program! I had a reluctant reader who I expected would resist this every step of the way. Instead he was really engaged and emerged a more motivated, confident and faster reader who feels more confident as he enters middle school. Highly recommend!"
"My daughter absolutely liked the class of reading and learning new vocabulary words. The choices of books selected for the program was excellent. She enjoyed reading them and have learned a lot during the time-frame of the classes. Her reading comprehension is now leveled up with the help of this program."
Our Double Guarantee
Our Scheduling Promise
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If your child needs to miss a class or adjust his or her schedule, we've got you covered at no extra cost. Whether in-person or online, we'll ensure your child's reading journey stays on track with flexible solutions.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We are dedicated to helping your child become a skilled and confident reader. If you're not satisfied that your child is a stronger reader by the end of the program, we'll keep working together until you are fully confident in his or her progress.
Summer Reading Advantage Program
$349
Online Program: $349 + $39 materials & shipping
Includes:
Live Weekly Classes- Interactive Learning Center
- Perfectly Matched Books
- Individual Teacher Support
- Step-by-Step Skill Building
- Small Class Sizes
- Reading Skills Assessment
- Engaging Summer Activities
- Flexible Scheduling Options
- Our Double Guarantee
Don't miss this summer's opportunity. Secure your preferred schedule while spaces are still available.
Call Us-
Inspiring Instruction Dynamic, engaging classes that build skills and confidence. -
Complete Solution Specialized instruction, carefully selected books, and targeted skill-building activities. -
Peace of Mind Our double guarantee ensures your complete satisfaction.
One Summer, A Lifetime of Success
Your child's reading journey this summer creates benefits that compound over time:
Immediate Reading Advantage
From day one, your child will develop the confidence to tackle reading challenges with an "I can do this" attitude. While other students lose ground over the summer, your child can gain a 4+ month advantage in reading progress.
School-Year Success
Strong reading skills will unlock your child's full potential. They'll understand stories more deeply, discover new words with excitement, and read aloud with confidence. As they advance, they'll tackle textbooks effectively, understand complex directions, and master challenging material in every subject.
Lifelong Impact
This is the Reading Advantage at work: stronger skills lead to greater confidence, which fuels reading enjoyment. The more students read, the better they read—creating an upward spiral of success that continues throughout their education.
Questions?
We're an open book.
Let's discuss your child's reading development. Call today to speak with an Institute of Reading Development Program Advisor.
Call 1-800-470-2891