Institute of Reading Development – Reading Programs and 1:1 Tutoring

Institute of Reading Development (online programs), 5 Commercial Boulevard, Novato, CA 94949

mapInstitute of Reading Development (online programs), 5 Commercial Boulevard, Novato, CA 94949

About

Institute of Reading Development – Reading Programs and 1:1 Tutoring offers live online reading programs, including summer reading programs, school-year reading programs, monthly reading programs, and a summer reading camp. The program also offers personalized 1:1 tutoring, a reading diagnostic, online lessons, and reading instruction in phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical analysis. Families can also use the Skilled Readers System, the Skilled Readers Library, and a free Reading Guide.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer Reading Programs include a 4-week program and an 8-week bundle; Summer Reading Camp runs five days, three hours a day; live online classes are 50 minutes, and students practice 15 minutes a day in the Online Learning Center between live classes
• Price: $25 Off for the next 250 students with code READMORE25. Summer Reading Programs include a 4-Week Program ($249) and an 8-Week Bundle ($398). School-year programs start at $199 / 4 weeks. Monthly Reading Programs are $199/month (cancel anytime). 1:1 Tutoring is $349/month. The Skilled Readers System is $174 / quarter. The Skilled Readers Library is $87 / quarter. The $49 Reading Diagnostic is non-refundable but credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring if the family enrolls. Enroll Now — $249 is stated for programs.

All Institute of Reading Development programs are live online via Zoom in small groups of 4–6 students, with some references to groups of just 6 students. Sessions are 50 minutes, interactive, structured, and include online lessons. Summer reading camp is an immersive reading experience five days, three hours a day, with different curriculum each week so families can enroll in multiple weeks.

Programs are led by expert reading teachers trained in a curriculum refined over 56 years, and the Institute hires fewer than 3% of applicants. Teachers focus exclusively on reading instruction, provide immediate, actionable feedback every session, and adjust their approach in real time based on what each child needs. Every program is led by an expert reading teacher, and most families see visible improvement within the first two weeks.

The Institute of Reading Development has been building skilled, enthusiastic readers since 1970 and describes its mission as transforming reading instruction, based on the belief that reading ability is learned, not inherited, and that expert instruction can unlock potential in every student. It was founded in 1970 by Paul Copperman in Northern California and reports 56 years of reading excellence. The leadership team includes Doug Evans (CEO), Josh Kizner (COO), and Paul Copperman (Founder & President Emeritus).

The Institute reports that it has been trusted by over 3 million families since 1970, with 3M+ families served, 1,320+ 5-star reviews, over 200 university partners, and a 98% recommend rate. It has worked with more than 200 partners and over 200 university partners across the United States, bringing reading programs to local communities, serving millions of families, and offering school partnerships and professional development programs.

The Skilled Readers System includes twelve original printed books plus guided online lessons, with a new book and a week of instruction every Saturday. The Skilled Readers Library includes twelve original printed books matched to the child's level. For Pre-K through 5th grade, the quarterly school-year plan includes twelve printed books. The program uses an integrated system that connects foundational skills like phonics and fluency with higher-level comprehension, vocabulary, and critical analysis.

Summer and school-year group programs serve children from Pre-K through 8th grade, and for high school students in 9th–12th grade, the Institute offers 1:1 tutoring with a dedicated reading teacher. Every enrollment includes a 14-Day Test Drive with a full refund within 14 days if it is not the right fit. A free 22-page Reading Guide, “Reading Skill Mastery by Stage,” is available, along with a free Reading Mastery Guide.

Parent testimonials include comments such as “Before it was like pulling teeth to read,” “His confidence has grown exponentially,” “This is just a really great opportunity,” and “This made a huge difference for our family.” One parent of a 2nd grader, Wendy K., states that the program has been “a lifesaver” for her child's confidence and reading fluency and comprehension. Another parent, Rochelle L., parent of a 3rd grader, reports “major breakthroughs” and that her child went from avoiding books to asking to read before bed. Matthew R., parent of a 5th grader, says that after searching for a program that could help their daughter, “nothing worked until this” and that he will recommend it to everyone. Laura T., parent of a 1st grader, notes that her child is excited about learning phonics and recognizing more words, and that the teachers have great energy and make learning fun.

Last updated August 10, 2026.

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