Institute of Reading Development Programs

Institute of Reading Development Programs offers live online reading programs that include Summer Reading Programs, a five-day Summer Reading Camp, personalized 1:1 tutoring, monthly reading programs, and professional development programs. Families can also access a Reading Diagnostic, Reading Evaluation, Reading Reality Check Quiz, a Masterclass for Parents, a free 22-page Reading Skill Mastery by Stage guide, and various articles and guides. The Summer Reading Camp is described as an immersive reading experience that children can do from home and features a different curriculum each week so families can enroll in multiple weeks.

• Ages: 4–6 years old
• Schedule: Summer Reading Camp runs five days, three hours a day; live online class sessions are 50 minutes, with 4-week and 8-week summer program options
• Price: Summer Reading Programs include a 4-Week Program ($249) and an 8-Week Bundle ($398); Monthly Reading Programs are $199/month (cancel anytime); 1:1 Tutoring is $349/month; a $49 Reading Diagnostic credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring; summer programs start at $249; 100% refund within 72 hours of purchase, with graduated refunds through April 30 (75%) and May (50%) for summer programs; the $49 Reading Diagnostic is non-refundable but credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring; Enroll Now — $249

The Institute of Reading Development states that its programs are taught by expert reading teachers trained in a curriculum developed and refined over 56 years, and that teachers are hired from fewer than 3% of applicants and focus exclusively on reading instruction. The organization describes its approach as an integrated system connecting phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical analysis, with evidence-based reading instruction and an Online Learning Center for 15 minutes of practice a day between live classes. Programs are offered as live online reading programs for Pre-K through 12th grade in small groups of 4–6 students, and the Institute notes that most families see visible improvement within the first two weeks.

The Institute of Reading Development was founded in 1970 and describes its history as 56 Years of Reading Excellence and 56 Years of Building Readers, stating that it has been trusted by over 3 million families since 1970. Its mission statement says that it has been building skilled, enthusiastic readers since 1970, and that after 56 years and over 3 million families, the mission has not changed and the instruction has never been better. The leadership team includes Doug Evans (CEO), Josh Kizner (COO), and Paul Copperman (Founder & President Emeritus).

The Institute reports that it has served over 3 million families, partners with more than 200 universities across the United States, has over 1,320 5-star reviews, and a 98% recommend rate. It also states that it partners with universities to bring reading programs to local communities and offers school partnerships and professional development programs to bring evidence-based reading instruction to schools and organizations.

Parent testimonials include statements 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.” Other parents report that the program has been “a lifesaver” for a child’s confidence and reading fluency and comprehension, that a child went from avoiding books to asking to read before bed, and that it was the first program that worked after trying others. One parent notes that their child is excited about learning phonics and recognizing more words, and that teachers “have great energy and make learning fun.”

Last updated May 11, 2026.