Institute of Reading Development

The Institute of Reading Development offers live online Summer Reading Programs, a Summer Reading Camp, personalized 1:1 tutoring, monthly reading programs, and year-round tutoring. Families can also use a Reading Diagnostic, a Free Reading Guide, a Reading Reality Check Quiz, and a Free Reading Mastery Guide, along with articles and guides. The program also offers a Refer-a-Friend option, an affiliate program, professional development programs, and school partnerships.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer Reading Programs are available in 4-week and 8-week options, and Summer Reading Camp meets for five days, three hours a day.
• Price: Summer Reading Programs include a 4-week program for $249 and an 8-week bundle for $398; Monthly Reading Programs are $199 per month (cancel anytime); 1:1 Tutoring is $349 per month; the Reading Diagnostic is $49 and credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring; summer programs start at $249.

All Institute of Reading Development programs are live online via Zoom. Summer Reading Camp can be done from home and offers a different curriculum each week, so families can enroll in multiple weeks. Between live classes, students practice 15 minutes a day in the Online Learning Center, and every student reads, speaks, and participates in every session. Summer enrollment bonuses include 4 extra eBooks for Pre-K–5th grade, a personalized reading report, and $50 off fall enrollment.

The Institute of Reading Development offers live online reading programs for Pre-K through 12th grade in small groups of 4–6 students, with groups of just 6 students and class sizes reduced from 18 to 6. Programs focus exclusively on reading and use an integrated system that connects phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical analysis, with weekly progress updates for students. Most families see visible improvement within the first two weeks. The Institute provides a comprehensive reading assessment (Reading Diagnostic) that credits toward the first month of tutoring and offers a Free 22-page Reading Guide for parents.

Programs are taught by expert reading teachers trained in a curriculum developed and refined over 56 years, and the Institute hires fewer than 3% of applicants. The Institute of Reading Development was founded in 1970 and describes its work as 56 years of reading excellence, building skilled, enthusiastic readers since 1970. Its mission states that every student can become a confident, skilled reader with expert instruction, that reading ability is learned, not inherited, and that the right teaching unlocks potential in every student. The leadership team includes Doug Evans (CEO), Josh Kizner (COO), and Paul Copperman (Founder & President Emeritus).

Over 56 years, the Institute has worked with more than 200 partners and served over 3 million families across the United States. It has partnered with 200+ universities across the United States, bringing reading programs to local communities and serving millions of families, and it offers school partnerships and professional development programs. The Institute reports being trusted by 3 million families since 1970, having 1,320+ 5-star reviews, and a 98% recommend rate.

Parent comments include: “Before it was like pulling teeth to read” (Jaci, Parent) and “His confidence has grown exponentially” (Marticia, Parent). Other parents say, “This is just a really great opportunity” (Stephanie, Parent) and “This made a huge difference for our family” (Sarah, Parent). One parent shares, “This program has been a lifesaver for my child's confidence. She can read more fluently and has started to comprehend what she's reading so much better” (Wendy K., Parent of 2nd Grader). Another notes, “My son had major breakthroughs. His overall confidence has grown so much. He went from avoiding books to asking to read before bed” (Rochelle L., Parent of 3rd Grader). A parent of a 5th grader says, “We searched for a program that could help our daughter, and nothing worked until this. This program is absolutely amazing. I will recommend this to everyone” (Matthew R., Parent of 5th Grader). A parent of a 1st grader reports, “She is so excited about learning phonics and being able to recognize more words! The teachers have great energy and make learning fun” (Laura T., Parent of 1st Grader).

Last updated June 26, 2026.