About
The Institute of Reading Development offers summer reading programs, monthly reading programs, 1:1 tutoring, a summer reading camp, a masterclass for parents, and a range of reading resources such as articles and guides. Families can also use tools like a reading diagnostic, reading evaluation, and a reading reality check quiz. All programs are live online with expert reading teachers in small groups, and some options include one-on-one reading instruction with a dedicated teacher.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: 4-week and 8-week program options, plus a summer reading camp that runs 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 costs $49, is non-refundable, and credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring; summer programs start at $249; monthly programs and tutoring can be cancelled anytime; summer programs have a 100% refund within 72 hours of purchase, then graduated refunds through April 30 (75%) and May (50%)
The Institute of Reading Development has been building skilled, enthusiastic readers since 1970 and focuses exclusively on reading. The organization was founded in Northern California in 1970 by Paul Copperman, a reading education pioneer from UC Berkeley, with a mission to transform reading instruction. Over 56 years, it has partnered with more than 200 institutions, including over 200 universities, and has served over 3 million families across the United States.
Every program is led by an expert reading teacher hired from fewer than 3% of applicants and trained in a curriculum developed and refined over 56 years. In group programs, students join small groups of about 4–6 or 6 students, and every student reads, speaks, and participates in each 50-minute live online session. Between live classes, students practice about 15 minutes a day in the Online Learning Center, and weekly progress updates show what each student is building.
The Institute offers 1:1 tutoring with individualized reading instruction from a dedicated expert teacher, matched to each child’s level and learning style, with weekly sessions and ongoing progress tracking. A $49 comprehensive reading assessment and Reading Diagnostic help identify a child’s strengths and areas for growth and determine the best path, and the diagnostic fee credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring if a family enrolls. The Institute also provides a free 22-page Parent Reading Mastery Guide that covers all 5 stages of reading development, three mastery levels per stage, what to look for at home, and how to advocate for a child, with no cost and no catch.
The Institute of Reading Development reports a 98% recommend rate, more than 3 million families served, over 1,320 5-star reviews, and over 200 university partners. Parent testimonials describe changes such as a child going from avoiding books to asking to read before bed, increased confidence, and excitement about learning phonics and recognizing more words. Leadership includes Doug Evans as CEO, Josh Kizner as COO, and Paul Copperman as Founder and President Emeritus.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: 4-week and 8-week program options, plus a summer reading camp that runs 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 costs $49, is non-refundable, and credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring; summer programs start at $249; monthly programs and tutoring can be cancelled anytime; summer programs have a 100% refund within 72 hours of purchase, then graduated refunds through April 30 (75%) and May (50%)
The Institute of Reading Development has been building skilled, enthusiastic readers since 1970 and focuses exclusively on reading. The organization was founded in Northern California in 1970 by Paul Copperman, a reading education pioneer from UC Berkeley, with a mission to transform reading instruction. Over 56 years, it has partnered with more than 200 institutions, including over 200 universities, and has served over 3 million families across the United States.
Every program is led by an expert reading teacher hired from fewer than 3% of applicants and trained in a curriculum developed and refined over 56 years. In group programs, students join small groups of about 4–6 or 6 students, and every student reads, speaks, and participates in each 50-minute live online session. Between live classes, students practice about 15 minutes a day in the Online Learning Center, and weekly progress updates show what each student is building.
The Institute offers 1:1 tutoring with individualized reading instruction from a dedicated expert teacher, matched to each child’s level and learning style, with weekly sessions and ongoing progress tracking. A $49 comprehensive reading assessment and Reading Diagnostic help identify a child’s strengths and areas for growth and determine the best path, and the diagnostic fee credits toward the first month of 1:1 tutoring if a family enrolls. The Institute also provides a free 22-page Parent Reading Mastery Guide that covers all 5 stages of reading development, three mastery levels per stage, what to look for at home, and how to advocate for a child, with no cost and no catch.
The Institute of Reading Development reports a 98% recommend rate, more than 3 million families served, over 1,320 5-star reviews, and over 200 university partners. Parent testimonials describe changes such as a child going from avoiding books to asking to read before bed, increased confidence, and excitement about learning phonics and recognizing more words. Leadership includes Doug Evans as CEO, Josh Kizner as COO, and Paul Copperman as Founder and President Emeritus.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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