The Institute of Reading Development is a nationwide leader in reading skills instruction. Since 1970, the Institute has taught more than two million students in partnership with colleges and universities across the United States. The Institute’s inspired instruction encourages a lifelong love of reading in every student.
Institute of Reading Development (readingprograms.org) has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 100 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Public & Local Services and its reputation is excellent. 88% of reviews are 4 stars or higher and 9% are 1 star; The business has replied to 67% of negative reviews; 3 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-25.
I like how they jump right into things I like how they have structure.
Thank you for highlighting the care we put into our weekly curriculum, Oscar. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
It was a great experience for my son to share his ideas with other children in USA.
We're glad that your son had a such an enriching experience, Gie! - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
My daughter attended this last year for the first time- she didn’t like it at all. I signed her up this year anyways cause she needs to do something to get better with reading. When I signed her up the lady told me I had 10 days till the start date to cancel. When I tried to do so a more than 10 days before the start date they said it was 10 after registration. I know what I heard or I wouldn’t have signed her up knowing she didn’t like it. Now it is taking forever for a manager to call me back. I feel like this is never going to get resolved as the managers are backed up on their phone calls I am told. The phone calls are recorded so there is proof of what that person told me on the phone. Now they need to find that proof, it’s not my fault somebody told me the wrong information. I have who I spoke to and on what date. But there is nothing that can be done. Poor customer service on my second time around. Do not do business with them folks. Beware, if you have any problems - you will not get resolution- I feel scammed. They will drag their feet getting back with you so you will not get a refund that is deserved
We're sorry about the miscommunication regarding our refund policy, Jennifer. We'd like to know if a Customer Service team member was ever able to get ahold of you. Please reach out to us again if your concerns still were not resolved. - Eugenie Borton, Customer Service Manager
We have been participating in this program approximately every other summer since 2020 and have had an amazing experience each time. Although my son was already a good reader the first summer (going into first grade), the program taught him to read fluidly and to absorb the content rather than just read the words. Going into fourth grade, he learned advanced study skills that helped him during the school year as the curriculum began to be more intense. This year is his first attending live classes at the local university. As he heads into middle school, he is looking forward to improving his study skills, learning new ones, and enjoying more sophisticated books that engage him at the appropriate age and reading levels. We recommend this program to everyone.
Thank you so much for your continuing participation in our programs and for your heartfelt recommendation, Sarah! We're so proud to be part of your son's education. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
She loved the engagement with the other students. It was definitely different getting to see how my daughter interact when she is in a class setting. I did notice at the end her attention starting to go. Maybe a bit too long for her age idk.
We're so pleased that you and your daughter enjoyed the first class, Crystle! We hope you have a great rest of the program. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
Bette was nervous about the class but when we picked her up she was so happy and loved the teacher and she said the class was great
We're thrilled to hear that your daughter loved the class and teacher. We hope she learns a lot this summer. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
Before I had a f- now I have A+because of you and this app so thank you so much
What a transformation, Zaydah! We are proud to be part of it. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
What made my experience good is that I really like doing work in school and listen to my teachers
This is great to hear, Jerniyah - we are so glad you're enjoying your Reading Program! - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
What made my experience great was the customer Service .I enrolled my daughter when she was going into kindergarten about three years old, going on 4 I thought that she would love the experience and give her a head start on reading . She did, like the group and the activities but she wouldn’t sit still and she kept leaving the computer . I had a one on one with the teacher after the second class I expressed my concerns and I felt that my daughter wasn’t ready to sit still at that time so the Lady had offered me to join another class when I felt that my daughter was ready which became when she was going into first grade, My daughter didn’t missed a beat & liking the group and the teacher alone with new activities and she was looking forward to her weekly sessions I noticed my daughter doing the activities to win and not learn and I express my concerns and was glad that the keep the activities up so she can work at her own pace.She likes wordy and she (miss bookman from before )which I thought she forgot. It’s a great engaging program my daughter is happy I am happy with the teacher & how she helped & heard my concerns then applying the help the best possible way she could. My daughter will be back for another reading session 🧡💪🏽 T.A. New York
Thank you for sticking with us and giving the program another shot once your daughter was 100% ready, Tyeesha! It sounds like she had so much fun and is on the way to becoming a strong a reader. We are proud that our Customer Service team was so helpful throughout the process, and we look forward to continuing to support your daughter - and you - in future programs. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
The program is very good and all the books 📚 are interesting! Teacher is very gentle and working on the doubts of the classes to make sure they improve the learning and reading 📚 process.
We're pleased to hear that your teacher has taken the time to really build students' confidence! Thanks for your review, Dilene. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
What makes this experince great, I like how attentiveness the instuctor gives each child. I also appreciate how each child is given a chance to express and participate in each session.
Thank you for your kind review, Dayla. We strive to help each and every child in our programs succeed. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
This program is a little on the pricey side; however, it has been worth every penny for our family. My son is in 4th grade. He was already a strong reader but struggled with attention and fluency. HE LOVES THESE READING CLASSES! They choose fun books for the kids. My son looks forward to class each week and loves to read independently. I don't have to force him to do anything. As a parent, I was hesitant to try the online forum when they didn't have any in-person classes during the school year. My son likes the online sessions as much as he does the in-person sessions. The teachers still find ways to make the online session an engaging experience for all of the kids. I like the vocabulary lessons and the other lessons that the kids do between classes. I also like they give you a discount if you book an additional session. We have been very pleased. This will probably be a part of our routine through education.
We are floored by how much your son enjoys our program, Celieboo! We hope that it is boosting his confidence at school and look forward to reading more great books with him in future sessions. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
Based on this family I believe the program is excellent and is helping the kids achieve the knowledge they deserve for a better future.
Thank you for making us part of your kids' education, Matilde! We hope to have them in future programs. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
Although my child enjoyed the books, the classroom and personal experience with the other students and the teacher was the most important.
Thank you, Van! We believe that these great experiences are key for establishing a love of books and reading. Glad that you agree - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
This year is the first time we signed up for the summer reading program, and I am glad that we did! From the moment I called for questions, the lady that I spoke to was so patient with me as I had a lot of questions, to the teacher Collen, who is great and knows how to engage young readers, and to the fun homework that helps to enforce the knowledge, my daughter really enjoyed the class. The only regret we have is that we didn't sign her up sooner.
Thanks for giving the program a try this summer, Janet! We're pleased that you and your daughter felt supported and happy throughout the experience. We hope to see you again next year. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
Best experience with small classroom size and the program truly works and helped improve my child reading fluency and confidence!!
We're thrilled that our summer instruction worked for your child. Thanks for your review, Arianne. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
Great teachers that really kept the kids interested and focused!
We agree, Kaylee, and we're delighted that you had a positive summer experience. - Kate, Customer Care Specialist
Overall, the program is worth attending because my granddaughter is now able to read sight words and develop more confidence as a beginning first grade reader.
We're glad to hear about your granddaughter's progress as a reader, Olivia! Thank you for the kind review. - Tracy, Customer Care Specialist
My experience in the class was great. Everyone was so polite. (From Bonnie)
Thank you for your review, Zheng (and Bonnie)! We hope to have you back in another program. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
We enjoyed meeting with other students who enjoyed reading during the summertime. Our teacher was very knowledgeable and provided positive encouragement to each student. We gained skills that will help in Grade 4. We highly recommend this program!
We're glad that we helped your child get ready for 4th grade, Kathy! We hope that the school year is amazing. - Casey, Customer Care Specialist
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