We Believe Reading Can Take You Anywhere.
It’s our mission to help your child get there.
Books transport you to another world. They spark imagination, inspire creativity, and create connection.
Reading can open the door to endless possibilities in the real world, too. In fact, it’s the foundation for success in school—and in life.
At the Institute of Reading Development, we know that avid readers are always eager to learn. They grow into strong problem solvers and effective communicators. We also know that parents want nothing more than the best future for their children.
That’s why we go beyond teaching the right reading skills at the right developmental stage. Our programs provide a supportive environment where kids can build their confidence and ultimately a love for reading.
Because when you love to read, you really can go anywhere.
Founded in 1970
As a child, the Institute’s founder, Paul Copperman, was shaped by reading great books. In adulthood, he came to understand that reading is a formative experience that gives us insight into what makes life meaningful.
In 1970, Paul set out to help students build the reading skills they needed to immerse themselves in great books and develop a lifelong love of reading. In that first year, Paul was the sole teacher and taught about 300 students. Since then, the Institute of Reading Development has grown to teach reading skills to over three million students of all ages, from preschool to high school, throughout the United States.
Over the last 53 years, our reason for being has remained constant: to teach students key reading skills and provide great experiences with great books – all in service of inspiring a love of books and reading.
Many children grow up with our programs, from learning about the alphabet and the magic of picture books to mastering advanced reading skills and engaging with great works of literature. We’re proud to be a partner to families as their children develop into successful students and lifelong readers.
Our Team
Behind everything we do is a team of talented, dedicated people who understand the importance of building reading skills to succeed in school, and who believe in the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book.
Academic Partnerships
Over the course of our history, we’ve partnered with more than 200 of the country’s most well-respected colleges and universities.
View Current Partnerships
Explore Our Programs
Learn more about how our reading programs will help your child build both the skills and confidence he or she needs to succeed at reading.
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