Personalized Tutoring For Your Child in the Upper East Side Built on a Proven Phonics-Reading Program
Founded in 2013
98% Success Rate
Trusted By Thousands of Families Whose Children Have Become Confident Readers
Personalized one-on-one tutoring and instructional materials based on The Alexander Reading Method help young learners develop strong literacy and comprehension skills. A lot of families in the Upper East Side start their kids early to get them a strong reading foundation before learning difficulties come into play. Using a structured phonics-based approach, the program serves students from first reading experiences through second grade and beyond, building the confidence and skills needed for long-term academic success.
Our Curriculum
Our Reading In PreSchool tutoring program is designed to support children in becoming confident, capable readers through one-on-one instruction that takes into account each student’s individual learning style and academic needs. All lessons are designed to encourage active participation, develop basic literacy skills and make steady progress. The Alexander Reading Method is the basis of our curriculum.
The Alexander Reading Method is a systematic, phonics based reading program that introduces the key concepts of literacy including letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sound blending, decoding, spelling, writing and reading comprehension skills. Proven instructional techniques are combined with fun, play-based activities to create an enjoyable learning experience and build a strong foundation for lifelong reading success.
Students begin the program with a complete reading assessment to determine present skill levels and the most appropriate starting place in the curriculum. All lessons follow the Alexander Reading Method, but our experienced tutors continually adapt instruction based on a child’s progress, individual strengths and classroom learning goals so children get the personalized support they need throughout their reading journey.
How is this Different From a Traditional Phonics Reading Program in the Upper East Side?
Most parents in the Upper East Side start to look for a phonics-based reading program, but The Alexander Reading Method provides so much more than your typical phonics instruction. The curriculum is built to foster basic literacy skills and promote reading comprehension, memory development and long-term learning success. The program teaches students to see phonetic patterns and understand letter and spelling relationships rather than just teaching kids to sound out words. It gives students the skills to read accurately, fluently and with more confidence.
What To Expect
A structured reading program can help children ages 2.5 to 8 build strong literacy skills through personalized instruction and consistent practice. Program features may include:
An initial reading assessment to identify current abilities and determine the most appropriate starting point for instruction
Individualized lesson plans designed around each child's learning style, pace, strengths, and academic objectives
Two instructional sessions each week to encourage steady progress and reinforce newly learned concepts
Interactive, play-based activities that make reading enjoyable while supporting skill development
A systematic phonics curriculum that teaches letter recognition, phonemic awareness, blending, decoding, spelling, and foundational reading skills
Flexible instruction that can be adjusted to complement classroom learning and support school curriculum goals
Positive encouragement that builds confidence, independence, and a lifelong interest in reading
One-on-one, in-person tutoring that promotes focus, participation, and meaningful student engagement
Online tutoring options that provide added convenience for families with busy schedules
Ongoing review and reinforcement of previously learned skills to encourage lasting reading success and continuous academic growth
Why Choose Reading In PreSchool
Early Support
Early reading instruction gives kids vital literacy skills before they get into academic trouble. Early intervention provides structured guidance in a positive learning environment that helps young learners build foundational reading skills while building confidence along the way.
A Joyful, Phonics-Based Approach
Our Curriculum is based on The Alexander Reading Method, a systematic phonics method that teaches the essential skills of reading and writing. Children learn letter recognition, phonemic awareness, blending, decoding, spelling and other basic literacy concepts through fun, hands-on activities in a fun and supportive environment.
Lessons Built Around Your Child
Each child begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine present reading abilities and learning requirements. The results enable us to create personalized lessons tailored to each student’s pace, strengths and educational goals. As children move on, teaching can be adapted to consolidate learning in the classroom and to provide extra support where needed.
In-Person Learning Comes First
Direct interaction facilitates greater focus, active participation and instant feedback, and one-on-one face-to-face instruction remains an important element of our program. This personalized learning environment keeps children engaged while developing reading skills through consistent support and encouragement.
A Strong Foundation With Confidence at the Center
Teaching literacy skills is important, but developing confident readers is just as important. Our program combines structured instruction with positive reinforcement so that children begin to believe in themselves, become more independent learners, and continue to make steady progress as their reading skills develop.
Client Reviews:
Our 5yrs & 3yrs old are making great progress and we are looking forward to continuing our lessons for both kids
UES family
March 26th 2026
It has been really wonderful to see our 6yr old progress over the last few weeks!
UES Family
March 26th 2026
Our 4yr old is absolutely thriving and looks forward to every lesson with Ms. Liz. We are just incredibly grateful for Ms. Liz and every lessons she brings such beautiful joy and purpose to her lessons.
Tribeca Family
Feb 26th 2026
Last night I was reading a book to my 4yr old and she pointed at the word have and said "that's a trick word". She loves her reading lessons and its amazing to see her progress.
UWS Family
Nov 25th 2025
Our 5yr old wrote a few notes to send out this weekend and was so proud of himself and excited.
UWS Family
Nov 25th 2025
Our 3yr old looks forward to his weekly lessons with Ms. Lauren - he’s learned so much already in just a few months! We can’t wait to see his progress continue!
UWS Family
Feb 26th 2026
We've absolutely been loving working Ms Katherine, and are very grateful for her thoughtful work and attention with our 4yr old.
Miami Family
March 26th 2026
We are so happy with all the help Ms. Catherine has provided to our 5yr old.
Brooklyn Family
March 26th 2026As Featured In
Frequently Asked Questions
Year-round in-person tutoring is available in the following locations:
- New York City, Scarsdale, Rye, Rye Brook, NY, and Greenwich, CT
- Miami and Palm Beach, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
If your family is not close to one of our service areas, we also have convenient online tutoring sessions for students around the world. Call us today to learn more about our reading programs or to get your child started on the path to supporting their literacy journey.
Yes. We offer our summer reading program at the same locations where we teach during the school year, including New York City, Scarsdale, Rye and Rye Brook, New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; Miami and Palm Beach, Florida; and Los Angeles, California. We also do summer tutoring for Hamptons families.
The Alexander Reading Method Program is designed to help children achieve age and grade level literacy milestones that promote continued growth in reading, writing, spelling and self confidence. And each stage builds on what the students already know, so there is a structure for continued learning in school.
- Nursery: Young learners are introduced to early literacy concepts through activities that strengthen fine motor skills while building familiarity with letters, letter sounds, and beginning writing skills when developmentally appropriate.
- PreK Year One: Students continue developing foundational literacy skills with direct instruction in letter recognition, phonics, sound awareness, and proper handwriting techniques.
- PreK Year Two: Instruction expands through Level 1 readers, blending exercises, handwriting practice, and early reading activities. Students also begin building a sight word vocabulary by learning their first 60 words, including 40 high-frequency words that do not follow standard phonics patterns.
- Kindergarten: Students advance through Levels 2 and 3 while continuing to strengthen reading skills. Age-appropriate spelling instruction and simple sentence writing are introduced to support early written communication.
- Grade 1: Students work through Levels 4 and 5, developing stronger spelling, reading fluency, and written expression. Instruction prepares children for the increased reading expectations they will encounter in second grade.
- 2nd Grade: Students focus on improving reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and paragraph writing through chapter book instruction. These skills help prepare learners for the greater academic demands they will experience in third grade.
We want to help students to move about 6-12 months beyond expected grade level markers where possible. Strengthening literacy skills before the typical age helps build confidence, supports long-term academic success, and prepares children for increasingly challenging reading and writing experiences.
Students will be signed up for at least two tutoring sessions a week to encourage consistent practice and steady reading growth. Lessons are offered in 30-minute segments, with longer sessions recommended when additional instructional time will benefit the student’s progress.
Yes. Your child's spot in the program is guaranteed for the academic year and tuition is billed monthly. Families can pause lessons for free for a limited time. But if a reserved time is released for good, the same teacher or lesson schedule might not be available upon return.
The Alexander Reading Method is a systematic, phonics-based program that introduces literacy concepts through lessons appropriate to each developmental stage of a child. We teach children from as young as 2.5 years old, in a nurturing learning environment with age-appropriate lessons that build confidence and consistent skill development.
Yes. The program includes a carefully sequenced phonics approach that teaches basic reading skills and sets children on the path for future academic success. Lessons are cumulative, building on previous learning and promoting long-term literacy growth.
Yes. Students have access to digital learning materials that supplement classroom instruction, provide additional reading practice and allow families to continue to support literacy development at home.
We employ a systematic phonics program that teaches children the relationships between letters and sounds. Students learn to observe sound patterns, to blend sounds into words and to use these skills as they become more precise readers and more confident readers.
Yes. The program is specifically designed to support children who are at the beginning of their reading journey. Foundational literacy skills are introduced through structured lessons with systematic instruction, engaging activities, and individual support.
Yes. Instruction is targeted to build key reading skills and close gaps in learning that may be preventing progress. With ongoing practice and individualized support, many students gain the confidence and literacy skills needed to work toward grade-level reading goals.