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Best Reading Program for Kids: Top 7 Choices for 2025

Choosing the ideal option from the best reading programs for kids can become a real challenge. Personal preferences and goals differ; that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For this review, I synthesised 15 years of my teaching experience and hand-picked seven reading programs that have proven to bring the best results. Take a moment to review this article carefully — with this information at hand, finding the perfect solution is easier than you think.

Key points

• Student needs can vary, so when it comes to the best reading program for kids, there’s no such thing as a supreme platform.
• Brighterly is a highly personalized and customized e-service that offers one-on-one lessons tailored to elementary and middle school students.
• Homer and Reading Eggs are great for supplementary reading practice at a reasonable cost.
• Sylvan Learning and Outschool provide interactive and versatile learning opportunities. 
• Kumon and Varsity Tutors are more targeted at autonomous learners.

What is a really great reading program?

Really great reading programs for struggling readers will provide a logical and systematic approach to build a strong foundation for reading proficiency. These services commonly include interactive and student-oriented lesson plans to guarantee that individual needs are matched precisely.

7 best reading programs for kids

• Brighterly reading program
• Reading Eggs
• Homer
• Sylvan Learning
• Kumon
• Outschool
• Varsity Tutors

Best online reading programs 2025: Comparison

Name	Special features	Price	TrustPilot score
Brighterly reading programs for kids	– Customized teacher-guided learning  – Gamification – Lots of free resources	From $17.4/lesson	4.6
Reading Eggs reading programs for students	– Teaching through fun activities – Structured schedules – A library of online books	From $5.83/month	3.3
Homer reading programs for kids	– Personalized to age and level – Builds problem-solving skills – Focus on creativity	From $6.66/month	3.4
Sylvan Learning kids reading programs	– Adaptive reading instructions – In-center & online learning – Good for critical reading & comprehension skills	From $50/hour	3.2
Kumon reading programs for kids	– Emphasis on phonics and vocabulary development – Promotion of independent learning – Structured progression	From $165/month	4.0
Outschool reading programs for students	– 1:1 and group learning – A variety of courses to choose from – Flexible pricing	Ranges widely depending on the program and tutor	4.5
Varsity Tutors kids reading programs	– In-depth exam preparation plans – Learning in the live mode – Flexible schedules and access	From $300/month	4.3

Best reading program for kids #1: Brighterly

Age group: grades 1-9

Best for: anyone seeking personalized help with reading

Brighterly reading program: Key features

• First-class reading tutors
• Adjustable, student-centric reading program

First-class reading tutors

Brighterly reading tutors are the main trump card of this service. When passing their application process, each potential candidate undergoes rigorous testing to prove that they are experienced and well-versed enough to meet the highest quality standards. However, having a personalized teaching methodology isn’t the only requirement here.

All Brighterly reading and math tutors must demonstrate their experience working with children’s psychology and an innate understanding of learning challenges. Brighterly knows that many learners face fears, traumas, or fall victim to conditions like ADHD. That’s why all Brighterly tutors are well-trained in managing these cases and maximizing each learner’s potential, regardless of their background.

That said, I should also explain the special methodology developed by the Brighterly reading & math tutoring platform.

Here’s why you should take note of the Brighterly approach:

• Reading tutors here understand that some children require additional support, and they do their best to provide it.
• The Brighterly learning methodology is based on customization. They hand-pick every task for your kid based on their expectations and progress.
• As a child continues to advance through the learning curve here, their reading program will also change accordingly. It is an important step that enables flexible learning.

Ok, these are the principles Brighterly follows. But what about the results? As demonstrated by 89% of positive reviews and a 4.6 average score at Trustpilot, the strategy is pretty effective. Let’s take a look:

Now that you have an extensive review of the Brighterly reading and math tutors principles, let’s dive further to explore the peculiarities of this platform. In other words, what approach stands behind the effectiveness of lessons here?

Adjustable, student-centric reading program

Having a top-grade teaching team is one thing. However, ensuring that all processes are launched effectively to achieve maximum results is another key aspect. Brighterly excels in both. Here’s just one review verifying the satisfaction with this learning venue:

To stand out among other learn to read programs, Brighterly has developed three core principles:

• 1:1 learning is the only accessible format here. When working together, a learner and a teacher are wholly focused on each other. In practice, it means minimized distractions, better attention, and a more trusting setting.
• The online reading programs for kids provided by Brighterly align with Common Core requirements. It means that they match a unified state-accepted curriculum that your child follows at school. Better grades, more effective exam preparation, and reinforcing grades — these are some of the benefits you can get.
• A fun-based interactive approach is at the core of each Brighterly lesson. If you ask, what are the best elementary reading programs, the answer is obvious — those able to capture attention. Even though the Brighterly lessons are conducted online, they are rich in interactive exercises, engaging visuals, and entertaining tasks.

With the stack of these fine features, Brighterly is the best reading program for kids. 

To guarantee you a smooth start, they’ve also developed a quick registration process

1. First, pass a quick diagnostic test. It’s when they show their current level and reveal expected results. The kid will be tested for a range of competencies, including listening, speaking, writing, and language arts.
2. Then, children get matched with the best-fitting tutor. If a special approach is needed, please report that during diagnostics.
3. You embark on your free trial lesson, where you first meet the tutor.
4. That’s it. Now, you’re ready to dive right into learning. Remember that Brighterly is placed among the most successful reading programs for a good reason — its effectiveness has been proven by hundreds of learners.

Detailed coverage of all applicable reading topics

One last point to mention about Brighterly’s learn to read programs is that they cover any reading topic you can think of. Indeed, the final list will be determined individually. However, here’s what can be included in your learning curricula:

Grades 1-5	Grades 6-9
Targeted reading comprehension practice	Targeted reading comprehension exercises
Phonemic awareness and phonics	Phonics and sound-pattern skills
Vocabulary skills	Understanding figurative language
Word identification and recognition	Reading comprehension
Understanding texts through comprehension	Distinguishing between facts and opinions
Fiction and non-fiction texts	Fiction and non-fiction texts
Main ideas and story elements	Main ideas and story elements
	Applying knowledge and synthesizing ideas

Brighterly reading program: Key pros and cons

Let’s sum up a bit on the information I’ve previously provided on this best reading program for kids:

Pros	Cons
Practicing reading with a tutor	Online lessons only
1:1 reading lessons for  an  affordable  price	Lack of peer-to-peer communication
Customization towards individual needs
Detailed work with learning fears
Careful pre-learning evaluation

Obviously, if you’re searching for one of the best reading programs that will take complete command over your learning path, you should test Brighterly without hesitation.

Brighterly reading cost

One of the great benefits of Brighterly is that its pricing is quite accessible for any learner:

• Pay from $17.4/lesson when booking a 12-month plan
• Pay from $19.8/lesson when booking a 6-month plan
• Pay from $20.6/lesson when booking a 3-month plan
• Pay from $21/lesson when booking a 1-month plan

On top of that, this best reading program for preschoolers and schoolers of any age offers some FREE tools, including:

• Free demo lesson
• Free pre-studying diagnostics
• Free reading worksheets

Reading Eggs best reading program for kids

Age group: 2-13

Best for: achieving reading objectives in short periods

Reading Eggs is the best reading program, providing in-depth literacy schemes for schoolers and pre-schoolers struggling with the subject or experiencing learning loss. It promotes interactive practices and also integrates a strong reward system, which helps kids to build confidence and feel pride in their achievements. Fun animation, lots of gamelike activities, and learning through words and sounds — that’s how it works.

Reading Eggs best reading program for kids: Features

• Age-oriented materials: online reading programs for struggling readers, such as this one, provide toddlers and juniors with extensive practice through games. For middle-schoolers, they offer to build on reading comprehension and grammar competencies.
• A huge collection of 4,000+ books.
• The best reading program provides instant reports that allow parents to track both the speed and quality of their child’s progress.

Reading Eggs best reading program for kids: Pricing

Reading Eggs will strongly encourage you to book both of its programs: reading and math. This way, you’ll save more per subject. Thus, the reading-only pricing will cost you $9.99, while the combination with math will be worth $13.99.

Reading Eggs best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

Overall, Reading Eggs proves to be one of the best online reading programs you can use for extracurricular practice. But here are some other details you should be aware of.

Pros	Cons
Detailed pre-learning estimation	May be less effective for older students in middle and high school
Fun-based approach	No teacher instructions
	Parents’ role is important

Homer best reading program for kids

Age group: 2-8

Best for: youngest learners seeking a science-proven approach

Homer is one of the elementary and preschool reading programs that earns the most compliments due to its approach. Your child can improve their reading scores by dedicating just 15 minutes per day to studying. How is it possible? Mostly through fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a genuine love for reading through an emotional connection.

Homer best reading program for kids: Features

• Homer is among the best reading programs for elementary schools and toddlers, developed specifically for the youngest learners.
• It builds skills through introducing a reward program.
• The site introduces a unique learning approach thoroughly tested to bring up kids’ innate interest in the subject.

Homer best reading program for kids: Pricing

While similar in approach to Reading Eggs, Homer will cost you a bit more than the former.

Homer best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

Homer is definitely not only about memorization. The skills it aims to develop run deeply, promoting better understanding.

Pros	Cons
Unique approach fitted for the youngest learners	No live communication
Aimed at building emotional connections	No advanced programs
	Pre-recorded lessons and tasks only

Sylvan Learning best reading program for kids

Age group: Pre-K to 12th grade

Best for: those seeking personalized learning options

One of the top things about Sylvan Learning is that it caters to a wide range of individuals. For example, it can be easily named as the best reading program for high school students. The secret is personalization. This service will ask a child to undergo a diagnostic test and then construct the best-fitting program for them — just as Brighterly also does.

Sylvan Learning best reading program for kids: Features

• Lessons are held in small groups or individually, up to your requirements.
• A highly interactive approach that helps in better memorization.
• Although the service offers numerous individual activities, a tutor is always available to provide guidance when needed.

Sylvan Learning best reading program for kids: Pricing

Sylvan Learning estimates course pricing individually. However, their website explicitly states that they can charge from $50 per individual lesson and $200+ per learning camp. These charges are quite expensive and spread beyond the industry average.

Sylvan Learning best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

Despite its broad subject coverage, Sylvan Learning has only earned a 3.2 score at Trustpilot, and here are some reasons why.

Pros	Cons
Can be used for all grades	Lacks inclusivity, it’s definitely not the best reading program for dyslexia and similar issues.
Focuses on interactivity and detailed tutor help	Immense costs
	Inconsistent quality across offline locations

Kumon best reading program for kids

Age group: 3 to high school

Best for: autonomous learners

Kumon is definitely different from most other online reading programs for struggling readers. That’s because learning here is based on a series of worksheets. The point is to develop a learner’s autonomy. While a teacher is still there to help, most work will be done independently.

Kumon best reading program for kids: Features

• Rigid worksheets that encourage critical thinking and independence.
• Lessons last 30 minutes per day and should be taken 1-2 times/week.
• No interactive element included.

Kumon best reading program for kids: Pricing

Like Sylvan Learning, this best reading program for kids does not explicitly state the price. However, multiple user reviews indicate that monthly prices usually start from $165. Additionally, there is a one-time $50 registration fee and a $30 materials fee.

Kumon best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

Kumon is rigid — that’s a fact. Still, some learners find it quite convenient, and here’s why.

Pros	Cons
Help in boosting personal independence and decision-making	Usually poor results with beginning reading programs at Kumon
Good for older learners	Teacher explanations could be stronger
	Relatively expensive

Outschool best reading program for kids

Age group: 1-18

Best for: anyone looking for varied learning formats

When it comes to the best online reading programs for struggling readers with varied approaches, Outschool can beat anyone. It serves as a learning marketplace, where you can find group courses or individual teachers, including those with public school teaching backgrounds. So, prepare for a wealth of choices and lots of scrolling.

Outschool best reading program for kids: Features

• Over 30,000 programs in total
• Ability to match niche learner needs
• Individual and group classes, as well as reading clubs and options for dyslexic learners, are all available at this best reading program for kids.

Outschool best reading program for kids: Pricing

Outschool provides payment details in “credits,” where one credit is approximately equivalent to $0.5. Usually, you can expect to be charged about 30 credits per class when participating in a group program and 50-150 credits when studying individually.

Outschool best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

No doubt that Outschool is among the best reading and writing programs. However, it also has its shadowy side.

Pros	Cons
Ability to choose the program that suits you ideally	Individual learning is expensive
Fits both for supplementary learning and complete help	Inconsistency between teacher programs
	Lack of a structured curriculum

Varsity Tutors best reading program for kids

Age group: grades K to 12

Best for: learners looking to study with a teacher

Varsity Tutors best reading program for kids puts a strong emphasis on its teaching team. It offers both one-on-one lessons and group sessions for up to 12 children. Their schedule focuses on personalization, as Varsity Tutors strives to understand individual needs. 

Varsity Tutors best reading program for kids: Features

• Only 10% of applicants manage to pass the hiring process.
• Implementing multiple learning approaches for better memorization.
• High levels of flexibility and accessibility.

Varsity Tutors best reading program for kids: Pricing

The prices for Varsity Tutors are high, just like the qualifications of their tutors. As customer reviews indicate, their charges rarely drop below $300/month. However, the final cost will depend on your objectives.

Varsity Tutors best reading program for kids: Pros and cons

Varsity Tutors aims to provide first-class learning. But let’s clarify if it manages to do so.

Pros	Cons
Some of the best phonics-based reading programs	High costs
Strong tutoring team	Common subscription issues
	Awkward UI and technical glitches

 

What are the best elementary reading programs?

The best reading programs for 1st graders and other elementary students include Brighterly, Homer, and Reading Eggs. My honorable mention here is also Khan Academy — it’s one of those free reading programs for kids you can use for extra practice. However, note that overall it will lack the broad spectrum of services provided on other platforms I’ve described here.

What is the most effective reading program for middle school?

The best online reading comprehension programs for middle school are Varsity Tutors, Outschool, and Brighterly. They cover more advanced topics, yet still retain a lot of interactivity and colorful visuals. Here’s just one example from Brighterly:

What is the most effective reading program for high school?

The most effective online reading programs for kids in high school include Kumon and Sylvan Learning. Completely different, yet both options are great for older learners. Here are some of the Outschool courses to consider:

Next steps: Choose the best reading program for your child

Now you have a complete grasp of the top seven reading e-services to consider for your child. Just to remind you, that’s when you should opt for each variant:

• If you seek a supplementary practice, choose Reading Eggs or Homer.
• If you want to try a tutor-guided resource, choose Varsity Tutors or Outschool.
• If you’re looking for help for your high schooler, opt for Kumon or Sylvan Learning.

However, if you prefer teacher-guided lessons in a 1:1 format with a focus on your kid’s needs, I cannot think of a better choice than the Brighterly reading & math tutoring platform. It offers:

• Customized lessons
• Game-oriented methodology
• Strong teaching team
• Lots of free resources

Try Brighterly reading or math class for free! Book a demo lesson today and see how things work here.