Wilson Reading can be used with students from elementary through high school, depending on their reading level and needs. The program is flexible and meets students where they are, rather than at their grade level. Whether a student is in 2nd grade struggling with basic phonics or a high schooler catching up on foundational skills, Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can adapt Wilson Reading instruction to match your student's specific needs.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges with decoding or fluency, and discuss learning goals. This helps the tutor create a personalized plan using Wilson Reading strategies tailored to your student's needs. You'll also learn what to expect from the tutoring process and how to support your student's progress at home.

Many students begin showing improved decoding skills and confidence within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline varies based on the severity of reading difficulties and frequency of sessions. Significant gains in fluency and comprehension often develop over several months of regular practice. Consistency is key—students who work with a tutor weekly and practice between sessions typically see faster progress than those with sporadic instruction.

With 40 schools and over 13,700 students across 9 school districts in the St. Louis area, many students benefit from targeted reading support outside the classroom. Wilson Reading provides the intensive, personalized instruction that can be difficult to access in a traditional classroom setting with a 13.2:1 average student-teacher ratio. Varsity Tutors connects St. Louis families with tutors trained in Wilson Reading who understand local school curricula and can complement what students are learning in class.

Expert tutors working with Varsity Tutors for Wilson Reading instruction have specialized training in the Wilson Reading System and understand the science of reading instruction. Many have backgrounds in education, special education, or reading intervention. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss their specific experience with Wilson Reading and their success helping students with similar challenges to your own.

Yes. While Wilson Reading builds strong decoding foundations, tutors also help students develop fluency, comprehension, and confidence as readers. Once students master phonetic patterns, tutors work on reading speed, understanding what they read, and applying these skills to grade-level texts. This comprehensive approach ensures students don't just decode words—they become engaged, capable readers.

Contact Varsity Tutors to discuss your student's reading challenges and goals. We'll match you with a tutor trained in Wilson Reading who fits your schedule and your student's needs. After an initial assessment, your tutor will develop a personalized plan and begin working with your student to build stronger reading skills and confidence.