Students who benefit most from Susan Barton instruction include those with dyslexia, reading delays, or difficulty decoding words, as well as students who haven't responded well to traditional classroom reading instruction. The program also works well for students who need explicit, step-by-step guidance to understand how letters and sounds connect to form words and meaning.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to move at your student's pace, focus on specific gaps in foundational skills, and adjust the program based on how they learn best. In a classroom, teachers manage many students with varying needs; with personalized tutoring, every lesson is tailored to your child's strengths and challenges, leading to faster progress and greater confidence.

Many students see noticeable improvement in decoding and fluency within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction, though the timeline depends on the severity of reading difficulties and how frequently tutoring occurs. Sustained progress in comprehension and independent reading typically develops over several months of regular practice and reinforcement.

The first session typically includes an assessment of your student's current reading level, understanding of phonics, decoding skills, and areas of struggle. The tutor will explain how the Susan Barton approach works and create a personalized plan that addresses your child's specific needs and learning style.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System who work with students in Manhattan. Simply tell us about your student's reading challenges and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor who has the expertise and experience to help your child build strong reading foundations.

Yes, personalized Susan Barton instruction complements classroom reading programs well. Tutors can reinforce what's being taught at school while also filling specific gaps in phonics or decoding that the classroom may not address. This dual approach often accelerates progress and helps students feel more confident participating in class reading activities.

Yes, the Susan Barton approach is effective for students of all ages, including middle and high school students who still struggle with foundational reading skills. Older students often benefit from the systematic, no-nonsense approach because it directly addresses the root causes of reading difficulty rather than just providing general support.