Classroom instruction in Akron's 86 schools typically follows a whole-class pace that may not accommodate students who need more time or a different approach to master reading fundamentals. Personalized 1-on-1 Orton Gillingham instruction allows tutors to work at your child's exact level, repeat concepts as needed, and use multisensory techniques that engage different learning pathways. This individualized pacing and targeted methodology can accelerate progress in ways that classroom learning alone often cannot.

Orton Gillingham can be used with students as early as kindergarten for foundational skills, but it's most commonly introduced in elementary grades when reading difficulties become apparent. It's equally effective for older students and adults who need to remediate reading skills or catch up on foundational phonics. The approach is flexible and can be adapted to meet learners at any age or grade level.

While Orton Gillingham was originally developed for students with dyslexia, it benefits any student who struggles with reading, including those with general reading delays, phonological awareness gaps, or difficulty with phonics. The structured, explicit approach works well for English language learners and students who simply learn better with systematic, multisensory instruction. Many students without a dyslexia diagnosis see dramatic improvement in reading fluency and confidence.

Your first session will typically include an assessment of your child's current reading level, phonics knowledge, and specific challenges. The tutor will explain the Orton Gillingham approach, answer your questions, and begin introducing foundational concepts in a way that feels manageable and encouraging. This initial meeting helps establish a baseline and allows you and the tutor to discuss goals and expectations for progress.

Many students show noticeable improvements in phonics skills and reading confidence within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline varies based on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. More significant gains in reading fluency and comprehension typically emerge over several months of regular practice. Consistency is key—students who work with tutors regularly and practice between sessions tend to progress faster than those with sporadic instruction.

Most students benefit from 1-3 sessions per week, depending on the severity of their reading difficulty and their learning pace. More frequent sessions early on can accelerate progress, while maintenance sessions may be sufficient once foundational skills are solid. Your tutor can recommend a schedule based on your child's needs and goals, and you can adjust frequency as progress is made.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Orton Gillingham and understand how to work with students in the Akron area. When you reach out, you can specify your child's reading level, challenges, and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your needs. Our tutors have training and experience in structured literacy approaches and can provide the personalized instruction that makes Orton Gillingham effective.