About the Program
What is structured literacy, and how is it different from what my child does at school?
Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and spelling that follows a clear, systematic sequence. It explicitly teaches the connections between sounds, letters, and words, skills that many struggling readers have never fully developed. While classroom instruction often assumes children will "pick up" reading naturally, structured literacy leaves nothing to chance. Every concept is taught directly, practiced thoroughly, and built upon in a logical order.
What is structured literacy, and is it evidence-based?
Our structured literacy intervention program forms the foundation of our work at Halifax Learning. It is grounded in decades of reading science research and has been used successfully with thousands of students. It targets the core skills required for fluent reading: phonological awareness, decoding, and automaticity — the ability to read accurately and effortlessly. Our enhanced curriculum builds across three levels, taking students from foundational skills all the way to confident, independent reading.
What age groups do you serve?
We work with students ages 5 through adulthood. Whether your child is just starting to learn to read, a struggling middle schooler, a high school student who has fallen behind, or you’re an adult learner looking to strengthen your literacy skills, we have a place for everyone.
Can you help older students, not just young children?
Absolutely! This is actually one of our specialties. Many of our students are older children, teenagers, and adults who have struggled for years without getting the right kind of support. It is never too late to build strong reading skills, and our instructors are experienced in working with learners of all ages in a way that feels respectful and age-appropriate.
Assessment & Fit
How do I know if my child needs literacy intervention?
Some common signs include: difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, reading slowly or hesitantly, avoiding reading altogether, frequent spelling errors, or a significant gap between how bright your child seems and how they perform in reading and writing. If you’ve noticed any of these, it may be worth reaching out for an assessment. When in doubt, we’re always happy to talk it through with you.
Does my child need a formal diagnosis (like dyslexia) to enroll?
No diagnosis is needed. We welcome every type of learner: students with dyslexia, those with learning disabilities, students who are behind grade level, students who have never been formally assessed, and even students who simply want to strengthen their skills. Our assessment process helps us understand where your child is right now so we can build the right plan for them.
What does the initial assessment look like, and how long does it take?
Our assessment is designed to give us a clear picture of your child’s current literacy skills, including phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. It’s low-pressure and done in a supportive environment. After the assessment, we’ll walk you through the results and explain exactly what we found and what we recommend.
Will you share assessment results with my child’s school?
We always share assessment results and progress reports with families. With your consent, we’re also happy to share relevant information with your child’s school or teacher so that everyone supporting your child is on the same page.
Logistics & Structure
How do I know if my child needs literacy intervention?
Some common signs include: difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, reading slowly or hesitantly, avoiding reading altogether, frequent spelling errors, or a significant gap between how bright your child seems and how they perform in reading and writing. If you’ve noticed any of these, it may be worth reaching out for an assessment. When in doubt, we’re always happy to talk it through with you.
Does my child need a formal diagnosis (like dyslexia) to enroll?
No diagnosis is needed. We welcome every type of learner: students with dyslexia, those with learning disabilities, students who are behind grade level, students who have never been formally assessed, and even students who simply want to strengthen their skills. Our assessment process helps us understand where your child is right now so we can build the right plan for them.
What does the initial assessment look like, and how long does it take?
Our assessment is designed to give us a clear picture of your child’s current literacy skills, including phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. It’s low-pressure and done in a supportive environment. After the assessment, we’ll walk you through the results and explain exactly what we found and what we recommend.
Will you share assessment results with my child’s school?
We always share assessment results and progress reports with families. With your consent, we’re also happy to share relevant information with your child’s school or teacher so that everyone supporting your child is on the same page.