Frequently Asked Questions

Before beginning tutoring, we give students a series of standardized and informal assessments. If they score below the 15th percentile in word reading and spelling, and their reading fluency and comprehension are significantly impacted, then Wilson tutoring will likely be a good fit for them. Most of our tutoring students start out at least two years behind grade level in reading and spelling. 

If your child already has a clinical diagnosis of dyslexia or dysgraphia, we can be confident that Wilson tutoring will be effective for them.

Yes, we can work with any student who is below the 15th percentile in word reading and spelling. They may or may not have a diagnosis of dyslexia, learning disability or reading disorder. Many of our students have IEPs or 504 plans.

Although we are qualified to recognize symptoms of dyslexia, we do not diagnose dyslexia. Dyslexia diagnoses are typically made by clinical psychologists using a broad battery of tests.

We work with students 3-4 times per week in 45-60 minute sessions. The schedule is determined by the learning needs of the student.

Our students typically work with us for 2-4+ years. Their rate of progress depends on their starting point and their degree of reading challenge.

We currently offer Wilson (structured literacy) tutoring during the school day at two partner schools in the St. Paul East/Northeast Metro: St. John's School of Little Canada and Frassati Catholic Academy in White Bear Lake, MN. Tutoring is available for students enrolled at these schools.

Many families enroll or transfer specifically to access school-day tutoring—about 30% of the students we’ve served have done so (based on our records). Reading Rays is non-religious.

Next step: If you’re considering enrolling  in order to access tutoring, please contact us for more information.

All of our tutoring takes place during the school day at our partner schools. We can recommend qualified after school tutors.

We keep our rates comparable to local private tutoring rates. Please inquire about school year package pricing. Tuition assistance is often available through our school partnerships.

Wilson tutoring is offered to students in Grades 2-8 at our partner schools.

Yes, in-school tutoring involves a school year contract with parents.  This contract provides parents with school year package pricing and a guaranteed number of instructional hours. 

Yes, all of the Reading Rays tutors are certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioners. Their training involves over 200 hours of learning. Tutors complete a year-long academic course as well as a hands-on year-long practicum where they are observed and supervised by a Wilson trainer.

Wilson Reading System is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is the methodology most recommended by doctors, psychologists, and educators to meet of needs of students with dyslexia. Wilson is a fully developed structured literacy program that follows the O-G model of breaking down the English language system into small units and teaching them in a specific, logical sequence with multisensory instruction and practice.

Wilson Reading System is a comprehensive, fully developed program. Instruction includes phonics, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.