Dyslexia Tutoring in NYC: The Orton-Gillingham Approach

Dyslexia Tutoring That Makes a Real Difference

Through the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading and writing, we have made remarkable strides in improving our students’ literacy. Central Park Tutors is one of the only NYC tutoring agencies run by a literacy specialist — which means our approach to dyslexia is not an add-on service but the heart of what we do.

All of our literacy specialists are trained in working with dyslexic students and use Orton-Gillingham based materials including Wilson and Fundations.

What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?

The Orton-Gillingham method teaches reading and writing fluency explicitly, through structured multisensory activities — sight, sound, and touch working together. It has proven again and again capable of helping struggling readers understand the aspects of reading and writing fluency that have eluded them. Rather than hoping a student will intuit patterns, Orton-Gillingham teaches them directly and systematically, so that connections become solid and lasting.

How We Work With Dyslexic Students in NYC

We begin by assessing each student through a staged skill level and grade level assessment. Once we understand where a student is starting from, we guide them carefully through a comprehensive, sequenced approach to reading and writing. Our approach is high-interest and student-centered — because a student who is engaged learns faster and retains more.

An Important Note on Timeline

When working with dyslexic students, we recommend meeting twice a week with a reading specialist for at least one hour per session. Results generally come over the course of one to two years. Please do not expect significant results more quickly than that — but do expect meaningful, lasting improvement within that timeframe. The vast majority of dyslexic students can learn to read and write fluently with the right instruction and sufficient time.

Central Park Tutors’ approach is grounded in the work of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, the nation’s oldest and most rigorous literacy organization. We also draw on the research of the International Dyslexia Association in designing our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions