Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Smith.
Hi Paula, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Twenty-five years ago, I launched what would become Reading Success Academy from my home as Midwest Reading Clinic. As an elementary classroom teacher, I’d grown frustrated with the ineffective reading methods I was required to use. I knew there had to be a better way to help struggling readers catch up to grade level quickly.
That conviction led me to Florida, where I trained directly with the creators of Phono-Graphix, a faster and more effective reading program. I returned home equipped to make a real difference, offering specialized one-on-one reading therapy from my home office. I’ve been able to get kids reading on grade level in 12 clinical hours or less, even if they have dyslexia.
In 2015, I rebranded as Reading Success Academy and expanded to serve students globally. When March 2020 arrived, I transitioned entirely to virtual instruction through Zoom, teaching both private students and through the Outschool Educational Marketplace. Over the years, I personally taught more than 3,000 students.
By 2024, demand had outgrown what I could handle alone. I expanded to a team of six teachers trained in the same evidence-based methods that started it all. Last month, we celebrated reaching 4,000 students served—and we continue growing every week.
I am now a Phono-Graphix Certified Trainer for teachers wanting to become certified in the method. My organization now offers 1:1 tutoring, dyslexia screening, video courses, and a “boot camp” to get kids reading on grade level in 12 weeks or less.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main obstacle I have most recently faced is the reluctance of some parents to trust virtual sessions; they feel in-person is best. What I’ve learned is that I’m actually able to be even more effective teaching virtually because I have so many more tools to keep students engaged. I can transition seamlessly from one activity to another in seconds just with a few clicks. I can now customize tutoring sessions on the fly. With in-person sessions, it would take a lot of set-up and advanced planning to have materials on hand to change the lesson. Virtual sessions can be a lot more convenient for parents who are already busy running kids all around town for extra-curricular activities. They can participate in their sessions from any internet-connected device, anywhere in the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Reading Success Academy LLC?
We specialize in getting kids reading on grade level in 12 clinical hours or less, even if they have dyslexia. Families don’t have to wait 6 months or more to get their child screened for dyslexia. Currently, we can get kids tested within a week or two. We offer a free, 30-minute Zoom consultation for parents to help determine if we are a good fit for their student.
We offer group and 1:1 classes as early as 6 am and as late as 7:30 pm M-F. We have limited availability for weekend tutoring. We offer sessions during the regular school day to meet the needs of homeschoolers and after-school and evening sessions for children attending school outside of the home. We have just expanded our staff to offer weekend tutoring, testing, and group classes as well.
What sets us apart from others is that we offer Accelerated Reader and myON digital books accounts to our students as well as the Star Reading and Star Early Literacy assessments. These Renaissance Learning products are provided with no additional fees and are powerful tools to keep kids reading and for our team to assess their progress.
We are most proud of our guarantee for our 12-week and 24-week programs. We get kids reading on grade level by the end of their program, or we continue to work with them until they are at no extra charge. We are determined to get results. Failure is not an option.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to achieve your definite chief aim in life through service to others. So for me, success is serving as many students as possible by helping them achieve their reading goals, but more importantly, helping them feel confident about reading and their academic future.
Pricing:
- Free 30-minute Consultation
- 1:1 Tutoring $85/hour
- Dyslexia Screening $350
- Guaranteed results 12-week “boot camp” $2,400
- Video Course for Homeschoolers $997
Contact Info:
- Website: https://readingsuccessacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingsuccessacademy
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/readingsuccessacademy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulabsmith/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJHxt31yQnz2kaTD1ZbO_g
- Other: This is our Skool Community for parents and teachers: https://www.skool.com/reading-success-academy-4045/about?ref=f130c0e722284aefb846ac12a5e0b8e6
