UPDATED 2026
In light of the substantial declines in reading performance seen in the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report, commonly known as The Nation’s Report Card, the cost and availability of Orton-Gillingham reading tutoring has become a real issue.
The Reading Guru has conducted the first update to its national study on the costs of high-quality reading tutoring in the 25 largest metro areas across the United States.
The data, gathered from a comprehensive analysis of tutoring fees being charged by more than 80 top tutoring services nationally, highlights the high overall costs that parents are paying to ensure their kids learn to read and significant variations in pricing from city to city.
Key findings from the study include:
- The average cost nationally for a 60-minute session with a Science of Reading / Orton-Gillingham tutor is now $113.06.
- Since 2024, the average cost of Science of Reading / Orton-Gillingham tutoring has increased by 4.6% percent.
- For a typical 9-month course of tutoring, once per week, that amounts to an average cost nationally of $4,409!
- Los Angeles has taken the crown for the highest average cost per-60 minute session, coming in at $185.00, up a whopping 13.5%.
- Parents in New York, NY are saving a little bit, as the market now suffers only the second highest average cost per 60-minute session, down from first, coming in at $161.67, down 1.6%.
- Parents in Washington, DC, face an average cost of $156.67 per hour, up 8.4%, making it one of the priciest markets for Orton-Gillingham tutoring.
- Phoenix, AZ still has the lowest Orton-Gillingham tutoring costs in the nation, with an average cost of $75.42 per session, but that number is up 15% since the last study.
Average Price Per 60 Minute Session of Orton-Gillingham Reading Tutoring (UPDATED 2026)
For the Largest 25 Metro Areas in the U.S.
Los Angeles, CA | $185.00 |
New York, NY | $161.67 |
Washington, DC | $156.67 |
Miami, FL | $139.80 |
Stamford, CT | $136.11 |
Chicago, IL | $130.67 |
New Jersey | $125.00 |
Charlotte, NC | $125.00 |
San Diego, CA | $121.80 |
Orlando, FL | $117.67 |
Seattle, WA | $117.50 |
Boston, MA | $106.13 |
Baltimore, MD | $105.00 |
Tampa, FL | $105.00 |
Philadelphia, PA | $104.67 |
San Francisco, CA | $104.50 |
Portland, OR | $102.00 |
Denver, CO | $98.00 |
Minneapolis, MN | $98.00 |
Atlanta, GA | $88.93 |
Dallas, TX | $85.00 |
Riverside/San Bernardino, CA | $82.75 |
Detroit, MI | $78.83 |
Houston, TX | $75.89 |
Phoenix, AZ | $75.42 |
National Average | $113.06 |
Joanna Brown, CEO of The Reading Guru, additionally explained, “This year, even more reading tutoring companies were non-responsive or completely maxed out – no available slots for new students. It’s so important that kids with dyslexia or other reading difficulties get the right help, which means Orton-Gillingham-based tutoring, when they need it. Don’t give up! Parents should keep contacting tutors until they find a qualified reading tutor, in-person or online, with the right OG tutoring skills.”
The Science of Reading emphasizes the need for systematic, explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, and decoding skills, all of which are central components of the Orton-Gillingham approach, noted Joanna Brown. “Orton-Gillingham tutoring can play a critical role in closing literacy gaps and fostering academic success, especially as kids are increasingly exposed to addictive apps and AI.”
Despite the wide range of costs, the demand for Orton-Gillingham tutoring remains consistently high across the nation, reflecting its effectiveness in supporting individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
About The Reading Guru
Founded in 2010, The Reading Guru is a leading provider of online Orton-Gillingham reading tutor services. Joanna Brown, founder and CEO of The Reading Guru, is a master Orton-Gillingham reading tutor with more than 15 years of experience providing personalized, one-on-one reading instruction. Joanna and her team at The Reading Guru use an individualized, tailored personal approach with students and have consistently achieved outstanding results. For more information about The Reading Guru, visit www.readingguru.com.
