A Personalized Path to Literacy

An approach to teaching reading tailored to meet diverse learning needs.

At Eagle Hill School, our reading program is rooted in a deep understanding of how each student learns best. We recognize that no two learners are the same—and neither are their reading needs. That’s why the hallmark of our reading instruction is its complete customization. Each student’s reading profile becomes the blueprint from which their personalized instructional journey begins.

Effective reading instruction starts with knowing our students. Whether a student is just beginning to decode, building fluency, or tackling complex texts to deepen comprehension, our faculty thoughtfully crafts a path that responds to unique strengths and areas of challenge.

Individualized Instruction in Action

A student who needs support with foundational decoding might begin in a one-on-one reading tutorial that draws from structured, evidence-based programs. Another student, whose challenge lies more in making sense of what they read, might enroll in courses like Reading for Academic Purposes or Comprehension Imagery, both designed to target higher-level reading skills.

While every reading course at Eagle Hill includes a blend of the components essential to literacy, each class is carefully designed to emphasize a particular focus—decoding, comprehension, fluency, or the use of assistive technology.

While every reading course at Eagle Hill includes a blend of the components essential to literacy, each class is carefully designed to emphasize a particular focus—decoding, comprehension, fluency, or the use of assistive technology. Thanks to our flexible nine-term academic schedule, students can take more than one reading course at a time, allowing for a robust, well-rounded experience.

The Power of Relationships

Equally important to the curriculum is the relationship between teacher and student. Placement decisions are based not just on skill level, but also on the instructional approach and the teacher-student dynamic that will foster the most growth. Our reading faculty are trained in a variety of methods, including the Orton-Gillingham approach and Structured Word Inquiry, enabling us to match the approach to the student.

Multisensory and Structured: The Orton-Gillingham Approach

One foundational method we use is the Orton-Gillingham approach; this phonics-based approach is multisensory, structured, phonetic, and cumulative. It uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities to teach the connections between sounds and symbols, helping students build systems for reading and spelling that make sense—and stick. Orton-Gillingham lessons are delivered daily in reading tutorials and reading development classes.   At EHS, we also use Orton-Gillingham based programs such as The Wilson Reading System, SPIRE, and Barton.

Lessons are crafted to meet the student where they are. One student might be mastering closed syllables, while another is exploring the nuances of affixes and roots. Each lesson builds upon previous ones, with frequent review ensuring retention and confidence.

We never lose sight of the ultimate goal: comprehension. 

Comprehension as the Heart of Reading

We never lose sight of the ultimate goal: comprehension. Our students are taught to be active, purposeful readers. We teach them how to monitor their understanding, ask meaningful questions, and apply prior knowledge to make sense of what they read. Mental imagery and text structure analysis help students become more thoughtful and independent readers.

Instruction is clear, guided, and practical. We model strategies, engage students in practice, and offer real-time application. The result is a growing confidence and a deeper enjoyment of reading.

Fluency: Beyond Decoding

Fluency, the often-overlooked bridge between decoding and comprehension, is another essential part of our program. Students who can decode but struggle to read with accuracy and expression benefit from dedicated fluency classes. Through repeated reading, paired reading, teacher modeling, and targeted word study, students build the rhythm and flow that makes reading more natural—and more enjoyable.

Practice is at the core of fluency development. Sometimes that practice means decoding multisyllabic words; other times, it means rereading a passage several times to build accuracy, speed, and confidence. Whatever the approach, the goal remains the same: to make reading smoother, faster, and more expressive.

Assistive Technology: Leveling the Playing Field

At Eagle Hill, we view assistive technology not as a shortcut, but as a tool of equity. Text-to-speech, digital organizers, and other tools allow students to access content, express ideas, and stay organized in ways that paper alone cannot.

We teach students how to use these tools effectively, incorporating them into instruction so they become part of the learning routine. When used well, assistive technology empowers students to engage more deeply with content, develop independence, and feel successful.

Conclusion: A Dynamic, Student-Centered Approach

Reading instruction at Eagle Hill School is more than just a class—it’s a carefully constructed approach built around each student’s individual learning profile. It’s a place where decoding and comprehension, fluency and technology, structure and flexibility come together. And at the heart of it all is our belief that every student, with the right support, can become a confident, capable reader.