Often parents worry about their child's reading progress.  Just as young children learn to walk and talk at different rates, children learn to read at different rates.  Our teachers carefully assess and monitor each child's progress along a continuum of expected reading and writing behaviors that the teachers have developed.  This continuum provides a framework for children aged three through second grade.  We know that most children learn to read by second grade, although some children learn as young as four years old.  Nationally 3% to 5% of children struggle learning to read, and these statistics are true at RHSM as well.

Fortunately, teachers monitor children's progress closely.  If a child is struggling, teachers will communicate with parents and make suggestions for helpful supports or diagnostic testing.  Since children develop reading skills at different rates, it is always beneficial to chat with your child's teacher if you have questions about your child's progress.   Testing with national norms starts at RHSM when children reach third grade, and our national test scores indicate that children at RHSM read and write at exceptional levels.

As with other domains in education, our goals are for children to value the learning process, to perceive themselves as capable, and to succeed at their endeavors.  Over time children in our program become skillful readers and writers. It is the early years that provide the foundation upon which future skills develop and successful students emerge.