Students who benefit most include those with dyslexia or reading difficulties, struggling readers who haven't responded to classroom instruction, and students who need explicit phonics instruction to build foundational skills. The system also works well for students who read slowly, have weak comprehension, or avoid reading altogether. Varsity Tutors connects students in Mesa with tutors trained in Susan Barton methods who can assess individual needs and create a personalized learning plan.

While Mesa's 194 schools provide quality instruction, classroom teachers work with large groups and may not have time for the individualized, step-by-step approach that struggling readers often need. Susan Barton tutoring provides personalized 1-on-1 instruction that moves at your student's pace, allows tutors to isolate specific skill gaps, and uses multisensory techniques repeatedly until concepts stick. This focused attention is especially valuable for students who need more practice or a different teaching approach than what's available in a traditional classroom setting.

The first session typically includes an assessment to understand your student's current reading level, specific challenges (like phonics gaps, fluency issues, or comprehension struggles), and learning style. The tutor will explain how the Susan Barton system works and discuss realistic goals and a timeline for improvement. This foundation helps the tutor create a customized plan so that subsequent sessions target exactly what your student needs most.

Many students show noticeable progress in fluency and confidence within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. Students working on foundational phonics skills may see faster gains, while those addressing deeper comprehension issues may need more time. Regular tutoring combined with practice between sessions accelerates results—consistency matters more than speed.

Yes. The Susan Barton system teaches the foundational reading skills—phonics, decoding, and fluency—that underpin all reading instruction, including what's taught in Mesa schools. Tutors can coordinate with classroom teachers and adjust instruction to complement what students are learning in class. This alignment ensures tutoring reinforces school learning while filling specific gaps that classroom instruction may not address.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System who work with students in Mesa. When you reach out, you'll be matched with a tutor whose expertise and availability fit your student's needs. Tutors can provide personalized instruction either in-person or online, depending on what works best for your family.

Tutoring costs vary based on the tutor's experience, your location in Mesa, and how frequently your student meets with a tutor. Most families find that consistent tutoring—typically 1-3 sessions per week—produces the best results. Varsity Tutors can discuss pricing and help you find a tutoring plan that fits your budget while supporting your student's reading goals.