Early reading curriculum
Anyone can teach a child to read in 15 minutes a day
An early reading program for 3 to 7 year-olds that works at school or at home.
Recognized by
Trusted by school districts nationwide
The method
No prior teaching experience required
With Once's scripted curriculum and video coaching, instructional aides, assistants, and parents have taught tens of thousands of children to be confident, successful readers.
Evidence-based
Based on the Science of Reading
Children demonstrate significant improvement in reading after using Once just 15 minutes a day.
View research resultsOnce has completed four ESSA Tier 3 studies and one ESSA Tier 2 study, with an ESSA Tier 1 study in progress.
Wall of love
Children learn best with 1:1 instruction
🏫At School
“The smiles, excitement, and pride on our students' faces as they read new words and stories are true proof of the program's success!”
— Principal in Tangipahoa, LA
“We are believers! Not only has Once made a huge academic impact on our kids, but there are positive side effects throughout our building, too.”
— Assistant Principal in Sumter, SC
“What once seemed unattainable has become a daily success story. The Once program has exceeded every expectation and become a powerful part of our school's support system for student growth.”
— Principal in Nashville, TN
🏠At Home
“Griffin really took to it... Lots of proud moments this morning!”
— Claire, teaching her 5 year-old
“Honestly, I would give this a 12 out of 10.”
— Graham, teaching his 2½ year-old
“Reza continues to LOVE reading game. We have a blast every time.”
— Gina, teaching her 3 year-old
“This is the one reading thing that we've done that my son actually enjoys.”
— Seiji, teaching his 5 year-old
Narrative curriculum
Stories that make kids want to learn how to read
Most early-reading content is boring because early readers can't read enough words to tell a real story. Once chains the practice text of all 200 cycles into a single, cohesive narrative with consistent characters — so children are genuinely excited to read to find out what happens next.
Every learner
For every child who wants to read
The Once curriculum starts with learning sounds and progresses through chapter books at a mid-2nd grade level. Our in-person model provides one-on-one reading tutoring for any child from age 3 to 2nd grade — including children learning English for the first time.
Evidence and impact
Results measured in studies and classrooms
ESSA Tier II · LXD Research
0.46
Standard-deviation effect in kindergarten reading
For below-median kindergarteners completing 80+ Once sessions in a 2024–25 Fastbridge quasi-experimental study. Statistically significant at p<0.001.
See the researchTangipahoa Parish · District case study
24% → 66%
Kindergarten DIBELS proficiency after one school year
Tangipahoa Parish trained existing paraprofessionals to deliver 15 minutes of one-to-one Once instruction each day. Results are district-reported beginning- and end-of-year proficiency data.
Read the case studyGet started
Ready to help a child learn to read?
Join thousands of families and schools using Once's reading program to teach early literacy in 15 minutes a day.