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Two homeschool reading and phonics programs, compared on what actually decides the fit: how your child reads now, how much you'll teach, and how each one is delivered.
Updated September 2026 · based on parent reviews and publisher information
These two are close: the differences are small, so price, grade range and what parents say below may decide it.
Still torn? Answer a few questions and see how both rank for your child, side by side.
Compare for my child| Barton Reading & Spelling System | PRIDE Reading Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | K–12+ (tutoring system) | K–8 (multi-level) |
| Approach | Orton-Gillingham, remedial | Orton-Gillingham, remedial |
| Who teaches | The parent teaches from a scripted guide | The parent teaches from a scripted guide |
| Parent prep | Low (fully scripted, DVD-trained) | Low (fully scripted) |
| Screen time | Mostly offline (books and paper) | Mostly offline (books and paper) |
| Faith | No religious content | No religious content |
| Cost | Level 1 (All Digital Single Version): $350; Level 2 also $350, Levels 3–10 run $400 each | Kits start from $94.90 (Beginning Letters & Sounds) up to $159.85, depending on the level a placement assessment assigns |
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Reviewers and parents consistently call Barton the strongest home-based option for a child with dyslexia, with training DVDs and full scripting so no teaching background is needed. The cost per level is real money, and several reviews describe the drilling as repetitive and not especially fun, even while calling it effective.
Parents and reviewers describe PRIDE as one of the easiest entry points into Orton-Gillingham instruction: no teacher training needed, and the scripted lessons hold your hand. Sessions run about an hour, longer than some competitors, and the per-level cost adds up across a multi-level program.
Neither is better for every child. Barton Reading & Spelling System is the stronger fit for some families. PRIDE Reading Program is the stronger fit for not yet reading; just starting (letter sounds); suspect, not diagnosed.
Barton Reading & Spelling System: Level 1 (All Digital Single Version): $350; Level 2 also $350, Levels 3–10 run $400 each. PRIDE Reading Program: Kits start from $94.90 (Beginning Letters & Sounds) up to $159.85, depending on the level a placement assessment assigns.
Summaries are in our own words.