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 love
Most-cited home program for dyslexia
No teacher training required
Detailed lesson plans and training videos
Common complaints
Expensive across 10 levels
Repetitive, not especially fun
Needs a dedicated tutor every session
Who it fits
Best for
Reading but struggling. Built specifically for severe reading struggles
Yes, diagnosed. Considered the gold-standard home Orton-Gillingham program for dyslexia
Suspect, not diagnosed.
Multisensory (Orton-Gillingham). Orton-Gillingham, the most cited home program for dyslexia
Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
Plenty: I teach it directly. Fully scripted tutoring sessions
A little rusty. Scripted: tells you exactly what to say
Less suited for
Fluent, wants enrichment.
No. Overkill without a reading struggle
Literature-rich.
Minimal: independent practice. Needs a dedicated tutor/parent every session
These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.
Similar programs
SPIREResearch-backed Orton-Gillingham intervention for beginning and striving readers
PRIDE Reading ProgramScripted Orton-Gillingham lessons built for struggling and dyslexic readers
All About ReadingScripted, multisensory Orton-Gillingham lessons with reusable readers
What grades does Barton Reading & Spelling System cover?
Barton Reading & Spelling System covers grades K–12+ (tutoring system).
How much does Barton Reading & Spelling System cost?
Level 1 (All Digital Single Version): $350; Level 2 also $350, Levels 3–10 run $400 each. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.
Is Barton Reading & Spelling System Christian or secular?
Barton Reading & Spelling System is secular: it has no religious content.
Is Barton Reading & Spelling System online?
Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches from a scripted guide.
Is Barton Reading & Spelling System good for dyslexia or a suspected reading difficulty?
Barton Reading & Spelling System is often used with kids who have dyslexia or a diagnosed reading difficulty; see "Who it fits" above for specifics.