Tutoring in Reading that lifts kids up.

Boost your child’s confidence in reading.

Five Grades Up provides affirmitive, step-by-step reading support that helps children go from frustrated to confident readers.

Let's start with the basics. Fill out the pre-qualification form.
10+ years

Experience teaching and tutoring early and struggling readers

100+ kids

Supported in building stronger reading skills and self-belief

Family-first

Approach that includes regular updates, home ideas, and encouragement

Structured Parent Intake

Pre-qualify before booking

This is not general tutoring. This is a structured 12-week program designed to fix reading gaps and rebuild confidence.

Section 1 — Basic Info

Let’s start with the basics

Section 2 — Child Snapshot

Tell us about your child

Section 3 — Problem Awareness

What’s going on right now?

1 = not concerned510 = extremely concerned
Section 4 — Emotional Trigger

How is this affecting your family?

Section 5 — Consequence Framing

How long has this been going on?

Section 6 — Desire / Outcome

What do you want to see change?

Section 7 — Pre-Qualification

A couple of fit questions

Section 8 — Call Framing

What do you most want help with?

Important

This is not general tutoring. This is a structured 12-week program designed to fix reading gaps and rebuild confidence. If accepted, we will walk you through exactly how it works during your consultation.

Booking is unlocked after the intake is completed.
Trusted by families
Patient, encouraging reading support that meets kids right where they are.
Designed for progress
Clear plans, confidence-building sessions, and practical home support.
Built for busy parents
Simple next steps, honest communication, and a calm experience from day one.
How it works

A simple path from worry to progress

Families do not need more pressure. They need clarity, support, and a plan that helps their child feel successful again.

1

Complete the parent intake

Answer a few thoughtful questions so we can understand your child’s current struggles, goals, and fit.

2

Book your strategy call

After the intake, qualified families are directed to book a consultation to discuss the next best step.

3

Receive a personalized plan

If it is a fit, you will see exactly how the 12-week program works and what support your child needs next.

Benefits for kids and peace of mind for parents

Reading support that builds both skill and confidence

Reading is more than a school subject — it is the foundation for how kids learn, explore, and express themselves. We focus on both skills and confidence, so progress feels exciting, not stressful.

✓Stronger decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills
✓More confidence speaking up and reading in class
✓Happier homework time with fewer tears and battles
✓Regular updates so parents always know how things are going
Schedule my child’s consult
“Our daughter went from hiding her reading log to bringing books to the dinner table. Five Grades Up changed how she sees herself as a learner.”

Meet Our Head Teacher

June Hawkes, head tutor behind Five Grades Up

Hi, I’m June Hawkes, the head tutor behind Five Grades Up — here to be in your child’s corner and yours.

I hold a Master’s degree from Columbia University and am a certified teacher with a deep passion for helping students become confident readers. For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to patiently and carefully guiding students as they develop strong reading skills. I believe every child can become a capable reader when they receive the right support, structure, and encouragement.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach and inspire students in many different environments, including universities, technical colleges, high schools, and middle schools. I’ve also worked with professionals at Fortune 500 companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Merrill Lynch. These experiences have strengthened my ability to meet learners where they are and help them make meaningful progress.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching struggling readers transform into confident, motivated learners. Many of my students have advanced as much as five grade levels in reading after working with me for about seven months. Using my Reading Accelerator approach, I work closely with each student to build confidence, strengthen their skills, and help them achieve lasting reading success.

Reading support tailored to your child

Five Grades Up offers one-on-one reading tutoring for elementary and middle school students, with flexible options for in-person or online sessions.

Grades & ages served

  • Early readers (K–2)
  • Developing readers (3–5)
  • Support for middle school readers (6–8) who need extra practice or confidence

Early literacy foundations

For kindergarten–2nd grade readers who are just beginning their reading journey. We focus on letter-sound knowledge, phonemic awareness, decoding, and making books feel fun and familiar.

Developing fluency & comprehension

For 3rd–5th grade readers who can sound out words but struggle with speed, expression, or understanding what they read. We build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies using books they care about.

Homework & school support

For students who need help keeping up with school reading, book reports, and content-heavy subjects. We break assignments into manageable steps and teach strategies they can use in every class.

Questions parents often ask

Still unsure if tutoring is right for your child? These answers may help.

Most families start with one or two 50–60 minute sessions per week, depending on your child’s needs and schedule. We’ll discuss a recommended frequency during your consultation and adjust over time as your child grows more confident.

Yes. I offer both in-person (where available) and online sessions via a secure video platform. Online sessions include interactive tools so kids can read, write, and play literacy games on screen just like they would at a table.

Every child is different, but many families notice small shifts in confidence and attitude within a few weeks. Skill growth usually becomes clearer over 2–3 months as we build consistent habits and track progress together.

Absolutely — with your permission, I’m happy to connect with your child’s teacher or support team to align goals, share strategies, and make sure we’re all working in the same direction.
Final call to action

Let’s make reading feel possible again.

Complete the intake to unlock your strategy call and get clarity on the next best step for your child’s reading growth.

Start the intake
Start the intake