LITERACY
Reading is the most important skill for students to develop, as it unlocks a world of knowledge and opportunities, setting the foundation for their entire academic journey.
Our literacy initiative, Duval Reads, is dedicated to nurturing this essential skill. This child literacy improvement program provides intensive one-on-one and small-group literacy tutoring for students in elementary school. It has been a pillar of support for students in Duval County Public Schools since 1999. With a mission to empower young minds, we have helped more than 8,000 students achieve their reading goals.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to increase each student's reading proficiency by at least 10% during the school year. Achieving this goal is made possible through the dedication of our literacy tutors, who work in schools on a full-time and part-time basis, providing tailored support to their assigned students. These tutors are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young learners and are committed to nurturing a love for reading. They also connect with students virtually when necessary to provide an engaging experience that enhances learning from home.
Duval Reads is not just a literacy program; it's a community-driven effort to empower the next generation through the power of reading. In collaboration with these esteemed organizations, Duval Reads continues to be a driving force in CIS Jacksonville tutoring services and literacy programs for kids.
We are grateful for the generous support of our partners, who share our passion for child literacy improvement. Significant matching funds are provided locally by: Duval County Public Schools, Kids Hope Alliance, The Lastinger Family Foundation, The Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust, and the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation.
EMPOWERING THE WHOLE CHILD
"The partnership we have with Communities In Schools has such a positive impact, not only on our attendance data, our behavior data, our course performance data, and even our parent engagement data...but we have also seen tremendous growth with our students in the area of reading because of the support that Communities In Schools provides."
- Kim Jennings, Principal at Reynolds Lane Elementary
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
When I used to have trouble reading, it was boring, frustrating and aggravating. My literacy tutor helped me understand the words and their meanings. Now, I want to be a writer or an editor when I grow up.
Paris, 10