Onward Readers

Developed in 2013 by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and supported by the John H. and Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation, Onward Readers was an intensive, research-based literacy initiative designed to support students, parents, teachers, and principals to ensure that all students are reading on or above grade level. This initiative utilized a multi-component approach to reading instruction that directly addresses phonics, word study, fluency, and comprehension. Tiered levels of intervention were also built into each component to ensure that the needs of all students are met.

Building upon this proven framework, in 2023,  Solidarity Schools emerged as a new initiative dedicated to advancing educational excellence. Solidarity Schools retains the core principles of Onward Readers while enhancing its approach to offer high-quality instructional materials and best practices in both reading and math, fostering a culture of literacy and schoolwide improvement.

Supported by Onward 4 Excellence, the transition from Onward Readers to Solidarity Schools ensures a seamless continuation of impactful support for educators and students, marking a significant evolution in our commitment to educational empowerment.