We’re Philly’s early
literacy movement.
A citywide coalition of family, community, and systems leaders protecting every child’s right to read since 2015.
Too many of our children are falling behind in reading. We won’t let the story end there.
Today, more than 65% of Philadelphia’s children are not reading at grade level by the start of 4th grade. This literacy crisis has hurt our city and nation for decades. But we can change this.
Our Strategies
We’re coming together across Philadelphia to take collective action to ensure every child can read confidently—at or above grade level—by fourth grade.
Family Engagement
Create and share meaningful literacy resources.
Diverse Books
Ensure families have books that reflect who they are and the world.
Community Mobilization
Activate community members to champion literacy.
Public Advocacy
Amplify and advance equitable education policies.
Quality Instruction
Equip educators with resources and support aligned with the Science of Reading.
High-Impact Tutoring
Expand access to evidence-based reading support.
EARLY LITERACY ECOSYSTEM
Everyone has a role to play in growing stronger readers.
FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, and SYSTEMS—each a driver and condition of literacy—are equally valuable in leading this movement.
“Sometimes in Philly, it feels like the city just happens to you.
As a part of Read by 4th, I feel like I can effect change.”
CAROLOTTA STAFFORD
Reading Captain
Join the movement.
Philly’s literacy advocates come from every sector and neighborhood. But we’re united by one belief:
Reading is the key to the life our children deserve.