Is the Program Successful?

Yes.On average, students in the Forward Scholars tutoring program advanced nearly two full grade levels (1.87) in reading fluency and accuracy—in just seven months during the 2024-2025 school year. The year prior, during the 2023-2024 school year, students achieved a comparable gain of two grade levels (1.97) in eight months. These consistent results underscore the effectiveness of our program. Beyond measurable academic progress, student survey results also demonstrated statistically significant growth in how often they read at home, their perseverance when faced with challenges, and their confidence and self-perception as capable readers. We are not just closing literacy gaps—we are helping students reach grade-level proficiency and build lasting academic momentum.

Forward Scholars is making a real impact on the Opportunity Gap for students of color who make up 98% of the student population that we serve. 

You can find more information in the End of Year assessments for all three school years here.

• During the 2022-2023 school year, students gained an average of over 1.5 years of growth with reading accuracy and fluency.

• During the 2023-2024 school year, the average student grew 2 full years of reading accuracy and fluency. 

• The past 2024-2025 school year showed continued success with the average student advancing 1.87 years over 7 months.