St Hilda’s is launching the Accelerated Reader program this term for students in Years 4 to 6. It’s a reading program that matches each girl with books at her own reading level, then checks her understanding through short quizzes. The result: stronger reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, and more confidence in every book she picks up.
It’s the newest part of how we build strong readers across our Junior School, sitting alongside our broader approach to Junior School literacy and helping every girl discover a genuine love of reading.
What Is the Accelerated Reader Program?
Accelerated Reader, developed by Renaissance Learning, is built on a simple idea. When a student reads books matched to her current reading level, reading stays both achievable and genuinely engaging. Rather than being handed a set text, each girl is guided toward books that stretch her just enough while keeping the experience enjoyable. The focus is on three building blocks of confident reading: accuracy, fluency and reading comprehension.
How the Program Works
After finishing a book, students complete a short comprehension quiz. The quiz gives immediate feedback, so a student can see straight away how well she understood what she read. It also gives our teachers a clear picture of her reading comprehension over time, so they can offer the right support at the right moment.
Building Reading Confidence in Years 4 to 6
The Accelerated Reader program doesn’t replace the high-quality literacy teaching already happening in our classrooms. It complements it. Our Year 3 and 4 and Year 5 and 6 teachers continue to lead rich reading and comprehension work, and Accelerated Reader adds a personal layer of insight for every student, wherever she’s at. It helps girls make informed reading choices, experience real success, and build a genuine love of reading that lasts well beyond the classroom.
This builds on the reading foundations we nurture from the very beginning of a girl’s time at St Hilda’s. You can read more about how we build a love of reading in the early years.
Partnering with Families
Reading grows best when it’s shared, and families are a big part of Junior School literacy at St Hilda’s. As we introduce the Accelerated Reader program this term, we look forward to partnering with parents and carers to help every St Hilda’s girl grow as a reader, both at home and at school.
Curious about how we build confident, capable readers at St Hilda’s? Book a Junior School tour to see our literacy programs, and the joy of reading, in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accelerated Reader program?
Accelerated Reader is a reading program that matches each student with books at her reading level, then checks her understanding through short quizzes with immediate feedback.
Which year groups take part at St Hilda’s?
The program is for students in Years 4 to 6 in our Junior School.
How does Accelerated Reader support reading?
It focuses on building accuracy, fluency and reading comprehension, while helping students make their own reading choices and develop a genuine love of reading.
How is Accelerated Reader different from classroom reading lessons?
Accelerated Reader doesn’t replace classroom literacy teaching. It complements it, giving teachers individual insight into each student’s progress so they can tailor support and extension.
