New Jersey Dyslexia Resources
K-3 students get a reading screener twice a year, and students with signs of dyslexia must be screened by mid-2nd grade.
More about dyslexia help in New Jersey
New Jersey defines dyslexia in its special education rules. Schools must screen students who show signs of it, and teachers get yearly dyslexia training.
To get an evaluation, write to your school. The child study team must meet with you within 20 calendar days, and SPAN can help you get ready.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in New Jersey.
Free parent help
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Phone help with IEPs and special education rights, in English and Spanish.
FreeEspañolState dyslexia guidance
New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook
The state's dyslexia guide: warning signs, screening, teaching methods, and accommodations.
FreeSpecial education office
New Jersey Department of Education: Office of Special Education
Your special education rights booklet in 12 languages, plus a state ombudsman for questions.
FreeEspañolالعربية+8 languages: 中文, Português, ગુજરાતી, Kreyòl, हिन्दी, 한국어, Русский, Tagalog
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia NJ(opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia association
International Dyslexia Association New Jersey Branch(opens in a new tab)
Job help for adults
NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in New Jersey
The steps and deadlines in New Jersey rules.
Put your request in writing
Write to the principal, special education director, or child study team. Ask for an evaluation and say you suspect dyslexia.
- Time limit: 20 days
Meet the team within 20 days
The child study team meets with you to decide whether to test. School holidays do not count, but summer days do.
- Time limit: 90 days
Sign consent: IEP within 90 days
After you sign consent, testing, the eligibility decision, and the IEP must be done within 90 calendar days.
- Time limit: 10 days
Get the reports 10 days early
You get copies of the test reports at least 10 calendar days before the eligibility meeting.
- Time limit: 20 days
Disagree? Ask for an outside test
Ask for an independent evaluation at public expense. If the district says no, it must ask for a hearing within 20 calendar days.
Ask for mediation or a hearing
Write to the Director of the NJDOE Office of Special Education. You have two years to ask for a due process hearing.
New Jersey dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
Students who show signs of dyslexia must be screened by the end of the first half of 2nd grade.
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
If testing confirms dyslexia, the school must give evidence-based help in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
K-3 teachers, special education and reading staff must take 2 hours of dyslexia training every year.
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
Dyslexia is defined in the state special education rules, using the International Dyslexia Association's definition.
P.L.2013, c.131 (N.J.S.A. 18A:46-55); N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.3 (2013)
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
The New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook (2017, updated 2024) explains screening, teaching, testing, and accommodations.
Source (2017)
State dyslexia specialist
Partly
What it says
A 2024 law created a state literacy office (LEAR). No state dyslexia specialist post was found.
Science of reading law
Partly
What it says
Since 2025-26, every K-3 student gets a reading screener twice a year, and PreK-6 teachers get yearly literacy training.
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in New Jersey
Pick what you need.
Official help
What your state says schools must do.
Bergen County Office of Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Bergen County
The state's local office; its special education specialist can explain your rights.
Essex County Office of Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Essex County
The state's local office; its child study supervisor helps with special education questions.
Mercer County Office of Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Mercer County
The state's local office; its special education specialist can explain your rights.
Middlesex County Office of Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Middlesex County
The state's local office; its special education specialist can explain your rights.
New Jersey Department of Education: Learning Resource Centers (opens in a new tab)
State special education libraries: borrow teaching materials, try assistive tech, attend trainings.
New Jersey Department of Education: Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (opens in a new tab)
The state's literacy office: K-3 reading screening rules and the NJ Literacy Framework.
Help with IEPs and 504 plans
Free experts who know the rules.
Advocates for Children of New Jersey KidLaw Resource Center (opens in a new tab)
Legal help and plain guides on school and special education rights, in English and Spanish.
Education Law Center (opens in a new tab)
Free special education legal help for income-eligible NJ families; intake in English and Spanish.
Rutgers Law School Education and Health Law Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Free lawyers, with law students, for low-income parents of children in special education.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Rutgers University General Assessment Clinic (opens in a new tab)
University testing for reading, writing, and other learning difficulties; $775 for community clients.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Children's Dyslexia Centers of NJ (opens in a new tab)
One-on-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring twice a week for diagnosed students; only a small registration fee.
Monmouth University Reading and Writing Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Serves Monmouth County
Reading and writing assessment and teaching for K-12 by graduate students, $100 per child.
Rowan University Reading Clinic (opens in a new tab)
One-on-one reading tutoring for K-12, online or in person, with a written report for parents.
The College of New Jersey Literacy Advancement Project (opens in a new tab)
Reading tutoring for grades 1-12 by trained college students, plus referrals for dyslexia testing.
William Paterson University Reading Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Serves Passaic County
Low-cost reading tutoring for grades K-12 by certified teachers, in person or remote.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) (opens in a new tab)
Try out or borrow assistive technology devices before you buy them.
Assistive Technology Center at The College of New Jersey (opens in a new tab)
State-funded assistive technology training for schools and guides that help families choose tools.
Parent groups
Families who have been there.
East Brunswick SEPAG (opens in a new tab)
Serves East Brunswick
East Brunswick parents' group that gives the district input on special education.
Rutgers BRIDGE Initiative (opens in a new tab)
Free guides, events, and drop-in help for families and special education parent groups.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Regional Center for Students with Learning Disabilities (opens in a new tab)
Support for FDU students with a diagnosed learning disability, at no extra charge.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Center for Dyslexia Studies (opens in a new tab)
Graduate Orton-Gillingham training for teachers, with full-tuition scholarships for some.
Georgian Court University Wilson Reading System Program (opens in a new tab)
Online and hybrid Wilson Reading System training, open to teachers, tutors, and parents.
The Reading League New Jersey (opens in a new tab)
Free-to-join group sharing science of reading training and resources with NJ teachers and parents.
Schools for dyslexia in New Jersey
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
10 of 25 shown
- Dyslexia school
The Bridge Academy(opens in a new tab)
Lawrenceville · Mercer County · Ages 8-18
State-approved school for students with dyslexia, ages 8-18, built on Orton-Gillingham.
Financial aidAOGPE-accredited schoolNJDOE-approved private school for students with disabilities - Dyslexia school
Community School and Community High School(opens in a new tab)
Teaneck · Bergen County · Grades K-12
State-approved K-12 day school for students with learning differences, using Wilson and Orton-Gillingham.
Financial aidNJDOE-approved private school for students with disabilities - Dyslexia school
Banyan School(opens in a new tab)
Fairfield · Essex County · Ages 5-14
State-approved elementary and middle school specializing in dyslexia, built on Wilson Reading.
Financial aidWilson Accredited Training PartnerNJDOE-approved private school for students with disabilities - Dyslexia school
The Winston School of Short Hills(opens in a new tab)
Short Hills · Essex County · Grades 1-8
Independent school for students with dyslexia and other learning differences, grades 1-8.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Laurel School of Princeton(opens in a new tab)
Hopewell · Mercer County · Grades 1-12
School for students with dyslexia, grades 1-12, with daily small-group Wilson or Orton-Gillingham reading.
- Dyslexia school
Newgrange School(opens in a new tab)
Hopewell · Mercer County · Grades 2-12
State-approved school for students with language-based learning differences, grades 2-12.
Financial aidNJDOE-approved private school for students with disabilities - Dyslexia school
The Cambridge School(opens in a new tab)
Pennington · Mercer County · Grades K-12
K-12 school for students with dyslexia and ADHD, using Wilson and Orton-Gillingham.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
The Lewis School of Princeton(opens in a new tab)
Princeton · Mercer County · Grades PK-12
Ungraded school, pre-K to high school, for students with dyslexia and related learning differences.
- Dyslexia school
The Craig School(opens in a new tab)
Mountain Lakes · Morris County · Grades 2-12
Independent school for students with dyslexia, grades 2-12, with an Orton-Gillingham reading program.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Banyan High School(opens in a new tab)
Little Falls · Passaic County · Grades 9-12
State-approved high school and 18-21 program for language-based learning disabilities, with Wilson.
Financial aidWilson Accredited Training PartnerNJDOE-approved private school for students with disabilities
Dyslexia help by county in New Jersey
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How New Jersey reads
Students and adults, next to the whole U.S.
4th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
8th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
Adults who struggle to read
Ages 16 to 74 at or below Level 1 in a national adult skills survey (PIAAC), data through 2017
NAEP Proficient is a high bar, not the same as “on grade level.” Adult figures are model estimates. Sources: The Nation’s Report Card and the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, both from NCES.
See reading scores in every stateAlso good, in every state
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
Ebooks read aloud with highlighting, free for U.S. students with dyslexia; adults pay a yearly fee.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) (opens in a new tab)
Find your state's federally funded parent center for help with special education.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory (opens in a new tab)
Search IDA's directory for dyslexia testing, tutoring, therapy, and advocacy near you.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on job accommodations for adults with dyslexia, by phone or email.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
Human-read audiobooks for students with dyslexia. Families pay yearly; your school may already offer it.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) (opens in a new tab)
Free audiobooks by mail or app for children and adults with a reading disability like dyslexia.
New Jersey dyslexia questions
Does New Jersey require dyslexia screening?
Yes. All K-3 students get a reading screener twice a year, and students with signs of dyslexia must be screened by the end of the first half of 2nd grade.
SourceWill the school tell me my child's reading screening results?
Yes. The district must send you the K-3 screening results within 30 days after the first screening period ends, with the reading help it offers.
SourceHow do I ask for a dyslexia evaluation in New Jersey?
Send a written request to your school. The child study team must meet with you within 20 calendar days to decide whether to evaluate.
SourceCan a student with dyslexia get an IEP in New Jersey?
Yes, if dyslexia affects learning and the student needs special education. Dyslexia is listed under specific learning disability in the state rules.
SourceCan I get free legal help with special education in New Jersey?
Yes, if you qualify. Disability Rights New Jersey, Education Law Center, and a Rutgers Law School clinic give free legal help to eligible families.
SourceAre there schools for dyslexia in New Jersey?
Yes. This guide lists 10 schools built for students with dyslexia: The Bridge Academy (Lawrenceville), Banyan High School (Little Falls), Banyan School (Fairfield), and 7 more. Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in New Jersey?
Yes. NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center ((800) 792-8322) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in New Jersey?
In 2024, 38% of New Jersey 4th graders scored Proficient in reading on the NAEP test (U.S.: 30%). Proficient is a high bar: solid grade-level reading and more.
Neighboring states
Learn more
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Sources for this page (11)
- NJDOE Office of Special Education: Dyslexia — Dyslexia definition (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.3), 2024 handbook, and NJDOE webinars for the 2-hour training required by P.L.2013, c.105.
- N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.7(c) — N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.7(a)1: file within two years of when you knew or should have known about the action. Mediation (6A:14-2.6) is also requested in writing to the Director.
- Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE), revised June 2026
- NJDOE LEAR: Universal Screening — K-3 universal literacy screening under P.L.2024, c.52; 2026-27 data due dates.
- NJ Legislature bill database, 2026-2027 session (also 2024data) — Searched synopses for dyslexia and literacy. Only P.L.2024, c.52 and c.53 were enacted since 2023; dyslexia and reading bills in the 2026 session are still in committee.
- P.L.2013, Chapter 210 (approved January 17, 2014)
- P.L.2013, Chapter 105 (approved August 7, 2013)
- P.L.2013, Chapter 131 (approved August 9, 2013)
- The New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook: A Guide to Early Literacy Development & Reading Struggles
- P.L.2024, Chapter 53 (approved August 13, 2024)
- P.L.2024, Chapter 52 (approved August 13, 2024)
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Dyslexia resources in every state