Sliding Scale Explanation

Our 10-session courses are valued at $1,280 per course.

The scale was developed based on a cross-analysis of the value of our services and the 2025 New York City Area Affordable Monthly Rents.

  • Tiers 1-3 require submission of a lease or mortgage and photo ID.

  • Tiers 5-7 support our sliding scale as well as our public programs. These contributions have a direct impact on literacy in our borough.

  • If your family lives in a more complex housing situation (such as a multifamily or large apartment with multiple generations), please reach out, and we’ll identify the appropriate fee.

  • If your housing cost is significantly below what you can afford, please select the appropriate higher tier.

  • Payment plans are available at every tier.

  • Virtual services are priced $100 below the listed fee.

  • This scale will come into effect for courses beginning in Winter 2026.

Discounts

We offer discounts to families in the following categories. All discounts will be reflected on the final Square invoice.

Part 1: Value of Our Services

Sunnyside Literacy Lab’s model has been developed to provide the highest quality educational services. Learn more about our design elements.

Curriculum: All of our courses use research-based curricula. Our word study program requires 80+ hours of advanced certification through IMSE. Our adolescent courses include 20-30 hours each of curriculum design.

Group structure: Our groups are capped at three students, and we only match students in groups within a similar age range and reading level. Families may be waitlisted even while groups operate below capacity. We never cancel groups based on low attendance. 

Family-centered learning experiences: We design our holistic programs based on the needs of our families. This intentionality frames our learner course development, family workshop creation, book and resource curation, and one-on-one consulting.

Makeup sessions: All packages include two makeup sessions. As a fair employer, we pay educators regardless of student attendance. 

Assessment and support: We maintain IXL memberships, which we utilize during the intake process. Families are invited to complete re-assessment as often as needed to track progress. We work with families to understand data and chart a path forward.

Educator quality: All of our educators work full-time in schools and have their master’s degrees. We pay them professional wages to retain them. This means your child gets to work with a motivated and supported professional for an extended period of time.

Educator supervision and professional development: Our educators are supervised and provided with feedback to improve their practice. We hold paid coaching meetings to review feedback. In addition, educators complete paid training on the curriculum, so they are never learning alongside the child. 

Community: Our most significant value is the community we create. Families have opportunities to connect through workshops, one-on-one conferences, and phone calls whenever needed. We are always there for our families. This investment requires time, care, and energy from our professional staff. 

Part 2: Statement on Community

At Sunnyside Literacy Lab, we believe that literacy is a civil right.

We also understand the impact of the housing crisis on our families and our communities.

We chose to design our sliding scale around housing because we believe that education and housing are the foundation of strong neighborhoods.

When it comes to the upper tiers of our scale, we believe that in strong communities, neighbors look out for one another, and that means we look out for each other’s children.

For all families, participation in Sunnyside Literacy Lab is a commitment to community and the educational outcomes of our city.