Real numbers, no mystery
What dyslexia help actually costs
When your child is struggling, the last thing you need is a wall of “contact us for pricing.” Roughly half of dyslexia providers hide their prices — so we spent weeks documenting what families actually pay across the U.S. in 2026. Here are the real ranges, plus the free options most families never hear about.
Sources: published provider pricing, verified August 2026. Individual providers vary — always confirm current rates. Figures are national ranges unless noted.
Evaluations & testing
The toll booth of the whole journey — and the thing the school must do for free if you ask in writing. Private options run from a quick screening to a full neuropsychological workup.
| Option | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| School evaluation (public) | Free | Full evaluation if requested in writing; you are part of the team |
| Quick screening (private) | $150–$200 | Initial assessment w/ short written report (e.g., regional dyslexia centers) |
| Dyslexia-specific evaluation | $500–$950 | Reading-focused evaluation (e.g., $600–$650 at specialty centers; $905 incl. psychoeducational tools) |
| Full neuropsychological eval | $2,000–$5,000+ | Comprehensive testing; what districts often respect most; IEE-eligible if you dispute the school's |
Real reports from families: $4,200 for one private evaluation; $20,000–$30,000 spent over a decade by one family with two dyslexic sons; a $3,000–$5,000 flat rate quoted by testing practices in major metros.
Tutoring & therapy
Structured literacy (Orton-Gillingham and cousins) is the standard prescription: usually 2 sessions a week, for a year or more. Plan the math before you commit.
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General marketplace tutors | $25–$60/hr | Not dyslexia-trained; fine for homework help, wrong tool for dyslexia |
| Certified OG/structured-literacy tutors | $73–$100/session | The proven tier (e.g., $80/50-min at specialty centers; ~$108/hr national average) |
| Premium online 1:1 programs | $395–$640/mo | Weekly live therapist + daily practice (e.g., $495/mo, ~$124/session) |
| Small-group online therapy | ~$480/mo | CALT-led groups (~$40/session) — the value pick if available |
| Home curriculum (DIY) | $280–$400/level | Scripted programs (e.g., 10-level systems) parents teach themselves |
| Reading software subscription | $25–$50/mo | Supplement, not replacement for a trained human |
Reality check: a 9-month weekly course at a specialty provider averages $4,214; intensives at famous names run $10,000+ per summer.
Advocates & attorneys
An advocate sits beside you in the meeting and speaks the school's language. Parents who hire good ones say they're worth more than they charge.
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free advocate options | Free | Parent Training & Information centers (every state has one), some nonprofits |
| Advocate, hourly | $50–$250/hr | Rural/newer at the low end; metro specialists at the top |
| Record review + one meeting | $625–$950 | The standard “one IEP cycle” package ($500–$2,500 range) |
| Full-case representation | $2,500–$5,000 | Complex cases, multiple meetings, strategy |
| Special-education attorney | $300–$500/hr + $3k–$5k retainer | For due-process territory; usually overkill early on |
Private dyslexia schools
The nuclear option — some families swear by them. Know the price before you tour, because hearts decide fast on those visits.
- $20,000–$46,000 per year — the documented range (tuition at known dyslexia schools runs about $44,000 in Atlanta, about $46,000 at others)
- Scholarships exist — e.g., Florida's education-savings accounts for students with IEPs typically award $10,000–$12,000; Alabama and other states have their own programs (see our Alabama guide)
The free things most families never hear about
- The school evaluation itself — free, in writing, on request. This is the giant one. (Here's the letter.)
- Children's Dyslexia Centers (Scottish Rite) — free structured-literacy tutoring at 40+ centers in 13 states, formal diagnosis required, waitlists exist
- Your state's Parent Training & Information center — free advocates and training, every state has one by federal law
- Free screeners (like ours) and library audiobook programs (e.g., national library services for reading-disabled students — free by federal qualification)
- Alabama families: free dyslexia evaluations for grades 1–8 through the Alabama Scottish Rite centers — details in the Alabama guide
Pricing documented from published provider rates, verified August 2026; ranges reflect national variation. This is general information, not a recommendation — your school district, state scholarship program, and insurance rules change the math. Always confirm current pricing with any provider before committing.