Free Reading Test for Kids

FREE READING AND LITERACY MATERIALS

In 1955 Rudolf Flesch wrote a national best seller,

Johnny Can’t Read

In 1981 he wrote a follow up edition,

Johnny Still Can’t Read.

Today according to national education statistics

Johnny Still Cannot Read in 2026

The real question that needs to be answered is

Will Johnny Ever Learn to Read?

GOOD NEWS! Johnny can be taught to read!

"There is a solution to illiteracy. All children can be taught to read proficiently. That includes the 85 percent of students who are currently being placed in “Special Education” because they have not been taught to read. Every parent who sends their child off to schools in September of each year fully expects that little Johnny or Susie will be reading by the end of the year. Too often that expectation and hope is dashed when frustration and confusion result. That need not be the case."

Robert W. Sweet Jr. – President National Right to Read Foundation

Our Reading Programs are researched based and field tested to improve reading and literacy skills dramatically.

Free Products

Browse our free phonics resources for kids, including guides, workbooks, and articles you can download below.

The Essence Of

Phonics

Teachers

Reading Voyage Workbook

American Leaders Book

African Leaders Book

News Release

Free Reading Test

San Diego Reading Assessment

Check Reading Level in 2 Minutes

Not sure how to check your child's reading level? This free reading level test online gives you a quick, reliable free reading assessment for kids so you know exactly where to start.

Instructions for Administering the Test

(Print out the test for easy use)

You may start about two grades below the grade level

you think the student may read successfully.

Have the student read aloud each word from this list of words.

If the student misses any words go to an easier list.

Keep progressing to a higher level until the students does not miss any words.

This is their base reading level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my child's reading level at home?

Our free reading test above is a quick, print-and-use assessment. Have your child read aloud from a word list two grade levels below where you think they'll succeed, and move up or down until you find their base reading level.

What is a reading level assessment?

A reading level assessment measures how well a student can read and understand text at a given grade level, usually by having them read aloud from graded word lists or passages until errors show where their skills currently stand.

How accurate are free online reading tests?

A free reading test like ours is a solid starting point for spotting whether a child is behind, but it's a screening tool, not a full diagnostic. It's most useful for deciding where to begin instruction, not for a formal evaluation.

Ready to go further? Explore our phonics program for kids or enroll in our reading program online.