Ballantyne Reading Academy offers a comprehensive suite of summer programs designed to help children of all ages maintain and improve their reading and literacy skills during the summer break. With the motto “we make learning fun,” the academy provides specialized programs for three distinct age groups: Beginner Bookworms (a drop-in program for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-4), Pre-School Summer Camps (ages 3-TK), and Elementary Summer Camps (rising 1st-5th grades), plus a Summer Book Club foBallantyne Reading Academy offers a comprehensive suite of summer programs designed to help children of all ages maintain and improve their reading and literacy skills during the summer break. With the motto “we make learning fun,” the academy provides specialized programs for three distinct age groups: Beginner Bookworms (a drop-in program for toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-4), Pre-School Summer Camps (ages 3-TK), and Elementary Summer Camps (rising 1st-5th grades), plus a Summer Book Club for students who have completed 3rd-5th grade. Each program features engaging weekly themes with reading, writing, discussion, and multi-sensory letter play, complemented by literature-based games, storytelling, crafts, and hands-on materials that make learning interactive and enjoyable.
All camps are led by degreed, certified, current, or former classroom teachers with extensive experience educating children of all levels and abilities. The academy maintains small group sizes with a maximum of 10 campers per session, ensuring individualized attention and personalized instruction. Programs incorporate diverse activities including guided reading, comprehension activities, decoding and spelling reinforcement using the Orton-Gillingham method, writing instruction, music, movement, and science and literacy integration. For elementary students, specialized offerings include themed camps like “Sensational Superheroes,” “Medieval Magic,” “Fun with Phonics,” and “Back to School Bootcamp,” with particular support for struggling readers through dedicated phonics instruction.
The academy is a 4-time Charlotte Magazine BOB award winner (Best Tutoring Service) and an ESA+ scholarship provider, demonstrating its commitment to quality education and accessibility. With flexible scheduling options including optional extended sessions and a flexible book club format, Ballantyne Reading Academy accommodates various family needs while maintaining its focus on making literacy development engaging and effective for every child.
Special Features
Small group sizes (maximum 10 campers per session)
Led by degreed, certified, current, or former classroom teachers
Personalized programs with flexible scheduling
ESA+ scholarship provider
4-time Charlotte Magazine BOB award winner (Best Tutoring Service)
Specialized phonics instruction using Orton-Gillingham method for struggling readers
Multiple themed weekly camps
Optional extended sessions available
Flexible attendance for Summer Book Club
Snack provided daily for main camp sessions
Drop-in Beginner Bookworms program (no registration required, donation-based)
Activities
MovementInteractive projectsEOG/standardized test preparednessWriting activitiesMusicReading instruction and fluencyLiterature-based gamesMath skills and conceptsPenmanshipStorytellingComprehension activitiesCrafts with hands-on materialsDecoding and spelling reinforcement (Orton-Gillingham method)Science and literacy integrationInformational text readingMulti-sensory letter playGuided readingPre-reading skillsKindergarten readinessStoriesPreschool readinessRhymesReading instructionWritingBook club discussions
Parent Considerations
Potty training required for preschool campers
Extended session campers must bring their own lunch
Book purchases required for Summer Book Club participation
Counselor ratios not specified for any programs
Snacks provided for main camp sessions but lunch responsibility varies by program type
1-5 years (Beginner Bookworms), 3-TK (Pre-School Camps), Rising 1st-5th grades (Elementary Camps), Completed 3rd-5th grades (Summer Book Club)
Cost:
$160-285 per week depending on program and registration date; Extended Session: additional $125/week; Summer Book Club: $10/session; 10% discount for siblings and multi-camp registrations
Location:
9815 Suzanne Ct Suite A, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Schedule:
June 2 – August 14, 2026. Main camps: Monday-Friday, 9am-noon. Extended Session: noon-2:30pm (optional). Summer Book Club: 4pm-5pm (weekly). Multiple weekly sessions available throughout the summer period.