About us / Pricing

Our mission is to bridge the gap from illiteracy to literacy by helping students & adults nationwide. Through the use of a structured, systematic, rule-based reading program, using basic phonetic reading skills.

1) Pre-testing & Post-testing of students is conducted to assess student's reading abilities by utilizing standardized tests to measure basic reading skills prior to admittance to the program and again after completion of program to ascertain skills that were gained. On average, students gain 2 to 3 grade levels in basic reading skills after 60 hours of instructional hours.

2) We use a scientifically proven, highly structured, systematic, phonetic, rule-based reading methodology.

• Basic Reading Skills - Ability to analyze the structure of unfamiliar words, ability to apply rules governing sounds of letters in words automatically, ability to remember words that do not follow rules of the sounds of letters in words.
• Broad Reading Skills - Ability to read words at a grade appropriate speed / fluency. It is also the ability to understand the meaning of these words in sentences and in paragraphs, and answer questions (i.e. reading comprehension).

Joseph N. Nichols, Jr. is a licensed and insured Speech/ Language Pathologist, from which emerged his practice as a “Phonetics Specialist”. He earned his B.S. degree in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Northeastern University and a M.Ed. from Fitchburg State College.

As a speech/Language Therapist, Mr. Nichols has evaluated students for speech/language levels of functioning and admits students into his program for remediation in articulation; delayed language; auditory processing; fluency, decoding and general linguistic weaknesses.

As a Phonetics Specialist Mr. Nichols works with students who have markedly depressed word attack/decoding scores and takes them through a highly structured, systematic, rule-based phonetics program designed to improve their reading, pronunciation and spelling skills.

Mr. Nichols founded the Thetford Ave Phonics Clinic (THAPHCL), in 1996, teaching phonics to members of the greater Boston community. This came about due to experiencing favorable results with his then 4-year-old son (at the time) and students within his Boston Public School caseloads.

Each weekly period of sessions, (4 hours /week), will cost $100.

• The program will consist of 60 instructional hours which will be covered over the course of 15 weeks.  (Sessions are scheduled 2 days /week).
• Total cost of program per individual is $1,500.

ATTENTION: Individuals who make a payment in full, on or before the date of the 1st session, will be given a discount of $300 for a special total cost of $1,200; otherwise, weekly payments will be accepted.

Q: How does the program work?

A: The program uses a card game where players take turns when drawing cards that  have specific rules where they must sound out, pronounce and spell and in some instances provide definitions correctly to complete a phase.

Q: How many steps/phases are there?

A: Students will have to go through 7 phases which overlap with rules learned in  previous phases.

Q: What is the meaning of initials THAPHCL?

A: Thetford Ave. Phonics Clinic (founded by Joseph Nichols, Jr. M.Ed.- in 1996.) 

Q: What is your product?

A: It is a highly structured, systematic, developmental, rule-based reading methodology.

Q: How long does it take for the average student to complete the program?

A: Sixty (60) instructional hours. 

Q: What is the average grade level increase?

A: Two (2) to Three (3) grade levels.

Q: How many students can the instructor effectively work with during a session?

A: Six (6), to eight (8) generally; more, if students are polite, attentive, and cooperative/motivated.

Q: How do you know it works? 

A: The above is revealed in actual raw data from pre-test and post-test results as well as student being able to demonstrate adequate reading ability upon being given developmental reading selections.

Q: What are some key benefits of the program?

A: · Students become better readers.

· Students become better spellers.

· Students gain better pronunciation skills.

· Students gain self-confidence and self-esteem, whichreverses acting out behavior(s).

· This is a major academic solution to behavior, social-emotional and economic problems; re: Juvenile delinquency, incarceration and dependence on Welfare.

Q: Has any student gotten through the program in less than 60 hours?

A: Yes. A “20-hour, 5-day Crash Course” was implemented on an 8th grade student whose pre-test (Grade-level score) was 6.2. Upon completion of the program, he achieved a post-test grade level score of 12.9.

Q: Do older students generally respond favorably or unfavorably to the program?

A: Favorably! It is presented in competitive game format, which they enjoy. Most, (if not all), are acutely aware of their shortcomings in reading and strive to overcome them.