Black Swan Learning

Black Swan Learning is a dedicated provider of innovative reading software designed to unlock a child’s potential, based in Tempe, Arizona. We specialize in a scientifically-backed, sounds-first approach to literacy instruction, rooted in decades of research and proven effective for learners of all ages – from preschool to adulthood. Our core methodology, HSSR (Heard, Said, Spelled, Read), prioritizes the natural order of sound perception, building a strong foundation for reading fluency. Founded by a Stanford EE Ph.D. and former inner-city charter school teacher, Byron Davies, Black Swan Learning emerged from a personal commitment to address the challenges of reading difficulties. The company’s origins lie in the Global Learning XPrize competition, where the team developed a revolutionary method to teach reading in underserved communities. We offer a structured curriculum that focuses on the 39 essential sound-spelling units of English, delivered through a user-friendly app and complemented by supportive coaching. Black Swan Reading is not about gamification or fleeting engagement; it’s about providing consistent, evidence-based instruction that fosters a genuine love of reading. Families can choose from three paths: leveraging the power of the app with a parent or grandparent, investing in private tutoring, or utilizing the Empowerment Scholarship Account for Arizona ESA families. With just 10-20 minutes of daily engagement, children can build a solid foundation for reading, transforming their ability to decode words and unlock a world of knowledge.