Until grade three, children learn to read; after grade three, they read to learn. The Schools of Hope initiative, funded by the JPMorganChase Foundation, focuses on this single outcome-reading at grade level by grade three-as its measure of success.
It provides supplemental resources to children grades K through 3 to enhance early literacy skills. 

There are currently three Schools of Hope, Geraldine Johnson School in Bridgeport, Franklin School in Stratford, and McKinley School in Fairfield.  These schools were chosen in consultation with senior administrative staff in each school district.  United Way staff and evaluation consultants have worked with the principals of each school to develop a plan, unique to each school, to address ways to attain the outcome of all children reading at grade level by grade three.

The program works differently at each school, depending on the needs of students and teachers. Ongoing monitoring and tracking of student’s reading improvement, school attendance and behavior help ensure successful outcomes. 

At Webster School, programs to increase parent engagement include Field Trips, Family Literacy, and Numeracy Night programs.  The Field Trips encouraged parent involvement because each trip included “Before, During and After Field Trip Work Packets.”

The Franklin School model included an After-School Tutorial Program, Homework Club, Books for Home Libraries, Word Magic Translation, and Parent-Home Connection Workshops.

Due to the higher number of English Language Learners (ELL) students at McKinley School, its programs focused on improving proficiency with English literacy skills.  To do this, the school implemented the usage of Play Away listening devices, a music and arts enrichment program, and a foster grandparent program.