Since 1976, Waterford.org has been a pioneer in using research and technology to support young learners. That work didn’t just spark an idea, it built the foundation for the impact families and educators see today, and the future we’re creating next.
Waterford Research Institute is established by Dr. Dustin Heuston at BYU to explore a bold idea: technology could help every child receive more individualized learning support.
Waterford pioneers the concept of technology as a “third source” of support alongside teachers and families, decades before digital learning becomes commonplace.
Waterford tests one of the earliest adaptive learning systems for young children, tailoring instruction to each learner years before personalized learning becomes an educational movement.
Rusty and Rosy introduce a new generation of learners to interactive educational experiences that combine storytelling, music, and research-based instruction.
Waterford Early Learning brings comprehensive early reading, math, and science instruction to classrooms, helping schools personalize learning at scale.
As educational technology gains momentum nationwide, Waterford partners with schools across the country to strengthen early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
Waterford extends its mission beyond the classroom, partnering directly with families to help children build foundational reading skills before kindergarten. Years before home-based learning becomes a national priority.
The first statewide implementation of Waterford Upstart expands access to thousands of children, demonstrating that high-quality early learning can reach families regardless of zip code.
At TEDx, Claudia Miner highlights one of education’s most persistent challenges: unequal access to early learning opportunities. Waterford Upstart offers a scalable solution grounded in decades of research and practice — a model recognized through TED’s Audacious Project for its potential to reach families nationwide.
When learning suddenly moved home, Waterford was ready. Programs and support systems developed over decades helped families and educators navigate one of the most disruptive periods in modern education. By 2021, Waterford had supported more than one million children with their learning.
Scout, Teo, and Cora debut, bringing modern design, engagement, and learning science to a new generation of children and families.
The U.S. Department of Education awards Waterford an Education Innovation & Research (EIR) grant to expand early learning access in rural Southern states, validating Waterford’s evidence‑based model and supporting broader implementation.
A decade of research and multiple studies point to the same conclusion: Waterford delivers meaningful gains in early literacy.
When Waterford began, personal computers were rare, adaptive learning was experimental, and the Science of Reading had not yet entered the national conversation.
Five decades later, literacy remains one of education’s greatest challenges.
Waterford’s mission remains unchanged: combine research, innovation, and human partnership to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.
“At our oldest’s kindergarten test she was one of the first to finish and the teacher asked me what program we had put her in because she did so well. When I said we had done Waterford she said “oh that makes sense.” She was able to count to 39 and knew capitals and lower case letters. I know that this program has helped our shy girl be more confident and able to speak up more.”
“Today, starting first grade, Amaia is an excellent reader and is reading chapter books. We have recommended Waterford to others since. We truly believe it contributed to her success!”
“Spending just 20 minutes a day on the program has built a strong academic foundation in reading, math, and science. My child absolutely loves it and is always eager to log on and see what new discoveries await.”
“Talia went into kindergarten able to spell her name, count to 100, add, and pronounce all of the letters and their sounds. It helped give her the steps to successful beginning years in grade school!”
“Waterford was attentive and I loved how it adapted to what my son was learning. He finished the whole program and he was head and shoulders above his peers once he started kindergarten! My niece did the program and my daughter is now currently in Waterford Upstart. She loves it too!”
“Seeing Izabella go from learning the basics to becoming such a confident and capable reader has been amazing. We are very thankful that Waterford gave her such a wonderful head start and helped create a love of reading that she still carries with her today.”
“The Waterford program really helped with getting my daughter ready for kindergarten. It was a brilliant easy daily plan and organizer for my daughter to learn the early materials needed for her age. I would highly recommend anyone with a child this age to use the Waterford program.”
“Waterford has truly made a significant impact on my sister and daughter’s academic progress. I want to express my gratitude for continuously supporting and advancing my scholars’ learning.”
“At the end of her kindergarten year Brynlee won the award for Kindergarten Student of the Year, and I credit that to the fundamental learning she received in Waterford, which laid the groundwork for her to excel academically.”
“Waterford has helped my kids get ready for kindergarten. This program has been a blessing for my kids.”
For 50 years, Waterford has helped children, families, and educators succeed. Discover the stories behind the outcomes and the research that demonstrates what works.
“Our work has always centered on one idea: every child deserves meaningful early learning experiences. The next fifty years will bring new tools, deeper community partnerships, and broader reach to support children, families, and educators.”
“Whether in homes, classrooms, schools, or communities, meaningful change happens when people work together on behalf of children. Their trust, collaboration, and commitment have been central to our success.”
“Waterford was founded on a bet that has held for 50 years: that technology, grounded in the science of how children learn, can accelerate outcomes. The technology has changed many times over. The science-first discipline behind it hasn’t. That’s the discipline we bring to whatever comes next.”
“We’ve learned that supporting children means supporting the adults who guide them every day. Families and educators are essential partners and Waterford’s impact has been strengthened by helping both engage in and support that learning. Their dedication has been at the heart of our work and inspires the future we are building together.”
“Early learning can shape the course of a child’s life. When we give children a strong start, we’re doing more than preparing them for school; we’re opening doors to confidence, opportunity, and possibility that can last a lifetime.”
“Research has been the foundation to inform how we design our programs, measure outcomes, and continuously improve. This research has consistently shown the positive impact evidence-based early learning can have on long-term success and is a foundation for the future.”
As we honor five decades of impact, we also look ahead. A single opportunity can unlock learning, confidence, and lifelong success. Help Waterford reach more children with the early-learning experiences that give every child the chance they deserve.
