Our Mission and Supporting Pillars

Waterford.org is a national education nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality educational resources for children, families, communities, and partners to deliver excellence and equity for all learners. Our mission is achieved and supported by our three pillars: Equity and Access, Family Empowerment, and Universal Literacy.

Equity and Access
Universal Literacy
Family Empowerment

Equity and Access

We are dedicated to developing accessible, high-quality learning programs for all children, regardless of background, means, location, or other circumstances. With a commitment to equity and access, we can ensure all children have the opportunity for success.

Why it Matters:

2.2 million children in the United States are unable to access publicly funded early education

25% of children who start school without basic skills are more likely to drop out before graduating

By ensuring access to high-quality early learning resources, we can close the achievement gap

Equity and Access

We are dedicated to developing accessible, high-quality
learning programs for all children, regardless of background, means,
location, or other circumstances. With a commitment to equity and access, we can ensure all children have the opportunity for success.

Why it Matters:

build a strong foundation in literacy, so every student reads at grade level by the end of second grade. When children can learn by reading, they can understand the world around them and find success in every aspect of their lives.

25% of children who start school without basic skills are more likely to drop out before graduating

By ensuring access to high-quality early learning resources, we can close the achievement gap

Universal Literacy

We strive to help children build a strong foundation in literacy, so every student reads at grade level by the end of second grade. When children can learn by reading, they can understand the world around them and find success in every aspect of their lives.

Why it Matters:

More than 43 million Americans have low literacy skills, and 8.4 million American adults are classified as functionally illiterate

Of adults with the lowest literacy levels, 43% live in poverty, and 70% of adult welfare recipients have low literacy levels.

Early literacy intervention can address these challenges and positively shape a child’s trajectory in life

Universal Literacy

We strive to help children build a strong foundation in literacy, so every student reads at grade level by the end of second grade. When children can learn by reading, they can understand the world around them and find success in every aspect of their lives.

Why it Matters:

More than 43 million Americans have low literacy skills, and 8.4 million American adults are classified as functionally illiterate

Of adults with the lowest literacy levels, 43% live in poverty, and 70% of adult welfare recipients have low literacy levels.

Early literacy intervention can address these challenges and positively shape a child’s trajectory in life

Family Empowerment

We believe the best educational outcomes occur when teachers, students, and parents align in a healthy partnership. By creating structures that foster this partnership, parents can confidently drive their child’s education with guidance and support from educators.

Why it Matters:

Classrooms that prioritize parent involvement see a rise in performance for all students, not just the children of involved parents

When teachers work to engage with parents, student absences drop by 20%

As educators partner with and empower families, children will be able to reach their full potential

Family Empowerment

We believe the best educational outcomes occur when teachers, students, and parents align in a healthy partnership. By creating structures that foster this partnership, parents can confidently drive their child’s education with guidance and support from educators.

Why it Matters:

Classrooms that prioritize parent involvement see a rise in performance for all students, not just the children of involved parents

When teachers work to engage with parents, student absences drop by 20%

As educators partner with and empower families, children will be able to reach their full potential