# Essential Learning System

> Accelerated learning system for reading and language challenges with multisensory lessons. (iPhone/iPad app by Creative Education Institute.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Creative Education Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/1036171702)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 398 MB
- Languages: American English, European Spanish
- Released: 2015-09-11
- Data updated: 2026-06-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703/reviews.md

## What is Essential Learning System?

After 25+ years of helping millions of students learn to read in schools all across the U.S., CEI is excited to offer a version of our flagship product designed specifically for use in the comfort of your own home. ELSO accelerates learning by focusing on the core of learning problems.

“It’s like physical therapy for the brain.” – Parent of CEI student

WHY IS ELSO FOR ME?
See if any of the following describes the learning challenges that you or your family have been facing: 

- My child has a distinct learning disadvantage … maybe more than one.
- My child is shy, bashful and withdrawn in a classroom setting.
- My child is easily distracted by the actions of other students in the classroom.
- My child is learning at a level far below that of fellow classmates.
- My child is falling further and further behind in school.
- English is a second language for my family.
- Our hectic family schedule prevents me from helping in our children’s learning.
- I need extra help in home-schooling my child.
- Tutoring is not available through my child’s school.
- Transportation costs and scheduling prevent me from traveling to tutoring centers.
- Effective tutoring with proven results costs too much.
- Being older than the other students who are being tutored embarrasses my child.
- I, as an adult learner, personally experience some of the above.

If you relate to even one of these statements, ELSO is the answer!

HOW DOES ELSO WORK?
The overwhelming strength of CEI programs is the ability to accelerate learning among the most at-risk students — those with the strongest of learning disadvantages. Just as our school-based learning solutions do, ELSO accelerates learning by focusing on the very core of learning problems … faulty sensory processing. All CEI products include activities that link visual, auditory, and motor, or “hands-on,” pathways in the brain, and ELSO is no exception.

ELSO capitalizes on the brain’s ability to develop more fluid pathways for automatic recognition, retention, comprehension, and application of information. Throughout over 200 lessons, the program accelerates student learning by delivering automated, individualized, and differentiated instruction that addresses the most critical instructional processes: 

INDIVIDUALIZATION — Self-paced instruction to meet the individual needs and skill level of each student 
MULTISENSORY LEARNING — A series of exercises that stimulate the visual, auditory, and motor-kinesthetic pathways in the brain. 
INTERACTIVE LEARNING — Five steps (external stimulation, mental processing, response, immediate feedback, and reinforcement) to keep learners engaged in activities 
SYSTEMATIC PHONICS INSTRUCTION — Focused instruction on how to link letters and sounds to form sound-symbol relationships and spelling patterns 
LANGUAGE ENRICHMENT — Words, definitions, and sentences to aid in vocabulary development and retention and to provide background knowledge. 
PRACTICE AND REPETITION — A wide variety of activities to provide practice in several different contexts 
MASTERY — Instruction, practice, and review learners need to master the program’s content. 

HOW IS ELSO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ONLINE READING PROGRAMS?
* ELSO adheres to educational research regarding presentation, and CEI designs its programs to limit distractions. There are no busy screens, music, or animation. Exercises present simple illustrations that reinforce instructional goals. As a result, ELSO users can focus on the information presented.
* Exercise introductions and feedback are available in English and Spanish, so learners with limited English skills can use the program immediately.
* Nine fonts — including one designed for users with dyslexia — are available so learners may select the one that provides the best readability for their needs.

We share in your goal of achieving remarkable results, and we are committed to helping you achieve academic, social and professional success!

Learn more at www.ceilearning.com.

## Key features

- Accelerated learning for at-risk students
- Multisensory learning pathways
- Individualized and differentiated instruction
- Interactive learning with feedback
- Systematic phonics instruction
- Language and vocabulary enrichment
- Practice and repetition activities


## Frequently asked questions about Essential Learning System

### What is the learning methodology used by Essential Learning System?

Essential Learning System focuses on accelerating learning by addressing faulty sensory processing. It utilizes multisensory activities that link visual, auditory, and motor pathways in the brain to improve recognition, retention, comprehension, and application of information.

### How does Essential Learning System track student progress?

The program provides automated, individualized, and differentiated instruction through over 200 lessons. It incorporates immediate feedback and reinforcement within its interactive learning steps to keep learners engaged and monitor their development.

### Does Essential Learning System offer certifications?

The provided information does not mention any specific certifications offered by Essential Learning System. Its focus is on skill development and accelerating learning for students.

### What devices is Essential Learning System available on?

Essential Learning System is currently supported on iPads. Information regarding availability on other devices like iPhones or Android tablets is not specified.

### What is the age rating for Essential Learning System?

Essential Learning System has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for children aged four and older, designed to support early learning and development.

### How often is Essential Learning System updated?

The latest version of Essential Learning System is 4.0, and it was last updated on November 11, 2025. This suggests a recent update, though the frequency of updates is not explicitly stated.

### What do users like most about Essential Learning System?

User sentiment data is limited, with only one rating of 1.0 stars. However, a parent described the system as 'like physical therapy for the brain,' suggesting a positive perception of its therapeutic learning approach.

### Does Essential Learning System have ads?

No, Essential Learning System does not contain advertisements. The app is free and does not feature any in-app purchases or ad-supported content.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0 — 2025-11-11

We’ve updated the app to ensure continued compatibility with the latest iPadOS and App Store guidelines.

- Improved overall performance and stability
- Enhanced security and privacy compliance
- Optimized for the latest iPad models and screen resolutions
- Minor UI adjustments and bug fixes

This update keeps the app fully functional, reliable, and ready for future iPadOS versions.

### 3.0 — 2021-10-28

Updated application for iOS 15.0 and done some minor modifications in UI for iPad.

### 2.0 — 2021-06-08

* small bugs fixes
* new updates

### 1.2 — 2017-03-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Added new theme and fixed minor bug.

### 1.1 — 2015-10-31

iOS 9.0 keyboard related issue fixed in this build.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-24.*
