COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Grade Designations are Fluid Based on Developmental and Academic Needs of Students

CREATIVE WRITING: Writing is a cognitive process requiring both reason and art, the art of painting with words. Exploring a variety of genres, students develop the ability to express thoughts in a manner that evokes both a visceral and intellectual response. There is a strong focus on data collection and organization. The course focuses on vocabulary banks, language conventions, use of imagery and development of a personal voice. (Maximum class size 8). 

RESEARCH WRITING: Developing the ability to make a compelling argument in support of one’s ideas is the crux of academia. Focusing on how to read scholarly sources, evaluate and sort data, consider multiple points of view, students will undertake the writing of three research papers throughout the course. Geared to Middle and High School. (Maximum class size 5).

WRITING MECHANICS: The complex processes involved in reading comprehension are divided into vocabulary development and comprehension strategies. Students will learn to write responses to comprehension questions in a clear, complete and correct manner. Students develop the basic building blocks of writing while developing proper sentence structure, appropriate syntax and correct use of verb tense, punctuation and grammar. Students 1st - 3rd.  (Maximum class size 8).

LITERARY ANALYSIS/CRITICAL WRITING: How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger artistic, political, social, cultural, economic, or religious contexts are the focus of study. Students read works of literature - modern and ancient - students are trained to analyze plot, character development and inference, attending to special attributes and writing defensible arguments and observations with reasons and evidence drawn from the texts. (Maximum class size 8).

 SAT/PSAT/ACT VERBAL PREPARATION: Students review rules of language, text analysis and deductive reasoning as they develop personal strategies and techniques for maximizing scores. (Maximum class size 4).

PRIVATE TUTORIALS: Private tutorials are tailored to meet your child's special academic needs and learning style. Private tutorials reinforce class material in the manner best suited to your child's learning style while guiding your child to view the subject matter beyond the classroom teaching. We focus on executive function, coaching students how to organize, plan, prioritize, manage time, maintain focus, self-assess, and study efficiently. 

CURRENT EVENTS: How to stay intelligently informed. It is not enough to read the news, the challenge is to read critically, identify bias, verify sources, and seek multiple source-points. (Maximum class size 8).
SCIENTIFIC WRITING: Increase your skills as both a consumer and communicator of scientific information. Expand your scientific knowledge and enhance your ability to communicate complex concepts in physical and life sciences by reading scientific journals and writing scientific reviews.

EARLY LEARNERS: Early language and literacy skills are learned best when hearing stories read and songs sung. Children develop early literacy skills by exploring books and other written and writing materials. We will weave stories, learn new words, and attend to how stories unfold. Ages 3 - 5, caregiver attendance may be required at teacher discretion. Sign up for 1 to 5 days! (Maximum class size 5).