Expanding on the writing and reading fundamentals, Advanced Composition and Literary Analysis is designed for students entering 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Emphasis is placed on reading, discussing, and writing about literature and poetry at a thematic level, with a focus on thesis development and the use of quotations as evidence. Mechanics, such as punctuation, verb tense consistency, and sentence and paragraph structure will be evaluated and discussed via direct instruction and peer editing sessions. Students will read and discuss various pieces of literature and poetry at length, paying close attention to thematic development and the human experience literature brings to light.

The goal of this course is to prepare students entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade to make the shift from reading for storyline to advanced reading for theme. Additionally, students will begin to write thesis-driven essays. Using high-interest short stories, students practice close reading, discussion, and interpretation of literature while learning the writing process and components of an effective essay. Working both independently and with peers, students practice mechanics, thesis creation, organization, and paragraph formatting while creating their own compositions.

The Expository and Creative Writing course focuses on the fundamentals of two of the major modes of writing. Students will read and discuss effective essays and powerful narratives to examine the different structures, components, and styles of each while working on their own pieces using these new skills. The course consists of both direct instruction and workshops in which students brainstorm, organize, write and edit their essays both with the instructor and with peers. By the end of the session, participants will have at least two polished pieces to add to their writing portfolios and a clear understanding of both the differences and skills required to write strong narratives and logical essays.

This course will train students to think critically about what they watch, see, and read—the core skills required for media literacy. Students will analyze the structure and format of mass media stories and learn about how authorship, bias, point of view, and target audience affects their intended meanings. Students will explore what makes certain media messages seem trustworthy, persuasive, and compelling and learn how to distinguish credible stories from fake news. We will look at how different media technologies, such as advertising, news websites, and entertainment programming, reflect and shape social values and divisions with respect to race, class, gender, and ethnicity. As students become more knowledgeable media consumers, course assignments will challenge them to use these communications skills in order to become stronger writers, speakers, and media producers.

Overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing the right college and career? In this class, students will explore their individual interests, research potential careers, and learn about the college application process. Through reflective reading, writing, and self-assessment, students will identify their careers of interest. In week one, students will conduct research about career outlook, preparation, college costs, work environment, and pay. In the second week, students will begin exploring colleges and programs of study. Students will virtually visit colleges of interest and learn about the application process in week three. The final week will be spent crafting a strong college essay. Throughout the four weeks, emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and research skills.

ACT Course (Register Here)

This course meets over two weeks, with no class on Fridays. Six days of the course is spent looking at the ACT in depth with a Kaplan expert teaching you the best test-taking strategies. Two days are dedicated to taking diagnostics practice tests because the best way to get familiar with the test experience is through a live, proctored ACT. Additionally, students will have access to eight exams with score analysis to identify areas for improvement and target their preparation. Included in your tuition is the ACT Channel, with live discussions, one-on-one help and on-demand lessons.