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 is for students in late middle school and high school looking to improve their writing ability on the SSAT, in all their classes, and as preparation for the SAT. Students will review the fundamental rules of grammar, parts of speech, and syntax (sentence structures) – all of which are directly tested in the Language section of the SAT. Students will also learn techniques to vary their sentence structures, improve transitions and fluency, and choose more accurate diction. Lessons may include exploration of purpose, audience, organization, tone, and style. Students will complete multiple essays and then learn self-editing skills to become stronger editors of their own writing as well as of others.

As Brooks Summer School’s most rigorous English course, this class is geared for students who have a true interest in writing and/or a desire to get help with a specific writing project. Students in this class will choose an “anchor” writing project each week, such as a college essay, research paper, creative writing project, or other area of interest and receive individualized feedback as the student works through the writing process. Lessons will focus on practical grammar, language, and style skills as well as advanced writing strategies. Emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, and research skills.

As Brooks Summer School’s most rigorous English course, this class is geared for students who have a true interest in writing and/or a desire to get help with a specific writing project. Students in this class will choose an “anchor” writing project each week, such as a college essay, research paper, creative writing project, or other area of interest and receive individualized feedback as the student works through the writing process. Lessons will focus on practical grammar, language, and style skills as well as advanced writing strategies. Emphasis will be placed on reading, writing, and research skills.

This course is for students in late middle school and high school looking to improve their writing ability on the SSAT, in all their classes, and as preparation for the SAT. Students will review the fundamental rules of grammar, parts of speech, and syntax (sentence structures) – all of which are directly tested in the Language section of the SAT. Students will also learn techniques to vary their sentence structures, improve transitions and fluency, and choose more accurate diction. Lessons may include exploration of purpose, audience, organization, tone, and style. Students will complete multiple essays and then learn self-editing skills to become stronger editors of their own writing as well as of others.

We recommend complimenting the SSAT English course with our Grammar and Creative Writing courses since the topics covered are directly tested on the SSAT.

SSAT Math
The SSAT Math course prepares students for the math sections on the SSAT. Along with learning test taking skills, students will be provided direct instruction and review of concepts such as whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, square roots, powers, algebraic expressions and equations, basic geometry and word problems. Also covered in the course are specific approaches to the math sections, including ‘quick checks’ and time-saving strategies.

This course is for students in late middle school and high school looking to improve their writing ability on the SSAT, in all their classes, and as preparation for the SAT. Students will review the fundamental rules of grammar, parts of speech, and syntax (sentence structures) – all of which are directly tested in the Language section of the SAT. Students will also learn techniques to vary their sentence structures, improve transitions and fluency, and choose more accurate diction. Lessons may include exploration of purpose, audience, organization, tone, and style. Students will complete multiple essays and then learn self-editing skills to become stronger editors of their own writing as well as of others.