Filter by Category
ELA/Writing/Reading
Cursive - T2
with Audra Eckes
Ages: 9 - 13
For new or continuing students. This class will be individualized to match the place and pace of each student. We will learn and/or review, then practice the formation of individual cursive letters - both lower-case and capitals (upper-case). I’m hoping that connecting letter to letter will begin on the first day to include short words using letters that are formed similarly. We’ll be learning the updated Zaner-Bloser style of cursive handwriting. The letters slant to the right with the tail of each letter connecting to the tail of the next letter. It also has capital letters that are simplified. Students will also practice reading cursive. Parents: This is the updated style of the one that many of you grew up on in grade school. Did you know that practicing cursive tends to improve print and overall fine motor skills as well as coordination? **Daily practice/homework of about 5 minutes will be requested to help ensure adequate progress.**
Please Note: Lunch is required for all who have 2nd & 3rd period classes. Please add the correct lunch to your cart before checking out. If we notice that it is not added, we will add it as a separate invoice to you.
Learning Storytelling from the MCU - T3
with Stephenie Stevens
Ages: 11 - 14
Students will love watching Marvel movies in order to learn the various elements of storytelling. We will cover both basic elements such as characterization, setting, and plot, as well as elements required to compose a compelling story. Assignments will be minimal other than watching the movies and making a few notes, and will include creating an oral story and a written story. Please Note that some adult themes are found in some of the Marvel movies, including a great deal of violence.
Literary Detective Agency - T3
with Seema Khan
Ages: 12 - 18
Literary Analysis-Grab your magnifying glass and step into the world of literary investigation! In Literary Detective Agency, students become story sleuths—uncovering clues, analyzing motives, and revealing the hidden meanings behind every tale. Together, we’ll read four diverse and thought-provoking books: A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, a magical mystery where even bread can be a weapon for justice; Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie, an imaginative adventure about the power of storytelling; Animal Farm by George Orwell, a sharp allegory about power and corruption; and It’s Not Bragging If It’s True by Zaila Avant-Garde, a modern memoir about brilliance, resilience, and finding your voice. Through discussion, creative writing, and projects, students will crack literary “case files,” decode symbols and metaphors, and sharpen their analytical skills to see stories not just as readers—but as literary detectives.
ELA 2 - T4
with Stephenie Stevens
Ages: 12 - 18
Students are entering this class mid-year.
ELA 2 will focus on 3 areas: grammar, spelling/vocabulary, and creating a well composed sentence/paragraph. The grammar area will have lessons on all parts of a sentence as well as verb types, agreement, and conjugation. Spelling/vocabulary will be differentiated according to each individual's prior knowledge. By the end of the year, the writing practice will hopefully payoff with a superb paragraph. The true priority for the year is a superb sentence. If the paragraph happens, we will call it gravy. There will be weekly homework, quizzes, and tests in this class; however, these tasks are for practice and evaluation; no grades will be calculated. Before enrolling in this class, students should be at a 3rd grade or greater reading level and have mastered all of the grammar topics presented in ELA level 1. Students who come to class without this knowledge will be asked to transfer into ELA 1. The students will need access to a computer with internet access at home. Our classroom time will be divided into three parts of lecture, comprehension checks, and fun activities. Students are happier and more engaged with the material when they are learning it with games, arts, or puzzles, so I try to incorporate at least one each week.
Great Stories in Graphic Novels - W1
with Stephenie Stevens
Ages: 11 - 14
In this middle grades class we will discuss some of the most iconic juvenile classics after reading them in graphic novel form. These will include: The Golden Compass, Anne of Greene Gables, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Tuck Everlasting, The Secret Garden, and, if we have time, Watership Down. There is no homework for this class other than reading the graphic novels.
From Sentences to Paragraphs: Building Strong Writing Foundations - W2
with Audra Eckes
Ages: 8 - 12
This course helps students become confident, creative writers by mastering the building blocks of great writing - sentences! Students will review and expand upon how to write different types of sentences, improve grammar and clarity, and use strong details. As the course progresses, students will work on how to organize thoughts into well-structured 3- to 5-sentence paragraphs. Through engaging lessons, fun writing prompts, and collaborative activities, students will grow their writing skills one sentence at a time. ELA 1 prior to or with this class would be beneficial to the students and is strongly encouraged. Students need to already know how to form a basic sentence and should be ready or almost ready for paragraph writing. There will be homework and access to a computer and Google account at home will be necessary. Students will have the use of computers/Chromebooks in class.
Ready, Set Learn - W2
with Elissa Colon
Ages: 4 - 7
In this class for our early learners we will be starting off our educational adventure strong. Focusing on beginning skills, while learning to love learning, and beginning your child's reading and math journey. A mix of music, movement, and motor skills, your little one will be ready for their next stage of education journey once they are done.
Please Note: Lunch is required for all who have 2nd & 3rd period classes. Please add the correct lunch to your cart before checking out. If we notice that it is not added, we will add it as a separate invoice to you.
The Writer's Toolbox: Grammar & Style - W2
with Seema Khan
Ages: 11 - 18
The focus of this class is on learning how to write good, powerful sentences. Students will practice crafting clear, engaging, and well-structured sentences through hands-on activities and frequent practice. Every great story starts with strong sentences, and mastering sentence craft leads to better paragraphs and more effective writing overall. Students will study and emulate strong, effective sentences from the Harry Potter universe, to internalize patterns and structures. They will explore how sentence structure, rhythm, word choice, and grammar rules create meaning and impact. Through sentence-composing exercises, students will manipulate words, clauses, and structures to see how small changes affect style, tone, and clarity. As they progress, students will apply more advanced grammar concepts to strengthen their sentences, gradually moving from simple constructions to complex, stylistically rich writing. By the end of the class, students will have a robust toolbox of strategies to write sentences with precision, flair, and impact, giving them the confidence and skill to craft compelling writing in any style or genre.
Please Note: Lunch is required for all who have 2nd & 3rd period classes. Please add the correct lunch to your cart before checking out. If we notice that it is not added, we will add it as a separate invoice to you.