Course Catalog

Reading & Writing

Elementary Writing Workshop (Ongoing)
Online only. Year-round. No pre-requisites. Incoming 4th and 5th graders.
Tailored for young writers, this class provides a creative space where students explore the art of writing through various fun exercises. From crafting imaginative story narratives to well structured persuasive and informative essays, students build their skills every week with frameworks and tools that will help them master the writing assignments and standardized tests they will encounter during the school year.

Middle School Writing Workshop (Ongoing)
Online only. Year-round. No pre-requisites.
In this workshop, we go beyond the basics week after week and focus on the craft of creative writing that will set students up for success in middle school and high school. Topics include narratives with well-developed characters, settings, and plots, presenting evidence to support a particular viewpoint, conducting research and synthesizing information from various sources to create informative pieces, and learning strategies for revising and editing written work to improve clarity, coherence, and effectiveness.

Summer Book Club
In-person. No pre-requisites. Incoming 4th, 5th, 6th graders.
Bridge the summer reading gap with this engaging class where students will explore captivating books from the California curriculum suggested reading list and embark on exciting literary adventures. Through interactive discussions and fun writing exercises, students will enhance their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills, expand their vocabulary, and unleash their creativity. Join us for a summer of literary discovery, friendship, and fun!

Speech & Debate

Beginner Speech and Debate
In-person. No pre-requisites.
Designed for elementary and middle school students, this exploratory program introduces the various speech and debate events offered in competitive circuits in a low-pressure environment. We will cover fundamental communication skills and basic debate techniques that will lay the foundation for future success in both public speaking and competitive debate. In We will explore the various individual and group Interp Events as well as individual and team debate formats. Through interactive activities and practice drills, students will learn to express themselves confidently, craft persuasive arguments, and engage in respectful dialogue.

Intermediate Speech & Debate
In-person. Pre-requisite: Beginner Speech and Debate or equivalent experience.
This course is suitable for students who are familiar with the various speech and debate formats and want to begin competing in tournaments. We will move on from basics and start working on strategic tips and tricks to help students get comfortable in a competition environment. Coaches will help with topic selection, research guidance, crafting persuasive speeches and arguments, and building delivery skills.

Advanced LD / PF Debate Workshop
In-person. Pre-requisite: Intermediate Speech and Debate or equivalent competition experience
In this workshop, students will tackle advanced techniques to refine their arguments, flow more efficiently, build solid cases and contentions, learn defense and powerful rebuttal strategies, and improve their cross examination skills. Each week we will analyze cases, conduct mock rounds, and work on tactical approaches to win rounds at the MS, JV, or Varsity level.

Advanced Speech Workshop (all events)
In-person. Pre-requisite: Intermediate Speech and Debate or equivalent competition experience
For students who are ready to compete at the MS, JV, or Varsity level in any speech events, this workshop is an excellent way to take their skills to the next level. In this workshop, students will dive into their event of choice and work on prepping their selections in a mock tournament environment. Each week we will work on editing and refining speeches, choreography, comedic and dramatic timing, voice and pitch modulation, and more.

Original Oratory Writing Workshop *NEW*
Online. No pre-requisites.
Middle School and High School students who plan to compete in OO for the 2024-2025 season can start the year with a fully fleshed out oratory. We will cover the anatomy of an Original Oratory, topic selection and research, award-winning oratories from various circuits, and much more.

Elementary Public Speaking & Presentation Skills *NEW*
In-person. No pre-requisites. Incoming 4th and 5th graders only. 
In this foundational course, young learners engage in exploring the exciting world of communication through fun activities and engaging exercises. Students will develop confidence and learn essential speaking skills like organizing their thoughts, understanding their audience, and expressing themselves clearly. They’ll also discover the art of storytelling and how to create visually appealing presentations, which will set them up for success throughout their academic career.