Summer Workshops
Don't let summer slide erode your child's writings skills! Take advantage of the time to prepare for greater success in high school and the SATs/ACTs.
Please fill out the following information to join our workshop mailing list:
- High School Writing I
- High School Writing II
- Grammar & Vocabulary Builder
- SAT/ACT Grammar & Style
- College Essay Workshops
High School Writing I
Participants will construct an essay in response to a text by developing an argument that utilizes an effective thesis statement. Students will practice brainstorming and organizing as well as explaining evidence to support their claims. The final product will be carefully revised and edited to increase awareness on this critical step in the writing process.
2024 TBD
$650/student;
Limit four participants
High School Writing II
This workshop adds complexity to the writing process by integrating and analyzing material from multiple literary and/or nonfiction sources into a single essay. Participants will learn ways to correctly cite textual evidence in their writing according to MLA style guidelines. Ideal for students preparing for AP courses in English and/or History.
2024 TBD
$650/student;
Limit four participants
Grammar and Vocabulary Builder
Designed to enhance fundamental literacy, this intensive workshop will focus on the critical grammar and vocabulary necessary to improve reading and writing skills. Students will review and practice common problem areas such as sentence boundaries, subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, as well as modifiers. Vocabulary will include word groups found in nonfiction and literature as well as those used in expository writing.
2024 TBD
$650/student;
Limit six participants
SAT/ACT Grammar & Style
Both tests now include similar content in the Writing/English sections, so this workshop will review the overlapping areas including hard-to-spot errors in advanced punctuation and complex grammatical structures. Participants will also practice style analysis and essay organization questions. All examples presented in exam format.
2024 TBD
$650/student;
Limit six participants
College Essay Workshops
Years of experience have shown me that summer is really the most productive season for seniors to start their college essays. During this time, they have the headspace to reflect authentically and the patience to revise thoughtfully, resulting in well-wrought personal statements that are illuminating to their applications. Aside from this, fall semester can fill up quickly and having a significant share of the writing done ahead of time is rewarding.
Join me for one of my popular, intensive, four-day writing workshops! Up to five students will form a cohort to construct solid drafts, first gaining familiarity with the unique purpose of the college application essay by reviewing admissions advice and by discussing effective examples. Then, individually and in collaboration with me and their peers, participants will brainstorm original, personal material that they can begin to shape into a dynamic and relevant response. 2024 dates are as follows:
Session A1: June 18-21 (T-F) 10:00-12:00
Session A2: June 18-21 (T-F), 1:00-3:00
Session B1: July 8-11 (M-Th), 10:00-12:00
Session B2: July 8-11 (M-Th), 1:00-3:00
$650/student;
We will begin with the “core” statements that can be used for UCs and/or the common application before discussing any school-specific questions and other supplemental essays. Students should bring their list of prospective schools and a laptop. In addition, students are welcome to continue working with me individually as needed throughout the summer and into the fall. All sessions take place at my office in Kentfield. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.