2009-10 courses

Sign up now for new courses, Feb-May 2010: Core Skills & Selective-Enrollment Prep (grades 6-7) and Accelerated Enrichment & Greek Mythology (grades 4-5).  Scroll down for details.

- Frequently asked questions about my courses (admission policy, class size, etc.)

- My students' test scores and high-school/college acceptances

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Note: Course dates and times listed on this page are subject to change. 

Course description: By focusing on the core skills that students entering high school (or seeking admission to selective high schools) must have, including test-taking skills, this course prepares students for the following tests:

Students will read, analyze, and discuss challenging texts; write analytical and persuasive essays; review important grammar points; and learn to use advanced vocabulary. Analogies and other logic exercises will help students hone their critical reasoning skills. We will review key concepts and problem types in math, including percents, basic algebra and geometry, and word problems. In addition, students will learn how to demonstrate their full potential on standardized tests – how to manage time effectively, how best to approach each type of question, and how to minimize careless errors. Finally, there will be some discussion of study skills and time management.

Accelerated Enrichment & Greek Mythology for grades 4-5:

Writing, Reading, Math, Vocabulary, and Test-Taking Skills

- For students in grades 4-5

- Wednesdays, 4:15-5:45 PM

- Mar. 10 - May 26, 2010 (12 classes)

Intensive PSAT Prep for grades 9-11

- Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM or 4:15-6:15 PM

- Sept. 12 - Oct. 10, 2009, with an extra class on Monday, Oct. 12 (Columbus Day)

- 5 classes total, plus an optional extra class on Columbus Day from 4:00 to 6:00 PM

- One opt-out date will be allowed (during the five classes from Sept. 12 through Oct. 10)

Course description: This class will prepare students in grades 9-11 for the October 14th (Wednesday) or October 17th (Saturday) PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), which high schools administer to all juniors and most sophomores. We will cover all three sections of the PSAT: Critical Reading (textual analysis, logical reasoning, and vocabulary); Writing (multiple-choice grammar and usage); and Math.  Materials will include actual PSATs from past years.

SAT/ACT Writing & Math for grades 9-11

- Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM or 4:15-6:15 PM

- October 24, 2009 - January 30, 2010, with class also on Sunday, Dec. 13 (no class on Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 28, Dec. 12, Dec. 26, or Jan. 2)

- Note special class times:

- 10 classes total

- Three opt-out dates will be allowed

Course description: The SAT and ACT test students on grammar and usage (multiple-choice questions) and essay-writing skills. Because about 70% of the SAT Writing score (and 100% of the ACT English score) is based on multiple-choice grammar questions, grammar skills are the key to scoring well. Thus, we will devote a majority of class time to intensive grammar review.

The SAT requires students to write a 25-minute persuasive essay, which accounts for about 30% of the Writing section score and is also scored separately (on a 2-12 scale); a copy of this essay is sent to the colleges to which a student applies. Similarly, the ACT includes an optional Writing Test (30-minute persuasive essay, scored on a 2-12 scale), which most selective colleges recommend or require. Many colleges compare this essay to a student’s application essay(s) to judge the authenticity of the latter; some colleges also use the SAT/ACT essay to determine college course placement. This course will develop students’ ability to think, develop logical arguments, and write well under pressure. We will do in-class brainstorming, outlining, and writing exercises, and students will practice writing and critiquing SAT and ACT essays. We will also cover some advanced vocabulary each week to enhance students’ ability to express their thoughts precisely. The grammar, thinking, and writing skills that students gain in this course will help them succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Finally, about 30% of the course will be devoted to SAT and ACT math review. Students will take math practice tests, and we will review difficult problems in class.

SAT/ACT Critical Reading, Essay-Writing, and Math

for grades 9-11 

- Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM or 4:15-6:15 PM

- Feb. 6 - Mar. 27, 2010

- Note special class time:

• On Mar. 20, the AM section will meet from 1 to 3 PM instead of from 9:30 to 11:30 AM

- 8 classes total

- Two opt-out dates will be allowed

Course description: Both the SAT and ACT test students on reading comprehension (critical reading) and math. In addition, about 30% of the SAT Critical Reading section tests students’ knowledge of advanced vocabulary. Most students find the Critical Reading section of the SAT (and the Reading section of the ACT) to be the most difficult part of the test: they often run out of time, and they have trouble understanding and comparing lengthy, complex passages.

In this course, students will learn how to use advanced vocabulary words (not only by memorizing definitions, but also by using these words in sentences); hone their critical reading skills (by analyzing and discussing not only sample SAT/ACT passages, but also New York Times articles and challenging excerpts from literature, social science, natural science, and humanities texts); and review math. The reading and analysis skills that students gain in this course will help them perform better in their high-school courses and prepare them for college and professional life.

This course will also cover essay-writing for the SAT and ACT.

Intensive SAT / ACT Prep: Writing, Reading, & Math for gr 9-11)

(preparation especially for the June SAT & ACT)

- Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 AM or 4:15-6:15 PM

- Apr. 10 - May 22, 2010

- Note special class time:

- 7 classes total

- Two opt-out dates will be allowed

Course description:  Intensive review of the Writing (English), Math, and Critical Reading (Reading) sections of the SAT and ACT, with emphasis on the SAT essay and ACT Writing Test.  Brief review of the ACT Science section.  Ideal for juniors taking the SAT or ACT in June (or May), but open to other students as well. 

- For students in grades 7-8

- Thursdays, 4-6 PM, and some Sundays during the fall term, usually 3-5 PM

- Sept. 10, 2009 - May 13, 2010

Course description: This is an intensive, advanced version of the basic Core Skills course (see description below).  Students will cover higher-level material in all areas: writing, reading, math, and critical reasoning.  They will also continue to hone their test-taking skills in preparation for high-school entrance exams.  From late January onward (after students have completed their high-school entrance exams), this course will focus on analytical essay-writing and close-reading skills (in the context of Greek and Roman mythology) to prepare students for the rigor of high-school coursework.

Accelerated Enrichment for grades 4-5:

Writing, Reading, Math, Vocabulary, and Test-Taking Skills

- For students in grades 4-5

- Mondays, 4:15-5:45 PM

- Oct. 5, 2009 - May 17, 2010

• Fall term: Oct. 5 - Feb. 8 (12 classes total; no class on Oct. 12, Nov. 2, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, Dec. 28, Jan. 4, or Jan. 18)
•  
  Spring term: Feb. 22 - May 17 (12 classes total; no class on Mar. 29)

Course description: This enrichment course for younger students will cover fundamentals -- writing (both creative and expository), reading, vocabulary, math, and grammar -- in the context of challenging, thought-provoking texts (Greek & Roman mythology, folktales, and classic or award-winning books).  Creative and expository writing (both in-class exercises and homework assignments) will be an integral part of the course: students will write poems, stories, and short analytical essays.  I will provide detailed feedback on all students’ writing. During class discussions and in writing assignments, students will strengthen their critical reasoning skills, going beyond the “book report” format of typical school assignments to express original insights about what they read. The course will include vocabulary work (forming sentences using vocabulary words from the text) and review of grammar and punctuation.  We will spend at least 20-30 minutes on math every week. Coaching on test-taking skills (especially for standardized tests, such as the ISEE) and study skills (organization, test preparation, and time management) will be integrated into the course.