Grades 7-9

Established writers need varied writing experiences to expand their skills.

Teens are at a critical point in their writing development. When students begin to shy away from expressing themselves, offering them positive, productive, stress-free writing experiences is important! Our workshops this school year seek to address a wide range of skills, and students may pick the ones that interest them to build a course of study that meets their needs. We're all about creativity and making writing FUN!

In class, students read closely to see what the genre of focus entails and how other authors craft their work. They will then plan and write in a writers' workshop format. All work is closely guided by the teacher in a low-stress environment that encourages creativity of thought and clarity of expression. In each workshop, students will work on one main project as well as other skill-specific smaller projects to build a deeper understanding of the genre and of writing skills and processes in general. As always, our focus is on creating a working environment in which students can experiment, explore, and find their own unique voices.

From these workshops, students and parents can expect:

- experience reading and analyzing quality texts intended to inform and inspire students' own writing

- direct instruction in good writing technique, including organization, word choice, voice and style, cohesion, etc.

- lessons in grammar and conventions

- support of a writer's community through the writing process

- freedom to choose writing topics that interest them

- guidance from their teacher through the writing process

- fully guided editing and revision with 1-to-1 instruction in individual areas of need

- opportunities to publish writing or to share writing with a variety of audiences

Classes are limited to 12 students, so register early!

2025-2026 Workshops

Notice: Our previously scheduled Gothic Poetry classes were under-enrolled. We invite students in grades 7-8 to join us in our Young Poet's Studio instead!

Call it a lab, a foundry, an exploratorium! This is a place where you can free your inner poet and develop your own poetic process. Let's explore many different kinds of poems and discover how poets use words in surprising ways. We’ll read short examples from great poets and try a variety of styles, from funny and imaginative poems to vivid nature and storytelling poems. Through engaging prompts and activities, we'll experiment with imagery, rhythm, and sound while developing our own unique voices.

This workshop meets for six 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, November 4-December 16, 2026

2:00-3:30 pm

Thursdays, November 5-December 17, 2026

4:30-6:00pm

Fridays, November 6-December 18, 2026

6:00-7:30pm

No class November 25, 26, 27

2025-2026 Workshops

Explore the magic of romance writing! In this engaging, creative, NO CRINGE class for tween/teen writers, we'll create memorable characters, craft believable relationships, and build stories full of emotion, tension, and heart. From contemporary to fantasy, we will experiment with different subgenres while learning how to make every moment between characters feel real and compelling. Get ready to spark your imagination, dive into the drama of love, and make your readers swoon!

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, January 6-February 24, 2027

11:00am-12:30pm (homeschool)

Wednesdays, January 6-February 24, 2027

4:30-6:00pm

Thursdays, January 7-February 25

6:00-7:30pm

2025-2026 Workshops

What are the life experiences that have shaped you? Who are the people who have taught you? What do you really and truly think and feel? This workshop is all about exploration and introspection - dig into your past, define your present, and record your hopes for the future. In this short class, we will experiment with different ways of recording life experiences and personal truths, including stories, poetry, letters, personal essays, and more.

This workshop meets for three 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, March 10-24, 2027

11:00am-12:30pm (homeschool)

Wednesdays, March 10-24, 2027

4:30-6:00pm

Thursdays, March 11-25, 2027

6:00-7:30pm

2025-2026 Workshops

Have you ever heard of a tragicomedy? How about docufiction, or dark fantasy, or Weird West? All of these are mixes of the main genres of fiction that lend a new and fresh take on the common forms. In this workshop, students will learn about the characteristics of different genres and decide how to select and combine elements to make new types of stories. We'll also practice different ways to brainstorm unusual ideas, warp conventions, and manipulate text to add an inventive spin to your stories.

This workshop meets for eight 90-minute classes.

Class times:

Wednesdays, April 7-May 26, 2027

11:00am-12:30pm (homeschool)

Wednesdays, April 7-May 26, 2027

4:30-6:00pm

Thursdays, April 8 - May 27, 2027

6:00-7:30pm

Workshops for Grades 7-9

Established writers need varied writing experiences to expand their skills.

2025-2026 Workshops

2025-2026 Workshops

2025-2026 Workshops

2025-2026 Workshops