Write Ahead
An After-school and Summer Writing Program
Building foundational writing and critical thinking skills, with a load of fun!
What is Write Ahead?
Write Ahead is an after-school and summer writing program offering the following live, online (synchronous) classes:
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Analytic (expository or persuasive and argument essay) writing classes for grades 4-12
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College application essay classes
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AP US History and AP English complex argument classes (AP test preparation classes)
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Additional classes that inspire a love of reading, creativity, and storytelling.
Write Ahead builds foundational skills to master critical thinking and writing using a structured, evidence-based, and proven teaching pedagogy developed at Peabody College (Vanderbilt’s Education School). We focus on preparing students for the writing challenges of high school and beyond. Write Ahead is based in Wellesley, MA.
Write Ahead is Fun!
Write Ahead engages students through the use of highly interactive lessons and provocative topics that encourage critical thinking and debate. Topics could include:
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What is Mia's impression of America in the first chapter of Front Desk?
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How does Malala motivate and inspire?
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What is the Grasshopper's perspective in Aesop's The Ant and the Grasshopper?
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What does the cornucopia symbolize in The Hunger Games?
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Was Katelyn Ohashi's gymnastic performance a sports highlight of the decade?
Systematic Approach
Athletes and musicians master techniques and skills through coaching, drills, and practice. Writers need training too—and they learn best through a similarly structured and intentional approach. Write Ahead:
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Builds a strong foundation of cohesive writing techniques based on utilizing the writing process, developing a thesis statement with a clear and insightful claim, and outlining an argument before writing.
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Guides and inspires students using exemplar texts developed by peers their age
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Models the full, messy writing process to make the thinking behind strong writing visible
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Provides clear frameworks—explicit tools and step-by-step strategies to follow when writing
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Promotes mastery through enjoyable, targeted practice drills
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Offers personalized feedback from an encouraging, supportive writing coach
Explicit Writing Instruction Aligned with How Children Naturally Learn
Why Write Ahead?
Clear writing is becoming a “lost art” for many progressing into high school and adulthood due to competing priorities in public schools and our social media society. Social media doesn’t support the use of full sentences, even less so persuasive or expository writing. Writing is a core skill needed at all stages in life, not only to succeed in secondary school and university, but throughout one’s career no matter the field.
Throughout school, those with excellent writing skills will stand out in English and history classes, excel in SAT writing exams and on college applications. They become effective debaters to propel them into leadership roles early on. Beyond high school, writing becomes critical in college and at the workplace to become an effective communicator and leader. Students deserve to learn the skills to drive success.
At Write Ahead, students will learn expository and persuasive writing skills with engaging content and personalized feedback.
Teaching Students to Write with Organization, Clarity, and Purpose
Why Write Ahead?
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Proven Curriculum: Our lesson plans are based on a pedagogy that has been rigorously tested with tens of thousands of students.
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Structured Approach: Our clear and structured methodology ensures that every student can easily follow and understand the material.
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Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned teachers who can connect with students and lift writing quality.
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Critical Writing Skills: We teach students to define their main argument and develop a compelling case to support it, fostering strong analytic writing abilities.
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Real-World Strategies: Master practical writing strategies essential for literary and historical analysis to drive academic success in English and history classes.
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Grammar Proficiency: Gain a solid understanding of the grammar that is vital for clear writing and high scores on standardized tests.
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Supportive Environment: Enjoy learning in a low-stress, encouraging atmosphere with plenty of individual attention.
At Write Ahead, students will learn expository, analytic, and persuasive writing skills leveraging a proven teaching methodology, engaging content and personalized feedback.
Teaching Students to Write with Organization, Clarity, and Purpose
