Building foundational writing and critical thinking skills, with a load of fun!
Excel in High School
Enjoy Writing
Improve Grades
Organized Thoughts
Critical Thinking
Honors & AP Classes
SAT & ACT Improvements
Ability to Persuade
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 (persuasive and argument or composition essay) writing classes for grades 3-11
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college application essay classes
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ISEE/SSAT test preparation classes
We build foundational skills to master writing and critical thinking using a structured, evidence-based, and proven teaching methodology developed by Columbia Teachers College, to better prepare students for the writing challenges of high school and beyond. Write Ahead is based in Wellesley, MA.
Write Ahead is Fun!
A universal truth: if a supplemental class is boring, students will seek distractions. Write Ahead engages students through the use of highly interactive lessons and provocative topics that encourage critical thinking. Topics could include:
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Was the Boston Tea Party an act of vandalism or protest?
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How does Malala motivate and inspire?
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Are Geico commercials clever or obtuse?
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How does Peter Pan's personality impact events in the story?
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Was Katelyn Ohashi's gymnastic performance at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge a sports highlight of the year?
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Was Oh Chong-song's decision to defect from North Korea worth the risk?
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What does Monsters on Maple Street (Twilight Zone) reveal about the human condition?
Systematic Approach
Athletes and musicians master techniques and skills through coaching, drills, and practice. Writers require training too and learn best with a similarly structured and focused approach. Write Ahead:
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Develops the foundations of cohesive writing skills (such as the writing process, a thesis with depth, organization, effective evidence selection)
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Guides and inspires students with exemplar texts developed by peers their age
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Models the full, messy writing process to make the thinking that goes into writing observable
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Provides frameworks (tools and explicit set of steps to follow when writing)
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Develops mastery through fun, repeated practice drills
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Offers feedback from an encouraging and supportive 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?
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 on standardized exams, and differentiate themselves on college applications. They become effective debaters to advance to leadership roles early on. Beyond high school, writing is 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, analytic, and persuasive writing skills leveraging a proven teaching methodology, engaging content and personalized feedback.
Teaching Students to Write with Organization, Clarity, and Purpose
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
“Write Ahead has an exemplary and clear writing curriculum that is laser-focused on providing students with the tools, guidance and process to write well.
My son tried other writing classes and this is the only one he felt really improved his writing. The instructor was responsible and sent us detailed emails about every class to help us understand the class. Thank you Ms. Hillary!”
Parent of 9th Grader,
Lexington, MA
May 2019
Student Testimonial
"I loved the beginning [of each class] with the jokes and the daily first short writing exercise. It's a good way to get everyone energized and excited before writing. It lets the ease off to class and its sad when I miss it."
Anonymous 5th-10th Grade Student
Response to end-of-class survey question "What was the best part of the class?"
Jun, 2021
