A+ Summer High School challenges rising 9th to 11th grade students with high-level academic activities that develop the skills needed for high school success and achievement. Over the course of one week, students will attend classes in advanced argumentative writing, critical reading, and critical thinking as they learn how to write a high school-level argumentative paper. Students will learn how to read, think, and write in ways that will help them to excel in the classroom and beyond.
The program is designed to give students who are already doing well in school an experience that is both challenging and fun. Participants will gain new academic tools that will help them excel even further academically. Our unique classes give students the one-on-one attention that is often missing in school, allowing them to explore their potential as writers, thinkers, and doers.
When students leave the program, they will have:
- Read and analyzed thematic texts in a variety of genres in a college-like seminar
- Written and developed a well-argued essay addressing a thematic topic
- Attended courses in Advanced Writing, Critical Reading, and Media Studies
Skill Development
Advanced Writing
- At A+ Summer High School, we recognize the importance of guiding and supporting students through the writing process. Our highly qualified instructors provide personalized assistance throughout a comprehensive draft and revision process, helping students refine their writing skills. Our writing classes are designed to focus on advanced writing techniques required in high school and beyond, such as revising for content, crafting effective syntax and style, and skillfully supporting claims using facts and text evidence from credible sources. Through our program, students gain the tools and confidence necessary to excel in academic writing and beyond.
Critical Reading
- Critical reading skills are crucial for academic success in high school, college, and beyond. At A+ Summer High School, our Critical Reading classes take a unique approach to help students move beyond surface-level comprehension and literal interpretation of texts. Through a college-level Socratic seminar format, students will explore and analyze multiple texts related to a literary theme, engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge their thinking and inspire critical analysis. Our program encourages students to form their claims on the author's intent and use evidence from the text to support their claims. In each class, students will participate in multiple college-level "hands down" discussions, encouraging them to push each other's thinking and culminating in a full Socratic Seminar. Our program aims to develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them for future academic and career success.
Media Studies
- At A+ Summer, our Media Studies classes enable students to apply the skills they acquired in their Critical Reading classes to analyze various forms of media, including art, advertisements, music, and more. Through our program, students will develop a critical lens to uncover points of view in media. Our instructors guide students in analyzing the underlying messages and cultural influences present in various forms of media, helping them to become informed and discerning consumers. By honing their analytical skills, students are more prepared to critically analyze research materials.
