✍️ Middle School Mastery: Writing, Reading & Critical Thinking This Summer

✍️ Middle School Mastery: Writing, Reading & Critical Thinking This Summer

The middle school years (grades 6–8) are a critical time for academic growth. Students are transitioning from learning the basics to mastering higher-level thinking—especially when it comes to writing and communication.

At Excel, our Summer Programs for Grades 6–8 help students strengthen core literacy skills, sharpen their writing, and prepare for the more rigorous demands of high school. With small class sizes, expert instructors, and engaging curriculum, your child can make meaningful progress over the summer while gaining confidence in their abilities.

✍️ Intensive Grammar & Writing (Grades 7–8)

Strong writing is essential for success in middle and high school. Our Intensive Grammar & Writing course is designed to help students master sentence structure, grammar, organization, and essay writing through practice, feedback, and support.

📍 Onsite or Online
📆 June 2 – August 3 (8 weeks)
🧑‍🏫 Grades 7 & 8: Mon/Fri 10:00am – 11:30am
💵 Tuition: $890

🎯 Students Will:

Strengthen grammar and mechanics
Learn to craft well-structured paragraphs and essays
Practice writing in different styles (narrative, persuasive, expository)
Build revision and editing skills

📘 Resources for Parents:

Common Sense Media’s Writing Guide for Tweens
NoRedInk (Free Student Practice) – Grammar and writing activities

📰 New York Times Fusion Class (Grades 7–8)

For advanced middle schoolers ready to dive into critical thinking, current events, and persuasive writing, our NYT Fusion Class is a powerful next step.

📍 Online Only
📆 June 2 – August 3 (8 weeks)
🧑‍🏫 Grades 7 & 8: Tue/Fri 4:30pm – 6:00pm PST
💵 Tuition: $890

💡 Perfect for students who:

Enjoy debate, discussion, or current events
Want to strengthen argumentative writing
Are preparing for honors or AP-level high school classes

🎥 Try This at Home:
Watch CNN10 together and have your student summarize the news in 3 sentences.

📚 Reading & Critical Thinking with Book Club (Grades 5–6)

Though tailored to slightly younger students, advanced 6th graders may enjoy our Book Club, which fosters reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and collaborative discussion.

📍 Onsite Only
📆 June 2 – August 3 (8 weeks)
🧑‍🏫 Grades 5 & 6: Tue/Thur 11:00am – 12:30pm
💵 Tuition: $890

📘 Summer Reading List for Grades 6–8:

New Kid by Jerry Craft
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

➕ Optional Math Enrichment: Middle School Preview Courses

Want your student to stay sharp in math, too? Check out our small-group Math Preview Courses, including Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.

📍 Onsite
📆 June 2 – August 3
🧮 Pre-Algebra: Mon/Wed 10:00am – 11:30am
💵 Tuition: $890

👪 Parent Resources to Support Writing at Home

ReadWriteThink – Home writing tools, games, and prompts
The Writing Revolution – Parent Toolkit – Methods to build writing from sentences to essays
Brave Writer Podcast – Conversations about raising thoughtful, articulate kids

📌 Why Excel?

✅ Max 6 students per class
✅ Clear, skill-based instruction
✅ Personalized feedback from experienced educators
✅ Options for both onsite and online learning

Excel’s summer writing and literacy programs help middle school students become stronger, more confident communicators—ready for the challenges of the next school year and beyond.