About the Center

"Writing Fundamentals"
September 8 - December 13

While this class will cover the grammar nuts and bolts every student needs, the focus will be on the development of persuasive and descriptive paragraphs and papers. With voluminous vocabulary for students to add to their writing tool chest, writers will build their confidence as they learn to express themselves clearly. Wekkly reading assignments will prompt students to develop analytical writing skills with an emphasis on writing topic sentences with supporting details.

Level I: Grades 1-2, Tuesday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Level II: Grades 4-5, Monday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Level III: Grades 6-8, Tuesday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Level IV: Grades 7-8, Monday 4:00 - 6:00 PM

FEE: $1,120 + registration fee

"Youth Author's Writing Workshop"
September 8 - December 13

Enjoyment and confidence in writing will skyrocket in this creative writing workshop. With help from their instructor, students will brave the intimidating process of rewriting as they work towards creating unique stories with a touch of flare.

Level II: Grades 3-4, Friday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Level III: Grades 5-6, Saturday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Level IV: Grades 7-8, Saturday 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Master Class: High School, Friday 4:00 - 6:00 PM

FEE: $1,120 + registration fee

"Fade to Black: A Screenwriting Seminar "

he objective of this screenwriting class is twofold: to introduce young minds to the screenplay as an exciting vehicle for creative expression, and to foster strong story-crafting habits applicable to all forms of written expression. Script format, character development, story structure, conflict, and movie conventions/genres are among the essential screenwriting elements covered in the seminar. Armed with these tools, students will create heroes, plot out their journeys and build engaging screenplays from the opening “FADE IN:” to the final “FADE TO BLACK.” Along the way, table readings, film industry speakers and short film viewings sharpen the writers’ awareness of what makes for great storytelling. Each student will finish the seminar with a short film script drawn from his or her own personal vision.

Instructor Tony Moton is 2004 graduate of UCLA’S MFA-Screenwriting Program and a past winner of the prestigious Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award. He also is an award-winning sportswriter and investigative journalist.

Sunday 1:00 - 3:00 PM

FEE: $1,040 + registration fee

SAT Prep:
Writing: Intense Review of Grammar Fundamentals and Essay Writing

All high school students need to review grammar fundamentals, including verb tenses (perfect tenses, subjunctive, conditional), s/v agreement, pronoun use, verbals, and idioms.  These skills are essential for competitive SAT scores as well as strong performance in college-level writing classes. Students will discuss 25-minute essay strategies while practicing the development of supporting arguments.   Students will also learn techniques for proofreading their own work to minimize errors. Students will leave this class as better writers – Guaranteed!

Two classes offered:
Monday 6:15 – 8:15 pm
Saturday 9 – 11:30 a.m.

Special 12-Hour INTENSIVE SENIOR REVIEW: Prepare for October 4^th.

September 14, 21, & 28 (must attend all three classes) 9 a.m. – noon

FEE: $1,040 + registration fee

SAT Prep:
Verbal: Reading and Invaluable Vocabulary

To improve reading comprehension on standardized tests as well as in school, students must not only memorize new vocabulary words but also know how to use them in their proper context.  In this class, students will do an intensive review of SAT and college level vocabulary. Students will also learn strategies for document reading and annotating techniques to help get to the answers efficiently.

Friday 4:00 - 6:00 PM

FEE: $1,040 + registration fee