Grades: Rising 7th - 8th

Dates: June 15 - June 25, 2026

Meets: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Cost:  $995 early bird (through March 31); $1040 regular registration. Lunch included at both price levels.

Instructor: Christine Childress

Course Description:  This 7th and 8th-grade English course prepares students for middle and high school writing by focusing on persuasive writing, literary analysis, and critical reading. In week 1, students will write a persuasive essay using textual evidence from articles on a hot topic. Week 2 emphasizes literary analysis, with students reading short stories and crafting analytical paragraphs, culminating in an on-demand writing final. The course also includes grammar instruction and sentence development. Students will receive a detailed analysis of their writing and targeted feedback to guide future improvement, equipping them with the skills to excel confidently in their English classes.

Instructor Bio: Christine Childress has taught middle and high school English for over 20 years.  She holds a Master of Education degree in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as a certificate in college counseling from University of California, Los Angeles.  She has taught every level of English from 6th-12th grade including college preparatory, honors, and AP Literature classes.  Beyond supporting adolescents in their reading, writing, and thinking skills, she enjoys woodworking and being in nature. Currently, Christine is an English Teacher at Del Mar Middle School.