Deepen your capacity to understand and enjoy Shakespeare and, by extension, the entire English language.

• Why it will interest you: If you have a flair for the dramatic or a love for mischievous humor, this forest full of magical mix-ups and bumbling actors is the perfect summer playground.

• What you’ll get out of it: Shakespearean language can be a "shock" to the system; this course removes that fear. Gain a mastery of metaphor and a confidence in public speaking that helps you in any environment; academic, professional, or personal.

• The Fun Factor: This isn't just reading; it’s play. We bring the story to life by acting out scenes, watching cinema portions, and playing with the wit and wordplay that has made audiences laugh for centuries.

"He made me learn to love Shakespeare through acting out scenes from several of his plays... I also recently participated in a Shakespeare play, which I really enjoyed because it felt like I was back in Suhail’s classroom, acting out Shakespeare and having lots of fun." — Alexander, Student

The immortal tale of Odysseus’s journey home from the Trojan War, and what he found when he got there.

• Why it will interest you: If you love love legends of monsters, high-stakes survival, and heroes who win with their wits rather than just their swords, you’ll be hooked. Plus, get the "inside scoop" before Christopher Nolan’s IMAX blockbuster hits theaters this July.

• What you’ll get out of it: Beyond any academic requirement, you’ll build the "literary stamina" to navigate complex texts. You will learn how to take sophisticated notes that make even the most intimidating epics feel manageable.

• The Fun Factor: This is a great book. There is a unique pleasure in "summiting" one of the greatest stories ever told. We treat the text as a living adventure, making a 3,000-year-old story feel as fresh as a modern thriller.

"This challenging (and intimidating) epic poem would be a struggle for most adults, but Suhail helped the students approach this work and make sense of it. Kai felt a real sense of accomplishment after summiting that literary mountain." — Tim & Yoshie, Parents

Hone your writing skills, fire up your imagination, and increase your productivity! You’ll have a fantastic time creating and refining your own original work, guided by a published author.

• Why it will interest you: If you enjoy daydreaming, building fictional worlds, or telling stories, this is your space to let imagination run wild. It’s a supportive environment where "wild ideas" are welcomed, and crafted into unique expression.

• What you’ll get out of it: Beyond the fun of storytelling, students learn the discipline of "timed writing." You’ll discover how to bypass writer’s block, separate the creative process from the critical one, and build the confidence to get your ideas onto paper quickly and effectively.

• The Fun Factor: Led by a published author, the class feels like a professional writer's room. The excitement of sharing work with peers and receiving "kind and useful" feedback turns writing from a solitary task into a vibrant, social journey.

"Suhail offered us creative writing as a way of learning, which encouraged us to start and complete a story in short periods of time. By being trained in this area, I have had far less difficulty than my peers in displaying my ideas onto paper in a timely manner." — Catherine, Student

Don’t miss this powerful and moving tale of one family’s dreams and desires tested by class, race, and human fallibility.

• Why it will interest you: For the student who loves stories with heart and "real-world" stakes. It’s a relatable, human drama about family, identity, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream against the odds.

• What you’ll get out of it:  Students practice "looking under the surface" of a text to find symbolism and allegory. You’ll develop a more sophisticated way of thinking about how literature reflects the human experience, preparing you for advanced-level analysis.

• The Fun Factor: By play-acting scenes and analyzing cinematic versions of the play, the script moves off the page. The "workshop" feel of the class makes exploring these deep themes feel collaborative and energetic rather than heavy.

"Suhail made all of these texts very accessible to my level of learning. Not only did we discuss, analyze, and write about the texts... Suhail also had us complete art and history projects that were relevant to what we were learning." — Ayana, Student

Time for a seafaring, treasure-laden, monster-killing adventure from the depths of legend! Beowulf is the ultimate tale of the "bragging bear"—a heroic barbarian whose fate is tied to the monsters he slays. We will wade hip-deep into this 3-part epic, exploring a world of 6th-century Danes and Geats that survived only through a single scorched manuscript in the British Library.

• Why it will interest your child: If your child loves high-fantasy, Viking lore, or epic battles, Beowulf is the "original" source code for those stories. It features everything a young adventurer wants: long journeys, magic weapons, and three terrifying monsters to defeat.

• What they’ll get out of it: Beyond the "monster of the week" excitement, students gain a window into an ancient culture. They will analyze what it meant to be "good"—as a leader, a warrior, and a son—and learn to interpret the layers of symbolism hidden within the oldest "song" in the English language.

• The Fun Factor: This isn't a dry history lesson; it’s a deep dive into the "monstrous" and the "marvellous." Students get to dissect the bragging rights of a hero and the tragedy of a dragon’s hoard, turning a complex epic into a vivid, cinematic experience.

"In my AS English classes, we... are currently going over Beowulf (the same translation that we did). The texts I was familiar with were significantly easier to go over a second time, and I was able to find many more layers to the stories as I 'stood in the waterfall' for the second time." — Ojasya, Student

With modern book banning on the rise, visit a world where all books are illegal and contemplation has been abandoned. This engrossing and prescient novel from the 1950s is Ray Bradbury’s science fiction masterpiece.

• Why it will interest you: If you dig "dystopian" stories or are curious about how technology and media shape our world, you will be fascinated by Bradbury’s vision. It’s a fast-paced thriller that asks big questions: What happens when we stop thinking for ourselves?

• What you’ll get out of it: Students will move beyond just "summarizing" a plot to exploring themes, symbolism, and the ways stories reflect the human experience. They will develop the critical thinking skills needed to recognize the "layers" within a text—an essential skill for high school honors and AP English.

• The Fun Factor: We treat the book as a mirror to our modern world. The fun comes from the lively, "spiritied" debates and discussions where students are encouraged to articulate their own interpretations and see predictive science fiction at work.

"Suhail is an inspiring and radiant teacher whose love for English and literature shines through in everything he does. His enthusiasm is contagious — he knows how to motivate his students and awaken their curiosity, making them see the beauty and depth of the language." — Carol and Dennis, Parents

Learn about and work with AI from a Humanities perspective. We start from AI origins in myth and science fiction and move into modern projects, prompting, and most importantly, assessing whether or not you need AI for a particular task at all.

• Why it will interest you: If you are curious about the future (or just likes "breaking" and building things), you’ll love this. We look at AI not just as a tool, but as a story—tracing its roots from ancient myths to the robots of science fiction.

• What you’ll get out of it: You gain "AI fluency." You’ll learn how to write effective prompts, understand the ethics of technology, and develop the wisdom to know when to use AI and when your own human voice is the superior tool.

• The Fun Factor: It’s a hands-on "training" lab! Students get to play with the tech while debating the big "what-if" questions of science fiction, making for a class that feels like a philosophical playground for the digital age.

"Mr. Suhail's teaching style emphasized the importance of looking beyond surface-level information. He taught us to question, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources, skills that have served me well in high school and continue to benefit me today." — Christian, Student

This targeted writing program specializes in conceiving, writing, and rewriting college application essays. Do what it takes to stand out with self-expression that shines.

• Why it will interest you: For the student who wants to tell their story but isn't sure how to make it "pop" on a page. We help them find the unique angles of their own life that will catch an admissions officer's eye.

• What you’ll get out of it: A polished, authentic essay that captures your true voice. Students will learn how to move beyond generic responses and utilize "structural and analytical" writing techniques to present their best selves with purpose and clarity.

• The Fun Factor: A massive sense of relief! We turn a stressful, intimidating requirement into a creative project. Students gain the confidence that comes from knowing they have a standout piece of writing ready to go, well ahead of their peers.

"When the time comes for college essays, we will absolutely be coming back to you; there is no one we would trust more to help him capture his authentic voice." — Bob and Jag, Parents

Join us as we journey to ancient Sumeria to uncover the oldest written story in human history. Engraved on stone tablets nearly 5,000 years ago, The Epic of Gilgamesh is a sweeping adventure of gods, animal-men, and a tyrant king’s quest for immortality. This is the "Hero’s Journey" in its purest, original form.

• Why it will interest your child: If your child loves "superhero" origin stories or ancient mythology, they will be captivated by the larger-than-life rivalry and friendship between the divine Gilgamesh and the wild Enkidu. It’s a world of monster-slaying, prophetic dreams, and journeys to the underworld.

• What they’ll get out of it: Students will gain a sophisticated historical perspective, comparing life in the Tigris and Euphrates valley to our own. They will explore the "Hero’s Journey" framework—learning how to identify the Call to Adventure and the Road of Trials—a structure they will see repeated in every movie and book they encounter for the rest of their lives.

• The Fun Factor: We dive into the "detective work" of translation! Students get to analyze symbols like animal skins and magical flowers, debating the qualities that separate humans, animals, and gods. It’s a deep, interactive exploration into what it truly means to be human.

"His approach focuses on sparking excitement for learning and helping students discover a passion for the humanities. Based on that impact, we now work with him as a tutor for our younger daughter as well. She’s reading Gilgamesh and loving it. Overall, we are just thrilled that she is so engaged!" — Melissa, Parent

Step into a gripping "time slip" adventure that bridges modern-day Los Angeles and the antebellum American South. Through the eyes of Dana, a young writer transported back in time to a pre-Civil War plantation, students will explore a story that is as much a heart-pounding survival thriller as it is a deep dive into the complexities of power, race, and responsibility.

• Why it will interest your child: If your child is fascinated by time travel, social justice, or "fish out of water" stories, Kindred will captivate them. Octavia Butler’s science fiction masterpiece turns history into a visceral, lived experience that feels urgent and personal.

• What they’ll get out of it: This course is designed to build "Discussion Maturity." Using a structured "Quote, Question, Reply" format, students learn how to lead high-level academic conversations, move beyond surface-level plot points, and engage with difficult historical themes with empathy and nuance.

• The Fun Factor: The "fun" lies in the deep, stimulating debate. We move away from standard lecture and into a "roundtable" style where students have the mic. It’s a space where wild ideas are encouraged and where every student helps uncover the "why" behind the story's most shocking moments.

"He not only encouraged my child to read outside their usual scope but also inspired them to look outward into the world to find their own inspiration and creativity. My child has since shared with me how this newfound passion translated into a safe, welcoming environment for open and diverse discussions, where they felt comfortable sharing their work and thoughts." — Barbara & Dennis, Parents

Explore Alaska’s snowy north country from the perspective of a stout-hearted dog named Buck, who journeys from Santa Clara housepet to gold rush sled dog, and beyond.

• Why it will interest you: If you love animals, survival stories, or high-stakes adventure, Buck’s transformation will captivate you. It’s a thrilling "dog’s eye view" of a world where nature’s laws are the only ones that matter.

• What they’ll get out of it: Students will practice the art of "reading for depth." We use specific notetaking techniques (page notes) to ensure you understand every twist of the plot while learning to identify themes of resilience and adaptation that are essential for higher-level literature.

• The Fun Factor: We dive into the grit and glory of the Klondike Gold Rush! The fun lies in the immersive discussions of history, survival, and human nature, turning a classic classroom text into a pulse-pounding expedition.

"Suhail is an extraordinary educator who knows how to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make classic stories feel engaging and relevant. In his class, my love for reading and writing deepened through engaging discussions of works like... The Call of the Wild." — Skyler, Student

Take up a masterpiece of American theater in this moving story of searching for love, belonging, and personal identity. Set in a 1911 Pittsburgh boarding house, August Wilson’s play captures a pivotal moment in history when people were transforming alongside the modern industrial era.

• Why it will interest your child: For the student who loves stories with historical depth and soulful mystery. This isn't just a play; it’s a journey into the "blues" of the early 20th century, exploring the legend of the Joe Turner chain gang and the resilient spirit of those searching for their "song."

• What they’ll get out of it: Students will gain a sophisticated understanding of the "convict lease system" and the 13th Amendment, learning how history directly informs great literature. They will sharpen their analytical skills by examining character, symbolism, and point of view within the framework of a professional stage production.

• The Fun Factor: We bring the boarding house to life! Like our other theater courses, students will play-act scenes, analyze professional performances, and engage in the "theatrical workshop" style that makes these characters feel like living, breathing people rather than names on a page.

"He is a spirited educator whose passion for storytelling is immediately apparent... Discussions in his class went beyond plot to explore themes, symbolism, and the ways stories reflect human experience." — Nicole, Student

Learn and work with the essential, broadly applicable features of an essay. Acquire foundational knowledge that strengthens school assignments, application essays, and personal writing.

• Why it will interest you: If you ever feel overwhelmed by a blank page or "freezes up" when assigned a long paper, this course will be a game-changer. We turn the mysterious "black box" of essay writing into a clear, manageable roadmap.

• What they’ll get out of it: Students walk away with a repeatable "blueprint" for any essay—whether it’s for school, a college application, or a personal project. They will learn how to structure ideas logically and communicate with purpose and clarity.

• The Fun Factor: There is a specific kind of "aha!" joy when a complex task is broken down into simple steps. We replace the stress of "not knowing where to start" with the satisfaction of building a solid argument, making the writing process feel empowering rather than a chore.

"When it came to writing (especially essays), Suhail broke stuff down into much simpler concepts... After learning from him, I found essays to be much easier to write, and I was much less afraid to dive in; instead of just giving up and daydreaming, I know where to start." — Ojasya, Student