Mondays through Thursdays, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST
July 13 - August 6 (16 lessons over four weeks)
Total hours: 32
Venue: Online
Homework: Assigned readings and notetaking.

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

Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:05 PM PST
June 29 - August 6 (24 sessions over six weeks)
Total hours: 50
Venue: Online
Homework: Assigned readings and notetaking. Optional essays.

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

Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM PST
June 22 - July 8 (Six sessions over three weeks)
Total hours: 12
Venue: Online
Homework: Assigned readings and notetaking. Optional essay.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM PST
June 22 - July 10 (Six sessions over three weeks)
Total hours: 12
Venue: Online
Homework: Encouraged

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

Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM - 12:15 Noon PST
June 22 - 26 (Four sessions over one week)
Total hours: 9
Venue: Online
Homework: None or Minimal

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM PST
May 5 - 28 (Eight sessions over five weeks)
Total hours: 8
Venue: Online
Homework: Assigned reading and notetaking. Optional essay.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM PST
March 30 - May 1 (Ten sessions over five weeks)
Total hours: 10
Venue: Online
Homework: Assigned reading and notetaking. Optional essay.

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM PST
March 2 - 13 (Four sessions over two weeks)
Total hours: 4
Venue: Online
Homework: Some writing and rewriting

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