Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM - 12:15 Noon PST
June 22 - 25 (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, 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

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
February 17 - 26 (Four sessions over two weeks.)
Total hours: 4
Venue: Online
Homework: None or Minimal

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

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 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