For ages 10+ who have taken Beginning Essay Writing, or ages 12+ who have a firm grasp of the five-paragraph essay structure
Essay writing shouldn't be intimidating!! After all, it's just a way to speak up on paper. When kids learn how to support an idea in clear, strong, organized ways, they see how much more convincing they are. Their resistance to writing fades, and their confidence soars.
Kids who can share their thoughts with clarity, cohesion, and power do better in school. But more importantly, they'll also have more success in choice-making, conversations, and LIFE!
9:00 - 10:00 PST
14 Thursdays beginning Jan 29
Scroll down to read the Details and enroll.
In Intermediate Essay Writing, we'll review the structure of the five-paragraph essay—its importance and parts. Then we'll build upon that knowledge while exploring new essay genres. By the end of the semester, students will have valuable experience writing these types of essays:
opinion (argument)
process (informational)
autobiographical (narrative)
Throughout the semester, students will learn through discussion, group brainstorming, and various creative challenges. They will be guided step-by-step through the process of writing 2-3 essays in addition to other critical thinking and writing activities.
This class will require students to write independently between sessions, typically 1-2 paragraphs a week.
a review of the five-paragraph essay – its importance and parts
ways to expand on the five-paragraph essay
how to outline and support a strong essay
formulas that help make writing more structured and logical
how to generate and organize ideas
how to use color to help order information on a page
how to identify audience & purpose
how to engage the audience from the start
the parts of a paragraph
how to keep paragraphs focused
how to be intentional with coordinating conjunctions, repetition, and sentence structure
how to support and defend claims
how to address likely objections
how to use sensory details to illuminate examples
the art of transitions
how to vary syntax with punctuation and conjunctions
how to elevate colloquial language to academic heights
revision strategies
proofreading practice & tips
and more!
for Intermediate Essay Writing - Spring 2026
Dates: Thursdays, Jan 29 - May 7
Hours: 9:00-10:00 PST
Location: Online, via Zoom.
Ages: Students 9+ who have taken our Beginning Essay Writing, or students 12+ who have a firm grasp of the five-paragraph essay structure
Cost: Each 14-week course is $425. At checkout you'll see an option to pay in installments.
Tutoring: If you're interested in signing up your student for tutoring in academic writing, please contact the instructor, Lisa Craddock.
Charter parents: If you're using Ocean Grove, South Sutter, or Sky Mountain funds, enter code CHARTER at checkout to enroll without prepaying, then request a PO.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel anytime before the first day of class for a full refund. 50% refund once class starts, if requested before the second class; there are no refunds after that.
Instructor: Lisa Craddock holds BAs in Literature and Theatre, and a Master of Humanities in Film Studies with a concentration in Rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing effectively). She has taught classes in literature, composition, and film for the University of Colorado, and her scholarship, essays, poetry, and plays have appeared in a variety of literary and academic venues. We’re proud to have her on our team!
After checkout, go to your dashboard to complete the registration form, which is
required to confirm enrollment.
If you're an Ocean Grove, South Sutter, or Sky Mountain parent, apply code CHARTER to enroll without prepaying.