Frequently Asked Questions
What type of writing do you teach?
We focus on nonfiction, academic, critical writing for school, professional, and personal use.
What age group is right for your classes?
Our program is geared toward high school students learning to write critical and persuasive essays for academic purposes. Courses will build skills and confidence as students navigate high school writing assignments and the college admissions process. College students who feel that they did not receive adequate preparation in high school may also find our courses beneficial.
Will the connell school help my child get into college?
The Connell School is not a college counseling agency. However, we believe that good writing affects every aspect of a student’s life and leads to improved grades and greater opportunities. Students will learn how to write in ways that help them stand out in the college application process.
where are the workshops held?
In-person classes are offered at public libraries, schools, and other locations convenient to students. In addition, we offer live, online Zoom sessions. Our current experience shows that a live, face-to-face approach (rather than pre-recorded videos and courses) is most effective. This allows teachers to diagnose and respond to issues in student writing more precisely and personally, rather than relying on pre-recorded videos and courses that often miss important moments.
Do you teach the “5-paragraph essay”?
The 5-paragraph essay is a common formula taught in middle-and-high school classrooms. Its value is in showing younger students how to state a position and offer supporting evidence. This formula does not, however, represent great or aspirational writing. Students should be moving beyond the 5-paragraph essay by the 10th and 11th grades. We help students accomplish this and to compose sharp, intelligent arguments that stand out in any high school or college level class. As such, we only use the 5-paragraph formula as a reference point for how to become better writers.