WRITING SEMINARS

  • Grades: 11 - 12

    Class Size: small seminars, semi-private or individual

    Schedule: Ongoing

    The college admissions landscape has changed rapidly in the past few years. Many colleges no longer require the SAT or ACT test and the recent Supreme Court case ending race-conscious admissions has led some elite colleges to drop legacy admissions. Additionally, AI programs like Chat-GPT3 are now freely available to produce a grammatically correct essay.

    Against this background the college application essays may play an even stronger role in how admission officers select and shape their incoming classes. High grades and outstanding activities may no longer suffice; application essays may allow students to stand out by reflecting their personalities and unique voices

    Enrollment Fees:

    Small seminar (size: 4-8 students) - $120 per student for each 90 minute class.

    Semi private (2 students): $150/hour per student.

    Individual: $225/hour

  • Grades: 3 - 8

    Class Size: 4 - 10

    Time: Sundays 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM

    Schedule: Ongoing

    The Sunday Creative Writing Class will use engage students' imagination through reading and listening to stories. Students will then write their own stories inspired by the one they just heard or read and in the process, learn vocabulary, grammar and writing techniques. Topics will be the student's choice such as ghost stories and fantasy. Depending on student level and interest, nonfiction and persuasive writing may also be offered. Younger students may enroll at the instructor's discretion. If your student is below 5th grade, please contact us prior to enrollment.

    Enrollment: $45 per class.

  • Grades: 6 - 9

    Class Size: 4 - 8

    Times: Please Contact Instructor

    Schedule: Ongoing

    Class focuses on analytical writing using short stories, poems and prompts. Students will review basic essay writing including TAGS, 3ws, thesis statement and TBEAR. High frequency Greek and Latin roots will also be taught.

    Students are encouraged to share class essays for discussion and review. Regular attendance is encouraged as the class may discuss the same author and literary work over several sessions. Please make a note when enrolling if regular attendance is a concern.

    Enrollment: $50 per sessions.

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Our Classes

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE TUTORING

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Please use this Acuity calendar link to schedule sessions.

Private tutoring available in all subjects, middle and high school including AP subjects. Private test prep tutoring available: ISEE, HSPT, SSAT, SAT, and ACT. Tutoring also available for private high school applications.

Please specify whether student wants in-person or online instruction.

SUMMER SEMINARS

  • Grades: 8 - 12

    Class Size: 4 - 8

    Time: M-F, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM every week in June and August

    Schedule: Starting dates for Summer TBD

    This class will be offered either in person or via Zoom depending on demand.

    For students planning to apply to college, the personal essay statement is dreaded, but unavoidable. Never fear! Use summertime wisely by enrolling in Omega Teaching’s College Application Workshop. Brainstorm compelling topics and learn how the five senses, dialogue and the ‘Hero's Journey’ can transform the mundane into a meaningful and memorable essay. The 5-day afternoon workshops are aimed at high school students applying to college. This class is highly recommended for all high school grades, not just rising seniors. Entering 9th, 10th and 11th graders will better understand what colleges consider in a successful applicant by answering personal essay questions and critiquing responses.

    Please visit our Tutoring page to learn more about help with private school applications (ISEE, HSPT, SSAT, and timed essays). This is currently only offered in one-on-one tutoring sessions.

    Enrollment: $600

  • Grades: 5 - 8

    Class Size: 4 - 8

    Times: M-F, 9:30 AM - 11 AM every week. Afternoon classes may be available.

    Schedule: Starting dates TBD

    This class will be offered either in person or via Zoom depending on demand.

    Each week, students will choose what topic they want to use for that week's creative writing class. Topic choices are described below.

    Of Myths and Monsters: What is a monster? What does the monster tell us about being human? In Of Myths and Monsters Creative Writing class, students will read about monsters, gods and heroes from a variety of different cultures. Through various writing exercises students will explore the archetype of monster that haunts all societies. Anthropology reveals that the basis of many supernatural monsters arises from a society's current environment. Drawing and improvisational exercises will enhance creative writing techniques for younger students, while persuasive writing exercises will be emphasized for older students.

    Going to the Dogs: Empathy is the ability to imagine the emotions and feelings of another being. This “right-brained” ability also improves creativity and emotional intelligence. In Omega's Going to the Dogs Creative Writing class, students will imagine their life as a dog. Students will improve their empathy by creating a dog character and various canine narratives in both graphic (cartoon) and written form. The dog as character and metaphor in literature, arts and film will also be discussed, including written and audio excerpts. Instructor may invite special doggie guests.

    The Power of Story: The Power of Story Creative Writing class introduces techniques and structure common to good stories: concrete details, emotional resonance and the ‘Hero’s Journey’. Students will analyze and rewrite iconic stories from mythology, the Bible or fairy tales. This course will also integrate the elements of visual and verbal storytelling as students develop a PowerPoint presentation based on the story they have chosen. No homework will be assigned. For this seminar, students are asked to bring their own laptop with Microsoft PowerPoint installed. Omega does have a limited number of laptops for use. Please contact Omega for more information.

    Enrollment: $275

  • Grades: 8 - 12

    Class Size: 4 - 8

    Time: M-F, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

    Schedule: Starting dates for Summer TBD

    This class will be offered either in person or via Zoom depending on demand.

    Texts from required summer reading can be used. The Critical Thinking Through Literature Class is specifically designed for high school students, although students entering 6th and 7th grades may be allowed at instructor’s discretion. Reading comprehension must be at least 9th grade level. Students will learn the importance of context and subtext when interpreting and annotating a literary text and how to structure a literary analysis using a graphic outline. Class time will include reading short excerpts, discussing major themes, character motivations and motifs, outlining and drafting essay responses and critiquing students' work.

    Enrollment: $300

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Not sure which class is right for you?

We can help! Email or call us for a free consultation

info@omegateaching.com • 650-799-4553

FAQs

  • Yes! Please contact instructor. Minimum of 4 students needed to hold a class at a more convenient time.

  • Yes! Please see the Tutoring section of the site for more information.

  • Students can join Writing Seminars at anytime.

  • Sibling discount: Siblings tutored during the same session are charged at the private one-on-one rate.

  • Omega Teaching reserves the right to cancel a seminar due to insufficient enrollment. If the seminar is cancelled by Omega Teaching, a full refund is issued.

    Clients may cancel student’s enrollment up to 2 weeks before a seminar begins and receive a refund less $50 administration fee.

    If enrollment is cancelled less than 2 weeks before seminar begins, there is no refund, but clients may apply 100% of the seminar payment as credit towards other OmegaTeaching services, seminars or tutoring. This credit is good for one year and may be transferred to another family member.

    A 48 hour notice is needed to cancel session without charge.