SPP Summer Courses

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Summer learning loss is real! Studies show that during the summer, students forget up to 30% of what they’ve learned in school.

Support your child in maintaining a strong foundation essential for continued growth in core subjects: Math, Science, and English.

And don’t forget that starting the College Admissions process early is essential for success, so launch your application this summer with one of SPP’s College Admissions Workshops

College Admissions Single Day Workshops (CAW):

(Each 2-hour workshop is offered on the following days)

SAT 8-Week Test Prep Courses:

(Meets 2 hours each week for coursework plus 3 practice tests)

High School 6-Session Courses (HSC):

(Meets 3 days per week for 2 hours per day)

 

Summer Savings! More ways to save:

  • Book both College Admissions Workshops (CAW) for $750 total

  • Book two High School Courses (HSC), OR one CAW and one HSC for $725 total

  • Add Test Prep to either a HSC or a CAW, OR bundle a Test Prep Package with a College Admissions Counseling Package for a $250 discount!*

*Does not apply to early bird pricing and can not be combined with any other discount.

 

Summer 2025 - prevent summer learning loss!

ALL Grades:

  • Prevent Summer Learning Loss - private tutoring

  • Prepping for Fall Private School Admission Tests (ISEE, SSAP, etc.) - private test prep

Upcoming Fall Courses:

  • Prepping for High School (incoming 9th Graders) - TBD

  • Prepping for Middle School (incoming 6th Graders) - TBD

College Success Program:

  • College Success (HS Seniors heading to College) - private ongoing sessions

SPP College Admissions Workshops

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Our workshops are perfect for rising seniors who want to make real progress on their college application process in just one day.

Students are welcome to sign up for one or both 2-hour sessions. Book both for a discount!

Personal Statement Launch

Launch your personal statement essay process with guided brainstorming, structure tips, and a full personalized first draft edit after the session to craft a compelling essay.

Activities List Creation

Create a comprehensive activities list by learning how to present your extracurriculars clearly and impactfully. Includes a dedicated full list edit after the session.

Hosted virtually via Zoom.

Taught by:

Dr. Christina Cowart-Smithina - BA(Hons), MLitt, MA, PhD, FSA Scot

 

College Admissions Workshop: Personal Statement Launch

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Start Strong. Stand Out.

Personal Statement Launch provides a 2-hour, expert-led workshop designed to jumpstart your college application with a powerful and authentic personal statement. Students will explore their unique stories, learn what admissions readers value, and begin drafting or outlining their personal statement—all in a structured, supportive environment.

Students who submit their first draft by the end of the week will receive a full edit with personalized feedback within 7 days.

 

Topics include:

  • Group brainstorming & story development

  • Access to standout essay examples

  • Step-by-step guidance on structure and tone

  • One comprehensive review of your draft for 30 minutes

  • Optional: 1:1 coaching session at our hourly discounted college advising rate

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand what makes a compelling personal statement and begin crafting their own through guided exercises.

  • Post-workshop feedback ensures students walk away with clarity and a plan to move forward with their college admissions application.

 

Instructor: Dr. Christina Cowart-Smithina BA(Hons), MLitt, MA, PhD, FSA Scot

Dates & Times:

  • Tuesday, July 22 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Tuesday, August 12 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Saturday, September 27 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Saturday, October 11 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Hosted virtually via Zoom

Price: $399 | Book both College Admissions Workshops for a total of $750

Who this course is for:

  • Rising seniors for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year and college applicants ready to start their personal statement

  • Students who want a clear direction, expert input, and actionable next steps for the college admissions essay process

Other College Admissions Workshops: Book both for $750 total!

  • Activities List Creation - Create a comprehensive activities list by learning how to present your extracurriculars clearly and impactfully. Includes a dedicated full list edit after the session. Hosted 1-3pm on the same days.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

Ready to book? Reserve your spot through the link below!

 

Check out our other College Admissions Workshop: Activities List Creation hosted virtually from 1-3pm on the same days. Book both College Admissions Workshops for a discount!

 

Enjoy working with Christina? You can continue on your application journey with her and apply these workshops to one of our College Admissions Packages.

College Admissions Workshop: Activities List Creation

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Get Organized. Get Ahead.

Activities List Creation is one of the most impactful—but often overlooked—parts of a college application. In this 2-hour workshop, students will receive guided instruction on how to complete the non-essay portions of their applications with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

From navigating the Common Application to drafting a standout Activities List, this session is designed to help students make the most of every word and every detail.

Students who submit their first draft by the end of the week will receive a full edit with personalized feedback within 7 days.

 

Topics include:

  • Overview of major college application platforms (Common App, Coalition, etc.)

  • Guided walkthrough of the Common Application sections

  • Activities List strategy: how to write for impact, clarity, and space limits

  • Drafting time using templates and real student samples

  • Materials provided: worksheets, sample screenshots, application glossary

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn the structure and key components of college applications, begin filling out the Common App, and draft a polished Activities List.

  • By the end of the session, students will have a strong foundation for completing the non-essay sections of most applications—even if they’re still finalizing their college list.

 

Instructor: Dr. Christina Cowart-Smithina BA(Hons), MLitt, MA, PhD, FSA Scot

Dates & Times:

  • Tuesday, July 22 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Tuesday, August 12 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Saturday, September 27 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Saturday, October 11 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Hosted virtually via Zoom

Price: $399  |  Book both College Admissions Workshops for a total of $750

Who this course is for:

  • Rising seniors for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year and college applicants ready to start their college application

  • Students who want clarity on how to present extracurriculars, leadership, and involvement

  • Those looking to get ahead on filling out the Common App and understanding the full application timeline

Other College Admissions Workshops: Book both for $750 total!

  • Personal Statement Launch - Launch your personal statement essay process with guided brainstorming, structure tips, and a full personalized first draft edit after the session to craft a compelling essay. Hosted 10:30am-12:30pm on the same days.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

Ready to book? Reserve your spot through the link below!

 

Check out our other College Admissions Workshop: Personal Statement Launch hosted virtually from 10:30am-12:30pm on the same days. Book both College Admissions Workshops for a discount!

 

Enjoy working with Christina? You can continue on your application journey with her and apply these workshops to one of our College Admissions Packages.

Creative Writing Workshop: Finding Your Voice

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Express Yourself. Craft Your Story.

In this dynamic six-session summer workshop, students will dive into the world of creative writing through fiction, poetry, and personal narrative. With a focus on voice, structure, and style, students will experiment with imaginative prompts, sharpen their storytelling skills, and build a portfolio of original work—all in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Led by writer and educator Jackie Young, this workshop blends focused instruction with independent writing time and thoughtful peer feedback to help students develop confidence and clarity in their creative expression.

 

Workshop includes:

  • Engaging writing prompts and creative exercises

  • Instruction in core storytelling and poetic techniques

  • Individualized guidance to help students develop their voice

  • Peer workshops and constructive feedback

  • Personal writing portfolio to take home

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will explore the fundamentals of creative writing across genres, gain tools for crafting vivid and expressive pieces

  • Students will leave the course with original work that reflects their voice, vision, and creativity

  • Lessen summer learning loss

  • Boost confidence and readiness for the fall English writing curriculum

 

Instructor: Jackie Young

Dates: (Meets 3 days per week for 2 hours per day)

  • Week 1: T/W/F - August 12, 13, 15

  • Week 2: T/W/F - August 19, 20, 22

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Price: $395  |  Book two High School 6-Session Courses* for $725 total

Location: Hosted in person at our Kirkland office

Who this course is for:

  • Students who will be 9th–12th grade in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year

  • Writers of all levels looking to experiment, grow, and share their work

  • Students who enjoy creative expression or want to explore writing in a fun, low-pressure setting

No prior writing experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and an open mind.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

Ready to book? Reserve your spot through the link below!

 

Summer Savings! Book two High School Courses OR one High School Course and one College Admissions Workshops for $725 total

*High School Courses include Algebra Foundations, Creative Writing, AP Biology Readiness, and Biology Basics. College Admissions Workshops are Activities List Creation and Personal Statement Launch.

AP Biology Readiness

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Build the Skills and Knowledge for a Successful AP Year

AP Biology Readiness Course is designed to equip students with the essential background and academic strategies needed to thrive in AP Biology. This course provides a structured introduction to the core content areas emphasized on the AP exam—biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and more—while building confidence with lab skills, data analysis, and science practices.

Through engaging instruction and guided review, students will develop a strong conceptual foundation and scientific reasoning skills to begin the school year ready and prepared. Ideal for students seeking to refresh and solidify their foundation in biology knowledge ahead of the upcoming academic year.

 

Topics include:

  • Chemistry of Life: Properties of water, macromolecules, enzymes

  • Cell Structure & Function: Membranes, transport, organelles

  • Cellular Energetics: Photosynthesis, cellular respiration

  • Genetics: Meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, gene expression

  • Ecology & Evolutionary Biology: Natural selection, ecosystem dynamics

  • Scientific Skills: Experimental design, graphing, statistical analysis

Learning Goals:

  • Build foundational knowledge of AP Biology’s four big ideas: evolution, cellular processes, genetics and information transfer, and interactions

  • Strengthen data interpretation, graphing, and experimental design skills aligned with AP Science Practices

  • Review key content from prior biology courses to ensure readiness

  • Reduce academic friction at the start of the school year with strong preparation

 

Instructor: Mary Watson

Dates: (Meets 3 days/ week for 2 hours/ day)

  • Week 1: T/W/TH - August 12, 13, 14

  • Week 2: T/W/TH - August 19, 20, 21

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Price: $395  |  Book two High School 6-Session Courses* for $725 total

Location: Hosted virtually via Zoom

Who this course is for:

  • Students enrolled in AP Biology for the 2025–2026 school year

  • Students who want to strengthen their understanding of biology fundamentals and enter the course with greater confidence and clarity

  • Students who want early exposure to AP-style questions and labs before the fast-paced AP curriculum begins

Note: This is a prep course designed to support success in AP Biology. It is not a replacement for the full-year AP Biology curriculum.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

Ready to book? Reserve your spot through the link below!

 

Summer Savings! Book two High School Courses OR one High School Course and one College Admissions Workshops for $725 total

*High School Courses include Algebra Foundations, Creative Writing, AP Biology Readiness, and Biology Basics. College Admissions Workshops are Activities List Creation and Personal Statement Launch.

Biology Basics

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Biology Basics is a summer prep course designed to help students build confidence and competence before entering high school biology. Through real-world examples and engaging instruction, students will review key science concepts and develop the skills needed to succeed in a full-year biology course.

This course emphasizes critical thinking, scientific vocabulary, and practical lab skills—creating a strong foundation that students can carry into the school year and beyond. This course is ideal for students seeking a head start on the upcoming academic year!

 

Topics include:

  • Scientific Method & Experimental Design

  • Cell Structure and Function

  • Characteristics of Life

  • Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

  • Basic Genetics & Heredity

  • Introduction to Human Body Systems

  • Ecology & Environmental Interactions

  • Data Analysis & Graphing in Biology

Learning Goals:

  • Build comfort with essential biology terminology and processes

  • Develop science reasoning and lab-based problem-solving skills

  • Strengthen foundational knowledge from middle school life science

  • Practice analyzing graphs, charts, and biological data

  • Boost confidence before entering high school biology

 

Instructor: Mary Watson

Dates: (Meets 3 days per week for 2 hours per day)

  • Week 1: T/W/TH - August 12, 13, 14

  • Week 2: T/W/TH - August 19, 20, 21

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Price: $395  |  Book two High School 6-Session Courses* for $725 total

Location: Hosted virtually via Zoom

Who Should Enroll:

  • Students enrolled in high school Biology for the 2025–2026 school year

  • Students transitioning from middle school science who want a head start on key concepts

  • Students seeking a structured review to reduce learning loss over the summer

Note: This is a prep course designed to support success in AP Biology. It is not a replacement for the full-year AP Biology curriculum.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

Ready to book? Reserve your spot through the link below!

 

Summer Savings! Book two High School Courses OR one High School Course and one College Admissions Workshops for $725 total

*High School Courses include Algebra Foundations, Creative Writing, AP Biology Readiness, and Biology Basics. College Admissions Workshops are Activities List Creation and Personal Statement Launch.

Algebra Foundations Course

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Class is full! Reach out to the office about 1:1 options or other courses!

Algebra Foundations provides a comprehensive review of fundamental concepts in real numbers, algebraic expressions, equations, and functions. It is designed to reinforce a strong mathematical framework, equipping students with the essential skills required for success in Algebra 2 and subsequent mathematics courses.

Ideal for students seeking to refresh and solidify their foundation in algebra knowledge ahead of the upcoming academic year.

 

Topics include:

  • Real Numbers & Estimation Strategies

  • Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

  • Solving Linear Equations & Inequalities

  • Slope and Graphing Lines

  • Systems of Equations

  • Factoring Techniques

  • Quadratic Functions: Solving & Graphing

  • Exponent Rules & Exponential Functions

  • Real-World Math Applications

Learning Goals:

  • Build fluency with algebraic expressions and equations

  • Strengthen number sense and problem-solving strategies

  • Apply algebra concepts to real-world contexts

  • Lessen summer learning loss

  • Boost confidence and readiness for the fall math curriculum - such as Algebra 2!

 

Instructor: Karen Landen, M.Ed.

Dates: (Meets 3 days per week for 2 hours per day)

  • Week 1: T/W/TH - July 29, 30, 31

  • Week 2: T/W/TH - August 5, 6, 7

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Location: Hosted in person at our Kirkland office

Price: $395  |  Book two High School 6-Session Courses* for $725 total

Who this course is for:

  • Students enrolled in Algebra 2 for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year

  • Students preparing to take the SAT during the upcoming 2025-2026 school year; this is an essential course to solidify algebra concepts before taking an SAT Test Prep Course. Note: This course is not a replacement for SAT Test Prep.

 

Want to know more, or can’t make these times? Reach out to the SPP Office!

Limited spots are available to ensure personalized attention and meaningful feedback.

 

This class is full! Reach out to the office about 1:1 options.

Reserve your spot for a different course using the link below!

 

Summer Savings! Book two High School Courses OR one High School Course and one College Admissions Workshops for $725 total

*High School Courses include Algebra Foundations, Creative Writing, AP Biology Readiness, and Biology Basics. College Admissions Workshops are Activities List Creation and Personal Statement Launch.