+
SKILLS ACCELERATOR
Math & Writing Skill Boosters
Group classes for 6th–8th graders challenged with math and writing. Designed to give students a boost in academic areas. This on-site/online accelerator provides tailored instruction and practice in major subjects such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, and Essay Writing.
Skills Accelerator is designed with every kind of student in mind, making it a strong fit for neurodiverse learners. Our Academic Coaches are trained to create their instruction based on different learning needs, and students receive the structure they need to thrive. Whether a student benefits from visual aids, step-by-step guidance, or extra time to process, our approach meets them where they are.
What is Skills Accelerator?
Targeted Instruction. Expert Coaches. Real Results.
In partnership with Merryhill School, Swoon Learning offers intensive, small-group classes for 6th–8th graders needing extra math or writing support. Led by subject-matter expert academic coaches, these focused sessions are designed to give students a measurable boost in core academic areas, just in time for Fall 2025.
Skills Accelerator classes provide high-impact instruction and guided practice in:
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 1
Algebra 2 / Trigonometry
Geometry
Essay Writing & Structure
How the Program Works
Our Skills Accelerator are online, and on-site at Merryhill School, or a convenient blend of both, making it easy to fit your students’ schedule. Classes are small groups, ensuring they get enough attention from our expert Academic Coaches in every weekly session. Each course includes homework, and all necessary materials are provided to support effective learning.
As part of our online accelerator, students benefit from planned lessons designed to build skills while accommodating busy family routines. This ensures guidance and measurable progress every step of your student’s academic journey.
Who Will Teach My Child?
Our Academic Coaches are trained educators with extensive experience working with middle school students. Each Academic Coach uses deep subject knowledge with proven teaching techniques tailored to young learners’ needs. They’re not just tutors. They’re mentors who understand the challenges students face and know how to build confidence alongside skills. You can trust that your child will be supported by a caring expert committed to their academic growth and success.
THE SWOON LEARNING WAY
What skills are accelerated?
Along with subject matter boosts, students will develop crucial executive functions such as organization and focus, receive academic guidance to improve study habits, and learn the importance of weekly planning and weekly evaluation for academic success. The classes also emphasize how to effectively review class materials and develop strong test skills, all within a structured environment aimed at fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
Executive Functions
Build habits like organization, focus, and time management that set students up for success during the summer Skills Accelerator program and the school year ahead.
Academic Guidance
Expert Academic Coaches support students in key subject areas, helping students confidently navigate challenging material.
Weekly Planning
Students will learn to structure their week, prioritize tasks, and manage their time.
Weekly Evaluation
Ongoing progress check-ins help students understand their academic growth, identify areas for improvement, and stay motivated throughout the summer.
Review Class Materials
Students practice study strategies to retain what they’ve learned in class.
Test Skills
Students improve problem-solving and test-taking strategies by practicing grade-level material.
Skills Accelerator - After School
$30/hr per student • Total $360 for 6 weeks (on-site)
MATH
Helps students build skills in homework completion, note-taking, and accountability.
-
None
-
On-site students bring:
Pencil
Red pen and highlighter
Graph Notebook
Materials & Includes:
1-2 Academic Coaches
Snacks
OKIOCAM
-
To prepare for class lectures and be more engaged.
To identify key concepts and reinforce learning.
To build a sense of accountability and follow-through.
ENGLISH
Helps students build skills in reading comprehension, writing clarity, and study habits.
-
None
-
On-site students bring:
Pencil
Red pen and highlighter
Graph Notebook
Materials & Includes:
1-2 Academic Coaches
Snacks
OKIOCAM
-
To prepare for class lectures and be more engaged.
To identify key concepts and reinforce learning.
To build a sense of accountability and follow-through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
The Skills Accelerator is a small-group program that strengthens math and writing skills while helping students develop the study habits and confidence needed for school success. We offer two formats. The Skills Accelerator – Summer is an intensive six-week program available on-site at Merryhill School or online. The Skills Accelerator – After School is a steady-pace option during the school year that focuses on homework support and day-to-day study skills continuity. Both versions emphasize guided practice, study routines, and executive functions like organization, planning, and test preparation.
-
Students can enroll in one of several focused accelerators. The Pre-Algebra Skills Accelerator reinforces sixth-grade math foundations and prepares students for Pre-Algebra. The Algebra 1 Skills Accelerator strengthens skills in solving equations, graphing functions, and working with variables. The Geometry Skills Accelerator builds understanding of angles, proofs, and spatial reasoning. The Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator develops skills in functions, logarithms, and trigonometric identities. The Essay Writing Skills Accelerator focuses on essay structure, clarity, and revision. For the after-school program, the Math Skills Accelerator provides homework support while reinforcing key concepts and building accountability. The English Skills Accelerator provides structured guidance on reading and writing assignments while helping students build strong study habits.
-
The program is designed for middle school students, primarily grades six through eight. The Pre-Algebra Skills Accelerator is intended for rising seventh graders who have completed sixth-grade math. The Algebra 1 Skills Accelerator is for rising eighth graders who have completed Pre-Algebra. The Geometry Skills Accelerator is for students who have completed Algebra 1. The Essay Writing Skills Accelerator is appropriate for sixth through eighth graders. The Math and English Skills Accelerators offered after school are also intended for students in grades six through eight who need consistent homework support and study-skills coaching.
-
Students will reinforce key mathematical or writing concepts while developing essential study skills. They will learn how to prepare for lectures by taking pre-notes, how to check their notes for key ideas, and how to complete and turn in homework consistently. The accelerators also build executive-function skills such as organization, planning, and time management, while encouraging a positive attitude toward academic work. In the writing program, students will practice essay organization and revision, while the math programs emphasize problem-solving and critical thinking.
-
The Skills Accelerator – Summer is an intensive six-week program that provides targeted instruction and guided practice in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, or Essay Writing. Classes are available both on-site and online, with small group sizes to ensure coaching and attention. The Skills Accelerator – After School is a six-week series of shorter sessions during the school year. It focuses on Math and English homework support and reinforces essential study skills, giving students steady continuity alongside their school curriculum.
-
Math accelerators require a pencil, a red pen and highlighter, a graph notebook, and the school-required textbook. Essay Writing requires a pencil, a red pen and highlighter, a notebook, and the school’s required writing text. Students should bring these materials to every class so they are ready to practice with their school curriculum.
-
Each accelerator uses the school’s adopted curriculum and lesson sequence, guided by academic coaches in small groups. Students receive structured practice, periodic timed assignments or assessments, and coaching in study skills and executive functions. On-site classes include access to classroom materials and resources. The program is designed to deliver measurable progress in both subject mastery and learning habits.
-
All on-site classes are offered at Merryhill School, located at 1500 Yosemite Drive in Milpitas, California. Online options are also available for the summer program, and after-school online availability may vary depending on enrollment.
-
The Skills Accelerator – Summer costs $1,080 for on-site online classes, calculated at a rate of $30 per hour. The Skills Accelerator – After School costs $360 for a package of twelve one-hour sessions, at a rate of $30 per hour. Class sizes are limited to maintain small group attention.
-
Placement is based on the student’s current grade level, the courses they have already completed, and input from teachers or parents. This ensures that students are matched with a program that challenges them appropriately while filling in any gaps in understanding.
-
The accelerators are led by academic coaches with expertise in middle school learning. Coaches provide both subject-specific guidance and support in study skills, organization, and confidence-building. The emphasis is on coaching students to develop independence, not just tutoring them through individual problems.
-
Families can complete the interest form on the Skills Accelerator page to reserve a spot. Those choosing the after-school Math or English programs can indicate their preferred times, and additional sessions will be opened as earlier time slots fill. For further questions, families can contact Carla Bayot at (510) 485-9078 or by email at carla@swoonlearning.com.
Why Trust Us:
Sign up to learn more about the Skills Accelerator program.
Locations
ON-SITE
- Limit 10-15 students per class
- Summer - $30/hr/student ($1,080 total)
- After School - $30/hr/student ($360 total)
- 6 weeks
ONLINE (SUMMER)
Powered by Zoom (request through form)
- Limit 8-10 students per class
- Summer - $30/hr/student ($1,080 total)
- 6 weeks