Skill Accelerators (36)
These focused 6-week accelerators offer targeted instruction in key subjects in small groups, led by experienced Academic Coaches to reinforce learning and build confidence.
36, 1.5-hour on-site or online (Swoon Front Office powered by Zoom) sessions
4 days a week per group
$25/hr or $899 total
10-15 students per session (on-site)
8-10 students per session (online by request)
These focused 6-week accelerators offer targeted instruction in key subjects in small groups, led by experienced Academic Coaches to reinforce learning and build confidence.
36, 1.5-hour on-site or online (Swoon Front Office powered by Zoom) sessions
4 days a week per group
$25/hr or $899 total
10-15 students per session (on-site)
8-10 students per session (online by request)
These focused 6-week accelerators offer targeted instruction in key subjects in small groups, led by experienced Academic Coaches to reinforce learning and build confidence.
36, 1.5-hour on-site or online (Swoon Front Office powered by Zoom) sessions
4 days a week per group
$25/hr or $899 total
10-15 students per session (on-site)
8-10 students per session (online by request)
What do Skill Accelerators include?
Weekly Subject Topics
Aligned with the current syllabus and review of tests/exams based on the school's textbook.
Feedback and Help
Homework assignments—utilizing both academic coach materials and the school curriculum.
Development
Quick reference sheets for key concepts and provided review notes summarizing coursework.
Regular Weekly Tests
Assess understanding, along with guidance on note-taking and test preparation strategies.
Weekly Updates
Grade progress via email correspondence.
Support
Creating a balanced schedule for academics and extracurricular activities.
Executive Function Skills
Including organization, study habits, note-taking, time management, and peer dialogue.
When are the Skill Accelerators?
Q: What are Skill Accelerators?
A: Over 6 weeks, Skill Accelerators utilize the school’s curriculum to reinforce essential skills and prepare students for the upcoming academic year. The Pre-Algebra Skills Accelerator reinforces 6th-grade math and prepares for Pre-Algebra. The Algebra 1 Skills Accelerator reinforces essential algebraic skills. The Geometry Skills Accelerator builds upon Algebra 1 knowledge. The Essay Writing Skills Accelerator reinforces essential writing skills, focusing on mastering essay organization and structure.
Q: Who are the accelerators for?
A: The Pre-Algebra Skills Accelerator is for rising 7th graders who have completed 6th-grade math. The Algebra 1 Skills Accelerator is for rising 8th graders who have completed Pre-Algebra. The Geometry Skills Accelerator is for students who have completed Algebra 1 and are likely rising 8th graders. The Essay Skills Accelerator is for rising 7th and 8th graders.
Q: What will my child learn?
A: Your child will reinforce key mathematical or writing concepts, develop essential study habits, enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, learn effective note-taking, and prepare for tests using the school’s materials. In addition, the Algebra 1 and Geometry accelerators promote a positive attitude towards academic success, while the Essay Writing Skills Accelerator focuses on mastering essay organization and structure and integrating the school’s study resources.
Q: What skills are emphasized?
A: All accelerators emphasize executive functions like prioritization and organization, academic guidance through note-taking and binder management, weekly planning and evaluation, reviewing class materials, and test-taking strategies.
Q: What materials do on-site students need to bring?
A: For Pre-Algebra, students need to bring a pencil, red pen and highlighter, a graph notebook, and the school’s required textbook. For Algebra 1, they need a pencil, red pen and highlighter, a graph notebook, and the school’s required textbook. For Geometry, the requirements are a pencil, red pen and highlighter, a graph notebook, and the school’s required textbook. For Essay Writing, students should bring a pencil, red pen and highlighter, a notebook, the school’s required textbook.
Q: What materials are included in the course?
A: All the courses focus on key concepts from the required school’s textbook and include 36 hours of coursework, covering 24-32 concepts, and 6-8 timed tests, all guided by 2 academic coaches.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of this accelerator?
A: The Pre-Algebra accelerator is designed to reinforce the school’s 6th-grade math curriculum, prepare students for Pre-Algebra, and emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and note-taking skills. The Algebra 1 accelerator provides a head start in Algebra 1 using the school’s curriculum and focuses on reinforcing essential algebraic concepts and developing problem-solving skills. The Geometry accelerator builds upon Algebra 1 knowledge using the school’s lesson plans and enhances understanding through supplementary activities and real-world applications. The Essay Writing accelerator improves essay organization and structure, balances foundational skills with practical application, and provides progressive review and refinement of writing techniques.
Q: When are the Skill Accelerators?
A: All classes run for 6 weeks, Monday through Thursday, with specific times to be determined. They will be held in June and August 2025.
Q: Where are the classes held?
A: On-site at Merryhill School (1500 Yosemite Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035). Online options are available by request.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The cost for each accelerator is $899 for the 6-week program, at a rate of $25 per hour per student. There is a limit of 10-15 students for on-site classes and 8-10 for online classes.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Please visit our contact page—under 'Activities & Other Services -> Skill Accelerators', choose the specific skill you are interested in (Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, or Essay Writing).
Q: What textbook is used for the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: The accelerator uses "Big Ideas Math Integrated Mathematics 3".
Q: What specific topics are covered in the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: The program covers chapters 1-2 of "Big Ideas Math Integrated Mathematics 3", which include topics such as measuring segments and angles, basic constructions, midpoint and distance, conditional statements, deductive reasoning, writing proofs, indirect proof, parallel lines, proving lines parallel, parallel lines and triangle angle sums, and slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Q: What is the schedule for the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: The program runs for 6 weeks, Monday through Thursday, with specific times to be determined. Each day will include lecture, practice problems, review, and quizzes or tests as outlined in the weekly lesson plans.
Q: What is the daily structure of the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: Each day involves lecture, practice problems, review of homework, and either a quiz or test based on the week's material. There will also be cumulative practice and chapter tests.
Q: What homework will students have in the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: Students will have daily homework assignments which include practice problems related to the day’s lesson and pre-notes for upcoming lessons. There will also be quiz and chapter test reviews.
Q: What materials do students need to bring for the on-site Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: Students need to bring a pencil, red pen, highlighter, graph notebook, and the "Big Ideas Math Integrated Mathematics 3" textbook. Additionally, snacks and a laptop (AC) may be brought, along with an Okiocam (AC).
Q: What are the expected outcomes of the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: Students are expected to reinforce the school curriculum, develop essential study habits, deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts, improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and be well-prepared for the fall curriculum. They will also focus on note-taking, completing homework thoroughly, and studying effectively for tests.
Q: What additional challenges, explorations, and applications are included in the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: The program includes supplementary activities and resources designed to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and provide a head start for the school year. It aligns with the Santa Clara County School’s curriculum and offers additional challenges and explorations.
Q: What executive functions are emphasized in the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: The program emphasizes executive functions such as prioritization, organization, impulse control, focus, effective communication, and resiliency.
Q: Who can I contact for more specific information about the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Skills Accelerator?
A: You can contact Carla Bayot from Swoon Learning at (408) 425-1147 or carla@swoonlearning.com.
Summer Skill Accelerators are intensive, focused classes designed to give students a significant boost in specific …