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What does Skills Accelerator 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.
Q: What is the Skills Accelerator?
A: The Skills Accelerator is a small-group, on-site program at Merryhill School Milpitas that strengthens math and writing skills while helping students build strong study habits and academic confidence. The program runs in focused six-week sessions and emphasizes guided practice, consistent routines, and executive-function skills such as organization, planning, and test preparation.
Q: Which subjects and specific accelerators are offered?
A: 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. During the school year, After-School Math and English Skills Accelerators provide homework support while reinforcing key concepts, accountability, and study routines.
Q: Who is the Skills Accelerator for?
A: 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 students in grades six through eight. The After-School Math and English Skills Accelerators are also intended for grades six through eight and are ideal for students who need consistent homework support and study-skills coaching.
Q: What will my child learn?
A: Students reinforce core math or writing concepts while developing essential study skills. They learn how to prepare for class using pre-notes, identify key ideas in their notes, complete and submit homework consistently, and manage time effectively. The program builds executive-function skills such as organization, planning, and task follow-through. Writing students practice essay organization and revision, while math students focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Q: How do the Summer and After-School programs differ?
A: 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. The Skills Accelerator – After School is a six-week series of shorter sessions during the school year that focuses on Math and English homework support while reinforcing essential study skills alongside students’ regular coursework.
Q: What materials should students bring?
A: 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 prepared to work directly with their school curriculum.
Q: What’s included with enrollment?
A: Each accelerator follows the school’s adopted curriculum and lesson sequence and is led 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 and are designed to deliver measurable progress in both subject mastery and learning habits.
Q: Where are classes held?
A: All classes are held on-site at Merryhill School, located at 1500 Yosemite Drive, Milpitas, California.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The Skills Accelerator – Summer costs $1,080, 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.
Q: How are students placed into the right accelerator?
A: Placement is based on the student’s current grade level, completed coursework, and input from parents or teachers. This ensures students are placed in a program that appropriately challenges them while addressing any learning gaps.
Q: Who teaches the classes?
A: Classes are led by experienced academic coaches who specialize in middle school learning. Coaches provide subject-specific instruction alongside support in organization, study skills, and confidence-building, with an emphasis on helping students develop independence—not just get through assignments.
Q: How do we enroll or get more information?
A: Families can complete the interest form on the Skills Accelerator page to reserve a spot. For after-school Math or English programs, families may indicate preferred times as sessions fill. For additional questions, families can contact Carla Bayot at (510) 485-9078 or carla@swoonlearning.com.