Skills Accelerator - After School (12)

What does Skills Accelerator include?

Q: What is the Skills Accelerator?
A: 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

Q: What will my child learn?
A: 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.

Q: How do Summer and After School 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. 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.

Q: What materials should on-site 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 ready to practice with their school curriculum.

Q: What’s included with enrollment?
A: 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.

Q: Where are classes held?
A: 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.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: 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.

Q: How are students placed into the right accelerator?
A: 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.

Q: Who teaches the classes?
A: 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.

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. 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