Since our writing classes will be soon underway, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you some specifics about our writing philosophy and programs. With this information, you will be better able to follow your son/daughter’s progress here at the Mill Creek Academy.

For a variety of reasons, most school systems are not teaching writing as composition. Rather, writing is usually taught as a response to literature. While understanding and writing about literature is important for critical thinking and written expression, composition should be first priority.

We teach composition skills in a small group of nine or fewer students. Such a group comprised of eight peers creates the “audience” that is so important to most writers. For students grades 3-12, the audience is sometimes more important than the assignment itself. I learned this fact early in my career, both as a teacher of writing at American and Mission High Schools, and as a private writing tutor for 15 years. Many of you may believe that the private tutor is a better instructional tool (and a better way to spend your money) than is a writing group. Only in remedial situations is that belief usually true. Rather, the power of peer pressure and acceptance plays a strong and vital role in student writing enthusiasm and improvement. To put it simply, kids are concerned about what other kids think.

Our composition classes are based on the following five principles of excellent writing: organization, development, word choice, sentence variety, and grammar/usage.  During the session, you should see your son/daughter’s writing corrected by our teachers with suggestions for specific improvement in specific areas. We find that students who write and revise weekly always improve.

What is your role as a parent of a young writer? I would advise that you play a supportive, focused one. Review the papers we return. Encourage your child when needed; communicate with the teacher if you have questions or concerns. Sign all essays.

What is our role?  We not only provide an energetic, full hour of instruction, but we also spend a great deal of time outside of the classroom at Mill Creek correcting papers. This is what you are paying for. For those of you who have never corrected a set of composition papers, let me tell you that there is no short cut. It is extremely time consuming, but when we see the writing improvement (which we do!), it is also rewarding.

In the area of writing instruction, Mill Creek Academy has no real competitors. Some of the best writing teachers have agreed to lend their expertise to our business, one I started eleven years ago with 90 students and one teacher (me!). Since that time, over 4500 students have benefited from our precision paper correction and small group attention.

You are to be credited with seeing the need for writing instruction and its value throughout the elementary, secondary, and collegiate academic experiences.

Cheri Block Sabraw
Director