COURSES
Our Courses
Critical Skills Academy (CSA) provides a high-quality, student-centered model for its Critical Thinking & Writing (FW) courses. This model is built upon decades of experience in teaching critical Thinking & Writing at all levels from middle and high school (6-12) through university undergraduate and graduate levels.
Our students may take any number of six-week courses in which they build upon prior knowledge in a continuous cycle or in intermittent segments. This means that courses may be taken back-to-back or with breaks in between. We meet each student and family where they are in their overall curricular schedule and goals.
Each six-week course is designed to meet students where they are and to cultivate their learning and growth in a student-centered, individualized, positive, safe, encouraging, and respectful learning environment.
All of our instructors are highly qualified, experienced teachers who are patient, encouraging and discerning. They value each student’s individuality, learning style, and learning pace. All have years of experience teaching middle/high school and/or college/university critical thinking & writing courses.
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CW 201: Introduction to Creative Writing
In this course students will have the opportunity to express themselves in poetry and fiction under the supervision of a skilled instructor and a practicing artist. Students will share their work with peers in a workshop format and receive feedback that can then be used to revise and improve. Weekly prompts and suggestions will help the student get started and to build a portfolio of work to be proud of. Readings will focus on particular elements and techniques the student can learn from.
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CW 202: Introduction to Writing Fiction
This course will be conducted in a workshop format under the guidance of an experienced instructor and practicing writer. Weekly prompts and exercises will focus on specific elements (characterization, dialog, tone, etc.) and the work produced will be responded to by the class in a supportive environment geared towards helping the student learn and grow. Short stories that illustrate the use of specific elements will be discussed in class to provide the student with techniques and inspiring examples.
FTW 101: Foundations of Thinking & Writing I (Levels 6-9, Middle School)
This engaging and interactive course, taught by a highly qualified, experienced instructor, will provide students the tools for developing structured writing with emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Through reading and discussing high-quality texts, students will learn to craft effective claim statements and topic sentences, support their ideas with strong supporting evidence, and develop compelling conclusions. As with all CSA courses, collaborative discussions are designed to deepen understanding, refine ideas, and enhance individual projects through meaningful dialogue.
FTW 102: Foundations of Thinking & Writing II – Exploring Writing Genres (Levels 6-9, Middle School)
Expanding on the fundamentals of structured writing, this course will introduce students to key writing genres, including descriptive, narrative, comparison & contrast, and argumentative writing. Students will learn to adapt their writing style and structure to suit different purposes and audiences, and craft original pieces in multiple genres. Through the analysis of high-quality texts, they will explore how effective writers use language, organization, and evidence to engage readers and convey meaning. As with all CSA courses, peer discussions will provide opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and deeper engagement with the writing process.
FTW 103: Foundations of Thinking & Writing III – Planning & Writing the Research Paper
Building on previous coursework, this advanced middle school writing course will introduce students to the fundamentals of academic research and structured argumentation. Students will learn how to develop strong research questions, locate and evaluate credible sources, and synthesize information to construct a well-organized, effective research paper. With extensive feedback by a highly-qualified, experienced teacher, they will practice outlining, drafting, and revising their work while integrating proper citation methods, including AI-generated content when appropriate.. As with all CSA courses, collaborative discussions enhance learning by fostering deeper engagement with both individual research and group analysis.
FTW 201: Foundations of Thinking & Writing I (Levels 9-10, High School)
This rigorous and dynamic course challenges students to engage deeply with structured writing with emphasis on critical thinking, textual analysis, and academic argumentation. By reading and critically evaluating high-quality texts, students will refine their ability to develop nuanced claim statements, construct sophisticated arguments, and integrate compelling evidence with clarity and precision. As with all CSA courses, collaborative discussions and extensive feedback will allow students to refine their perspectives, strengthen their rhetorical skills, and engage in meaningful dialogue that enhances both individual and group learning.
FTW 202: Foundations of Thinking & Writing II: Employing Writing Genres through Critical Thinking (Levels 9-11, High School)
This course challenges high school students to refine their writing by engaging with a variety of genres, including descriptive, narrative, comparison & contrast, and argumentative writing. Through critical analysis of high-quality texts, students will examine how structure, tone, and rhetorical strategies shape meaning and impact. They will develop well-crafted, purpose-driven essays that demonstrate clarity, coherence, and depth of thought in multiple genres. Through peer collaboration and instructor feedback, students will strengthen their ability to think critically, express ideas persuasively, and engage in meaningful discourse.
FTW 203: Foundations of Thinking & Writing III – Planning & Writing the Research Paper (Levels 9-10, High School)
Designed for high school students ready to engage in advanced critical thinking and academic writing, this course will provide a structured approach to researching, organizing, and writing a polished research paper. Students will hone essential research skills, including conducting independent inquiries, assessing and synthesizing sources, and establishing clear thematic arguments. Emphasis is placed on constructing logically sound and well-supported analyses while mastering proper citation methods. As with all CSA courses, meaningful discussion, peer and instructor feedback and collaboration will foster critical engagement and enrich the writing process.