Programs

Group Tutorials

General Information

Group Tutorials expose youth to school-type academics in a non-threatening and experiential mode. Emphasis is placed on process over product, on reasoning versus grasping for quick answers, on respecting the developmental level of each young person and on promoting a positive and collaborative social atmosphere. Each multi-age, multi-level group is an excellent format for fostering varied levels of intellectual development, because every child is both a peer and a mentor to fellow students. Group Tutorials also place a strong emphasis on the value of developing all areas of one's self, and therefore provide youth ample opportunities to develop their Multiple Intelligences (see Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner.)

I and II - Monday, 9:15am - 2:15pm - 12 - 14 years old

The format of this tutorial, which provides two lead facilitators, offers the opportunity for both full-group and multiple, simultaneous small-group activities. The small groups allow for division by interest and developmental level while still maintaining the benefits of group cohesiveness. Please note that with the exception of lunch and outside time, focused activities will remain in groups of 12 or fewer youth.

Participants in this tutorial also have the opportunity to present a Peer Facilitation/ Comprehensive Project. To underscore our belief that self-directed learning provides limitless opportunities to develop academic skills and inspire hidden abilities to blossom, Tutorial will provide the framework for each youth to choose, research, develop and present a Comprehensive Project. Comprehensive Projects can reflect any of the multiple intelligences: study of a specific animal; a literary review of favorite authors; a documentary of sports behavior; the history of movie-making - the options are wide open.

The philosophical goal of each Comprehensive Project is for youths to embrace the in-depth study of topics significant to them and to design culminating presentations that share their passion with peers in an engaging manner.

This tutorial will include a play production component during regular program hours. Young people interested in participating in a play will work with Julia for afternoon rehearsals starting in February. Those who wish not to participate in the play will be able to continue with Tutorial activities with Nikki as the main facilitator.

I - Tuesday, 9:15am - 2:15pm - 15-18 years old
II - Tuesday, 9:15am - 2:15pm - 14-16 years old

The format of these tutorials provides a hybrid experience allowing for continued development of group cohesiveness during morning activities and the opportunity for an extended peer network and multiple activity offerings during afternoons. Participants in these tutorials have the opportunity to present a Peer Facilitation/ Comprehensive Project. To underscore our belief that self-directed learning provides limitless opportunities to develop academic skills and inspire hidden abilities to blossom, Tutorial will provide the framework for each youth to choose, research, develop and present a Comprehensive Project. Comprehensive Projects can reflect any of the multiple intelligences: study of a specific animal; a literary review of a favorite author; a documentary of sports behavior; the history of movie-making - the possibilities are limitless. The philosophical goal of each Comprehensive Project is for youths to embrace the in-depth study of topics significant to them and to design culminating presentations that share their passion with peers in an engaging manner. The Comprehensive Project is meant to be a format for focusing and developing organizational and research skills and for youths to be empowered to pursue their choices while discovering the magnitude of one's distinct interest. Outlines, multiple drafts, peer reviews and a “works cited” compilation will be part of each project.

The afternoon portion (new in 2008-2009) is designed especially to offer opportunities for teens to delve into more academic content and subjects, chosen by the facilitators with youth input. Similar to the Teen Choice format, there will be multiple afternoon offerings that will rotate throughout the year in 11-week segments.

III - Tuesday, 9:15am - 2:15pm - 9-12 years old

This full-day tutorial is designed for youth ready for collaborative group learning experiences. Activities will be planned to integrate a variety of academic areas and will include hands-on, project-based work. Some of these projects and topics will be one-time events. Others will continue for a number of weeks and offer the opportunity for deeper understanding. In addition, individuals and small groups will be given some time to explore and experiment through art materials, building, cooking, puzzles, games, etc. During the year, each young person will pick a topic, explore it in depth and create an interactive presentation for the group, acting in the role of facilitator for part of a day.

Friday, 9:15am - 2:15pm, 8-10+ years old

This tutorial combines the aspects of the Group Tutorial with the Open Programs. Our younger colleagues benefit most from hands-on activities designed to promote higher-level thinking. Another major component of this program is developing group cohesiveness in a pro-social environment. In addition, this tutorial offers youth the opportunity to be introduced to academic activities in a non-threatening, non-competitive, age-appropriate atmosphere. Please see the Group Tutorial general description on page 15 for more information.

$2,625/year
Registration | Tuition

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