College Forward Classes for Our Oldest Acers
Our 7-12 ACE Classes
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Seminar: Reading and Writing Like the Greats
Learn and Explore Western Literature History, Write Your Own Inspired Work, and Share with the Class!
AP Calculus Foundations & Readiness
Gain Confidence and Ease for High School’s Difficult, Most College Application-Valued Math Class
Workshop: Real World Publishing & College Writing
Share Your True, Authentic Voice in Your Writing and Consider Getting Published — Colleges Love This!
Building the Application Our College Consulting Program
Turn Your Story Into a Compelling Application and Craft Achievements that Colleges Will Remember
SAT/ACT Prep Camp
Rigorous 4-Month Program to Master the Ins and Outs of the SAT/ACT Confidently
AP Chemistry Foundations & Readiness
Review and Explore the Foundational Ideas Behind AP Chemistry To Be Prepared to Excel
Advanced Coding & Programming
Impress Colleges and Learn Python — The Coding Language All Around Us
Korean Class
Practice Speaking and Writing Korean Every Week While Exploring Korean Culture
Advanced Debate
Become a Future Leader at Your School with Expert Logical Reasoning and Speaking Skills
ACE Art Studio
Experiment with Sculptures, Painting Skills, and Illustrative Projects — Create Art Every Week!
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Seminar: Reading and Writing Like The Greats
Read Through the Western Literature Canon and Write in Their Footsteps
Program Format
Our Reading and Writing Like the Greats seminar helps students rediscover something many teenagers today rarely experience: the joy of reading.
Each week, Acers explore an important work from Western literature and then write their own short piece inspired by what they read. Students share their work with classmates while experimenting with storytelling, persuasive writing, poetry, and more.
Develop a Love For Reading with a Structured Syllabus that showcases all of Western literary history.
Many students struggle with reading simply because they haven’t yet found the type of writing that excites them.
In this seminar, Acers explore a wide range of genres—short stories, speeches, essays, historical writing, and poetry—from across Western literary history. Our college-paced syllabus goes through the entirety of Western literature, from the Ancient Greeks to the most modern writers today.
Write Like the Masters and share inspired work with classmates every week.
After each reading, Acers write a short piece inspired by the author’s style or technique. This hands-on approach helps students understand great writing by practicing it themselves.
For example, students might:
Write a short fable after reading a classic Greek moral tale
Craft a powerful speech inspired by Roman or historical speeches
Create a mystery or adventure story modeled after Victorian authors
Experiment with poetry and vivid description inspired by Modernist writers
Sharing their work builds creative confidence while helping students understand how authors use language, structure, and imagery.
Build Lifelong Reading Habits with a future reading plan, new favorite genres, and archival skills.
The goal of this class is not just to study literature—it is to help students become lifelong readers.
Throughout the seminar, Acers track the genres and authors they enjoy most. In the final weeks, students create a personal reading plan with books they are excited to read next. Students also learn how to access great books through digital libraries and our local library systems. We want Acers to know how to find any literature they are interested in!
To mark this milestone, each Acer signs a “Lifelong Reader Certificate,” listing future books or authors they want to explore—giving them a clear starting point for their reading journey beyond the class.
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert dates here
Recommended Grades : 7th - 12th
Prerequesites and Materials : Personal Computer and Library Card
Teacher Information
Mr. Dassel - Reading everyday has taught me so much about the world and helped me feel stable in an ever changing world. I hope to impart the importance of literature to my students. Creative writing is really fun too.
AP Calculus Foundations & Readiness
Preparing Students for AP Calculus AB, BC, and AP Physics C
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : 10th and 11th Grade
Prerequisites and Materials : Graphing Calculator
Program Format
AP Calculus is one of the most challenging (yet valuable for college applications) classes a student can take in high school.
The difficulty is often not only the math itself — it is that the class moves very quickly and assumes students are already comfortable with advanced algebra, functions, and trigonometry.
Students often say things like:
“The class goes so fast.”
“I didn’t fully understand limits at the beginning.”
“So many people in the class are failing the unit tests.”
Our Intro to AP Calculus class is designed to prevent that experience.
We help students prepare ahead of time so they can enter AP Calculus AB or BC feeling confident and ready to succeed.
Gain Confidence For the Most Respected and Hardest High School Math Class by colleges and employers.
Taking calculus in high school can be very beneficial for students.
Even for students who do not plan to major in math or engineering, calculus is widely seen as one of the most rigorous and respected classes in high school. Colleges often view success in calculus as a strong signal that a student is ready for challenging university coursework.
For many students applying to competitive universities, earning a strong grade in AP Calculus AB (or BC) can strengthen their application. The more competitive the university, the more important it becomes to show strong academic rigor in core subjects like math. Important skills such as logical thinking, problem solving, and analyzing complex ideas are useful in many fields, including business, economics, technology, science, and the social sciences.
Our goal is to help students feel prepared for this important class so they can approach AP Calculus with confidence instead of stress.
Strengthen the Foundations Behind Calculus with a Structured Syllabus that makes studying clear.
Our 14-week Intro to AP Calculus Syllabus first begins with a Calculus Diagnostic Test. We provide this test to check any specific weaknesses from Acers. Then, each student masters the key foundations to calculus, such as:
functions and graph behavior
trigonometry
algebraic problem solving
exponents and logarithms
When those skills are not fully comfortable yet, calculus can quickly start to feel overwhelming. Our syllabus makes sure study is structured and constantly progressing so students are able to approach calculus with much more confidence. Sign up to see our syllabus!
Learn the Key Ideas of AP Calculus Early to soar through the first semesters without falling behind.
Then, our syllabus ends as Acers are introduced to the most important ideas that appear in AP Calculus, such as limits, rates of change, and the basic concept behind derivatives.
We want students to make progress each week to become familiar with the way calculus works and the way problems are approached.
When these topics appear later in AP Calculus, students will not be seeing them for the first time. They will already understand the main ideas and feel much more comfortable keeping up with the rigorous pace of AP Calculus AB/BC!
Teacher Information
Mr. John -
Real World Publishing & College Writing Workshop
Publish Your Writing to Stand Out on College Applications and Essays
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : 7th - 12th
Prerequisites and Materials : Personal Computer or Laptop
Recommended for students who enjoy writing, storytelling, or sharing ideas.
Program Format
This ACE Workshop helps our college-headed Acers develop something many colleges value but few high schoolers have: a portfolio of published or submission-ready writing. These writing pieces can be used for college application essays, or students’ can become published in real competitions and publications which boosts the prestige of your college application.
Throughout the program, students explore forms of writing such as journalism, opinion essays, feature stories, and personal essays, while learning the professional process writers use to prepare work for publication. By the end of the workshop, students will have a collection of polished pieces that can support competitions, leadership opportunities, and college applications.
Master High-Impact Forms of Writing for use in future publishing opportunities or college essays.
Students learn to write forms that are widely publishable and college-relevant:
Feature journalism — articles about people, events, or ideas
Opinion & editorial writing — persuasive essays on topics they care about
Personal narrative essays — reflective or story-driven pieces
Creative nonfiction / narrative journalism — storytelling with real-world substance
Students practice drafting, revising, and polishing these pieces for college applications or outlets such as youth journalism platforms, literary magazines, essay contests, and the ACE Newsletter or blog.
College essays are incredibly important for every student’s application, and published work can give a powerful boost so students can stand out!
Collaborate in an Editorial Workshop and get consistent feedback from teachers and peers.
The class operates like a professional editorial room, where Acers improve their work through discussion, feedback, and revision.
Students will:
share college essays or publishable drafts with classmates and suggest improvements and new ideas
analyze what makes strong writing effective
revise pieces with detailed instructor guidance
This collaborative process builds stronger writing, critical thinking, and the confidence to produce polished work for real audiences and college admissions officers.
Build College Essays & A Portfolio That Stands Out that colleges will remember and recognize.
By the end of the program, students leave with:
Published work (ACE Newsletter/blog or external publications)
Contest submissions or literary pieces
Revised personal essays ready to adapt and submit for college applications
This portfolio demonstrates creativity, initiative, and strong communication skills—qualities that help students stand out in competitions, internships, leadership opportunities, and college applications.
Teacher Information
Ms. Rosanna -
SAT/ACT Prep Class
Smart Preparation for Close Understanding and Strong Scores
Summer Prep Dates Fall Prep Dates Spring Prep Dates
Insert dates here Insert Dates Here Insert Dates Here
Testing December - March Testing April - July Testing August - September
Recommended Grades : 10th - 12th
Most students take the SAT/ACT 2-3 times from Junior Year second semester —> Senior Year first semester. We recommend beginning SAT/ACT studies during Sophomore Year!
Program Format
Many students feel frustrated by the SAT or ACT at first. They often say things like:
“I knew the material, but I ran out of time.”
“I couldn’t choose between two good answers.”
“The question was too tricky.”
That experience is very common, because the SAT and ACT are not just academic tests. In many ways, they are carefully designed puzzles with predictable question patterns, common traps, and specific ways of wording questions.
Our ACE SAT/ACT Prep Program demystifies the tests through careful practice of every type of Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Science, or Math Problem Acers might encounter.
Even as some universities have become test-optional, strong SAT and ACT scores can help students stand out, strengthen scholarship opportunities, and give colleges another way to see a student’s academic ability.
Strengthen SAT/ACT Skills with a Rigorous and Structured Syllabus that makes learning focused and clear.
Our SAT/ACT Prep Program runs in 4-month weekly camps aligned with upcoming test days. By then, we guarantee that Acers will master the core academic skills that appear throughout the exam, including:
algebra and problem solving
reading comprehension and passage analysis
grammar, sentence structure, and language usage
interpreting charts, graphs, and data
Understand How the SAT and ACT Work and find the option that leads to the highest scores.
A large part of improving SAT or ACT scores comes from understanding the structure of the exam itself. The SAT is logical, slower-paced, and often compared to a puzzle. The ACT is fast, grammar-heavy, and contains a science section. We help every Acer find their strongest test and prepare accordingly!
At Ace Academy, we help Acers learn how to recognize common question patterns, avoid common traps, manage their time, and approach difficult problems strategically.
As students practice, they begin to notice that many questions follow predictable structures. Once Acers understand the thinking behind the exam, they are able to approach the test with much greater confidence. We want our students to leave the class feeling that special click when the SAT/ACT exam just makes a lot more sense!
View all SAT test dates here: View ACT test dates here:
SAT Test Dates & Registration (College Board) ACT Test Dates & Registration (ACT.org)
Teacher Information
Mr. Dassel -
Building The Application
Our College Consulting and Application Prep Program at ACE
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : 9th - 12th
Prerequisites and Materials : Personal Computer or Laptop
Program Format
Many students wait until senior year to think about college. By then, it can be too late to build the experiences that strong universities are looking for.
Our Building the Application college consulting program helps students start early to discover their career interests, plan their high school path, and build a powerful academic and extracurricular personal story that leads to very attractive college applications.
Over the years, many Ace Academy students have gone on to attend top universities, including Ivy League schools such as Harvard, and leading UC campuses! This program helps students begin building that path step by step.
Discover Interests and Future Direction for successful college majors and applications.
Many students enter high school without knowing what they truly want to study or pursue in the future. Instead of guessing, we guide Acers through a structured process to help them discover their strengths and interests.
Students complete reflection activities, strengths and personality assessments, and discussions inspired by programs such as Yale’s Science of Well-Being course. These activities help students think about what they enjoy learning, what motivates them, and where their natural abilities lie.
We then connect those interests to possible college majors, careers, and academic opportunities, helping students begin to see a clear direction for high school.
Build a Strong Profile for College with guidance towards projects and extracurriculars that shine.
Competitive colleges are not looking for students who simply join many activities. They look for students who show curiosity, initiative, and leadership.
In this workshop, Acers learn how to build experiences that truly reflect their interests. Instead of joining random activities, students learn how to develop a focused path that shows growth over time.
Students explore opportunities such as:
leadership roles and student organizations
academic competitions or research opportunities
independent projects or community initiatives
volunteer work or internships
Over time, these experiences help students build something colleges value greatly — a clear and powerful story about their passions and goals.
Understand College Admissions for full confidence and satisfaction during the application process.
Students also learn how the college admissions process works so they can make smart decisions early in high school.
We discuss what competitive universities look for, including grades, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and how students build a balanced college list. As students gain experiences, we also help them reflect on how those experiences can shape their college essays and personal statements.
Why Ace Academy
Since 2009, Ace Academy has worked closely with students and paid careful attention to each student’s strengths and challenges through bi-yearly assessments and monthly goals. Because we know our students well, we can guide them personally as they grow through high school.
We are always excited to see our Acers move on to the colleges and careers they dream about, and many of our students have gone on to attend top universities including Harvard and leading UC campuses.
College admissions continues to change, and we stay on top of those changes so we can guide our students with the most current insight and strategies.
Teacher Information
Mr. Dassel - Talk about experience applying to many ivy leagues and touring and working in college consultations. Knowing how to interview and everything. As someone who made many clubs and stuff I know how much having a strong story to show in my applications helped me get into one of the Top 3 Universities for my major in the country. I want to help students do that too. I understand the importance of making something out of the high school experience ASAP.
Advanced Coding & Programming
Applying Coding & AI Skills in the Real World using Python
Summer Dates
Fall + Spring Dates
Recommended Grades : 8th-12th (Motivated 7th Graders Welcome!)
Program Format
Technology is shaping nearly every field today, and the ability to code personal programs is extremely attractive on college applications and resumes. Our Coding & Programming Foundations class helps Acers move beyond beginner coding activities and begin learning the real skills, thinking, and tools used by real programmers with Python and AI Programming.
Move Beyond Elementary Coding with Python, the language that builds the blocks of our digital world.
Our elementary ACE coding class focuses on teaching conditionals, design projects, and basic coding tools using drag-and-drop tools. In this program, Acers take the next step by learning real programming with Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world today at companies such as Google, NASA, robotics fields, and more!
This class builds the programming foundation students need for more advanced courses such as AP Computer Science.
Learn Every Skill All Capable Coding Experts Should Have
Students write and test their own programs while developing core programming skills such as:
writing programs using Python
variables, loops, and conditionals
functions and program structure
debugging and fixing errors
logical problem solving and algorithms
Acers apply these skills by building projects such as custom games, quiz programs, chatbots, and small automation tools.
Introduce AI and Modern Technology with real understanding and ethical use.
Students are also introduced to basic ideas behind artificial intelligence and modern computing tools. They explore how programs can analyze data, respond to input, and simulate intelligent behavior.
This exposure helps students better understand the technology behind many modern digital tools such as AI chatbots, applications, and generative AI.
Teacher Information
Mr. John- Coding Wizard. made many things himself. expert.
Advanced Speech & Debate
Build Logic, Communicate With Confidence, and Become a Leader
Summer Dates
Fall + Spring Dates
Recommended Grades : 8th-12th (Motivated 7th Graders Welcome)
Program Format
Strong communication skills are one of the most valuable abilities students can develop for both academic success and future careers. Colleges value speech & debate students who demonstrate critical thinking, leadership, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly, especially at the local or state level.
In our ACE Speech and Debate course, students will build the foundational skills in argument structure, research, and speaking that prepare them to contribute confidently to their school debate clubs and pursue opportunities in local and state-level debate competitions.
Lead and Stand Out in School Debate Clubs
Most high schools do not offer formal debate classes. Instead, debate programs are often run as student clubs, where students are expected to lead discussions, research topics, and organize debates themselves. For students without prior training, it can be difficult to stand out or take leadership roles in these clubs.
Through this course, Acers will learn the skills and confidence needed to:
• actively contribute to their school’s debate club
• compete in debate tournaments
• take leadership roles within debate teams
• stand out as strong communicators and critical thinkers
Students who enter their school debate clubs with prior training often become key contributors or leaders, which can strengthen their academic profile and college applications.
Master The Skills The Best Speakers and Debaters Use to compete and impress colleges and employers.
Students will learn the core foundations used in speech and debate programs.
Argument Structure
Students will learn how to build persuasive arguments using a clear framework supported by evidence and logical reasoning.
Public Speaking
Students will practice presenting ideas confidently, organizing speeches clearly, and communicating persuasively in front of others.
Research and Evidence
Students will learn how to analyze current issues, evaluate credible sources, and gather evidence to support their arguments.
Rebuttal and Critical Thinking
Students will develop the ability to respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints by identifying weaknesses in arguments and constructing effective rebuttals.
Practice Debates
Students will participate in structured debates throughout the program to practice the skills they learn. Topics may include issues related to technology, public policy, education, and current events. These practice debates help students develop confidence, improve reasoning skills, and gain experience presenting their ideas in a competitive format.
Teacher Information
Ms. Rosanna??…
AP Chemistry Foundations & Readiness Program
Building Confidence for One of High School’s Most Rigorous Science Courses
Summer Dates
Recommended Grades : 10th-12th
Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry Course Completion
Program Format
AP Chemistry is widely considered one of the most rigorous and respected science classes offered in high school. Because it is essentially a college-level course, performing well in AP Chemistry signals to colleges that a student can succeed in demanding academic environments, especially for students interested in fields such as medicine, biology, engineering, environmental science, and research.
Despite its value, AP Chemistry is also known for its difficulty. Students who performed well in Honors Chemistry often discover that the AP course moves much faster and requires a much deeper level of understanding. As a result, many students enter AP Chemistry wishing they had strengthened their foundations before the course began.
Our AP Chemistry Foundations & Readiness program is designed to provide that preparation.
Strengthen the Foundations of AP Chemistry to succeed in class without falling behind.
This ACE program focuses on the core chemistry concepts Acers must understand before starting AP Chemistry, such as:
atomic structure and periodic trends
chemical bonding and molecular structure
stoichiometry and reaction calculations
intermolecular forces
thermochemistry and energy in reactions
reaction rates and chemical equilibrium
acids, bases, and pH
By strengthening these concepts in advance, students begin AP Chemistry with a clearer understanding of the material and greater confidence in solving complex problems. This is especially helpful for students who forgot key Honors Chemistry concepts or need more help in fully understanding them!
Enter AP Chemistry with Confidence and a strong Chemistry vocabulary and understanding.
Students who start AP Chemistry with strong conceptual foundations are far more comfortable with the pace and depth of the course. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by new topics, they are able to recognize patterns, connect ideas, and approach challenging problems more confidently.
Our goal is for Acers to walk into AP Chemistry prepared, capable, and ready to succeed in one of the most demanding and rewarding science courses offered in high school.
Teacher Information
Ms. Rosanna??…
ACE Art Studio
A Place for Creativity to Bloom
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : All Grades!
Prerequisites and Materials : None!
Program Format
Our ACE Art Class is a joyful space where creativity, curiosity, and imagination come to life! At Ace Academy, we believe that art helps children express their ideas, explore the world around them, and grow into thoughtful, creative individuals.
In this class, students experiment with a wide variety of artistic styles and materials while learning about artists, cultures, and ideas from around the world. Every week, students create colorful and exciting art projects they can proudly take home. Along the way, they build confidence, creativity, and the ability to think in new and imaginative ways.
Explore Art from Around the World and imitate with a personal artistic voice.
Art is a wonderful way for students to learn about cultures, traditions, and ideas from around the globe. Throughout the year, students create projects inspired by different artists and art styles. For example, students might:
Create bright patterned animals inspired by Australian Aboriginal dot art
Design colorful masks influenced by African tribal art
Paint landscapes inspired by Claude Monet’s impressionist style
Build simple sculptures inspired by modern artists and recycled materials
These projects help students see how artists from different places express ideas, stories, and traditions through art.
Learn Artistic Techniques and Skills to make art that feels professional and real.
Students practice important art skills such as drawing, painting, color mixing, shading, and design. They learn how to use materials like watercolor, oil pastels, colored pencils, and clay while developing their own artistic style.
Lessons include skills such as:
blending colors with watercolor
creating texture with oil pastels
learning basic shading to make drawings look more three-dimensional
understanding how shapes and patterns create strong designs
Make Creative Projects with Encouraging Guidance that makes the biggest projects feel exciting.
Each class includes guided projects where students explore new materials and creative ideas. Students might paint a watercolor sunset, design a patterned animal drawing, create a collage using cut paper, or build a small sculpture.
Our supportive art teacher guides students step-by-step while also encouraging them to add their own creative touches. Students are always welcome to experiment with colors, patterns, and ideas to make their artwork unique.
We believe every child has a creative spark, and our goal is to help each student discover it, nurture it, and shine!
Teacher Information
Ms. Rosanna
ACE Korean Class
Explore Our Language And Culture Every Week
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : 2nd-6th Grade
Prerequisites and Materials : None!
Program Format
Many of our Acers grow up hearing Korean at home, but may not always feel confident speaking, reading, or writing it.
Our Korean class is designed to help students reconnect with the language in a natural and enjoyable way. Through simple conversation, reading practice, and cultural activities, Acers build the confidence to understand, speak, and use Korean in everyday situations.
Our goal is simple: help students use Korean comfortably and proudly while strengthening their connection to Korean culture.
Speak with Everyday Korean Conversation and feel like a natural speaker.
We focus on the Korean that students can actually use. Each class includes guided conversation practice so Acers become comfortable speaking in Korean with their teacher and classmates.
Students practice:
greetings and polite expressions
introducing themselves and asking simple questions
talking about school, family, and daily life
listening and responding naturally in Korean
This helps students move from just understanding Korean to actively using it.
Read and Write Hangul with discipline and expert guidance every week.
Acers strengthen their foundation in Hangul so they can read and write with confidence.
Students practice:
reading simple words and short sentences
writing Hangul clearly and correctly
learning useful everyday vocabulary
For students who already know Hangul, lessons focus on reading fluency and sentence building.
Learn Language Through Culture that interests and sparks imaginations.
We also explore Korean culture so students see how language connects to traditions and everyday life.
Activities may include:
learning simple Korean songs or rhymes
practicing common expressions used in Korean families
exploring holidays and traditions such as Seollal and Chuseok
short readings or stories about Korean culture
Teacher Information
New teacher guy
ACE Chess Club
Diving Deeper Into The World’s Oldest Strategy Test
Summer : Insert dates here
Fall + Spring : Insert Dates Here (Fridays?)
Recommended Grades : All Grades
Prerequisites and Materials : None!
Program Format
Our Chess Club invites Acers to step into one of the world’s most fascinating strategy games. At Ace Academy, we don’t just teach students how the pieces move. We show them how deep, creative, and exciting chess can be.
Each week, Acers explore new strategies, solve challenging puzzles, and play thoughtful games that strengthen focus, patience, and critical thinking. Whether students are brand new to chess or already enjoy playing, our goal is to help every Acer discover the strategy, creativity, and depth behind the game.
Understand the Strategy of Chess beyond the basic, typical moves.
In Chess Club, Acers learn far more than the basic rules. They begin to understand how experienced players think several moves ahead and plan their games with purpose.
Students explore ideas such as:
how strong openings set the stage for the entire game
how to control the center of the board
how pieces work together to create powerful attacks
how to defend positions and avoid common traps
These concepts help students see that chess is not just about individual moves, but about long-term strategy and careful planning.
Drill with Chess Puzzles and Tactical Thinking that expose new ideas and hidden techniques.
Each week, Acers solve engaging chess puzzles that reveal the hidden patterns within the game. Students learn classic tactics such as forks, pins, discovered attacks, and checkmate patterns.
These puzzles challenge students to slow down, think deeply, and find clever solutions — helping them develop the analytical thinking skills that chess is famous for.
Practice Games and Friendly Competition against other Acers and staff.
Acers put their new strategies into action through friendly games with classmates. Our instructor helps students reflect on their games, pointing out strong ideas and opportunities for improvement.
As students grow more confident, they may participate in mini tournaments and strategy challenges within the club. Through these games, Acers learn not only how to win gracefully, but also how to learn from every match.
Teacher Information
Mr. Dassel - Played on the Chess Club in College.