The SAT doesn't start in 11th grade — it starts with reading in 9th.
Most SAT test-taking techniques can be picked up in a few months — but vocabulary and reading comprehension can't be crammed. They are built over years. For students planning to take the SAT next summer, 9th grade is the golden window to lay the reading foundation a 1550+ score stands on.
Wednesdays & Saturdays · 4:30–6:30 PM · from Sept 9 (after Labor Day)
Through long-term, systematic close reading — not premature SAT drilling — students steadily grow:
The goal isn't to rush students into SAT questions — it's to use these valuable 9th–10th grade years to genuinely raise Vocabulary + Reading Comprehension. Once that foundation is in place, formal SAT prep becomes far easier, and 1550+ becomes a realistic target.
Not premature test drilling — the reading, vocabulary, and reasoning that take years to build. Each week integrates three areas.
~20 core SAT-level words a week, learned in context and through authentic reading — with cumulative review so they stick for the SAT's Words-in-Context questions.
Challenging texts across literature, humanities, history, and science — main ideas, inference, command of evidence, cross-text connections, data, and rhetorical synthesis.
The full foundation for SAT Standard English Conventions — sentence boundaries, agreement, punctuation, modifiers, parallel structure, and transitions.
14 weeks — the same curriculum whichever day you choose. Earlier skills are reinforced through later readings, not dropped after a week. Every week: ~20 new SAT-level vocabulary words + review, a challenging close-reading passage, SAT-style Reading & Writing practice, and grammar practice.
The semester ends with an SAT practice assessment and a diagnostic review. Progression: Fall builds foundations → Winter adds text complexity & SAT application → Spring transitions to SAT-focused prep → Summer intensive full-length practice.
Reading & reasoning plus writing & grammar, week by week — the same curriculum on the Wednesday and Saturday sections.
| Week | Reading & Reasoning | Writing & Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Words in Context + Close Reading Fundamentals | Sentence Types; Subjects & Predicates |
| 2 | Main Idea & Supporting Evidence | Clauses; Sentence Structure |
| 3 | Details & Evidence | Fragments, Run-ons & Comma Splices |
| 4 | Purpose, Point of View & Inference | Commas & Coordinating Conjunctions |
| 5 | Text Structure & Relationships Between Ideas | Lists, Parallel Structure & Correlative Conjunctions |
| 6 | Inference & Evidence | Subject-Verb Agreement & Verb Tense |
| 7 | Cross-Text Connections | Semicolons & Colons |
| 8 | Command of Evidence: Scientific Findings | Nonessential Elements & Punctuation |
| 9 | Command of Evidence: Textual Evidence | Pronouns & Agreement |
| 10 | Quantitative Evidence & Data Interpretation | Modifiers & Logical Comparisons |
| 11 | Advanced Inference & Reasoning | Transitions & Relationships Between Ideas |
| 12 | Rhetorical Synthesis + Integrated Reading Review | Grammar & Conventions Review |
| 13 | SAT Practice Assessment & Skills Diagnosis | — |
| 14 | Practice Test Review + Individual Strengths & Weaknesses | — |
Dr. Hardin, Ph.D.
Senior English Instructor · Teaching since 2007
A Ph.D.-level English instructor who has taught SAT reading, grammar, and writing since 2007. Best for 9th–10th graders who plan to prepare early and aim high — because high SAT scores can be trained, but reading ability takes time to grow. The earlier you start, the bigger the advantage.
Two weekly time options — pick whichever fits. Classes begin the week after Labor Day and run through mid-December (no class Thanksgiving week). $65 per class, billed monthly by classes attended.
Sep 9 – Dec 16, 2026 · 14 classes · $910 total
| # | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 9 (Wed) |
| 2 | Sep 16 |
| 3 | Sep 23 |
| 4 | Sep 30 |
| 5 | Oct 7 |
| 6 | Oct 14 |
| 7 | Oct 21 |
| 8 | Oct 28 |
| 9 | Nov 4 |
| 10 | Nov 11 |
| 11 | Nov 18 |
| — | Nov 25 · No class (Thanksgiving) |
| 12 | Dec 2 |
| 13 | Dec 9 |
| 14 | Dec 16 |
Sep 12 – Dec 19, 2026 · 14 classes · $910 total
| # | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 12 (Sat) |
| 2 | Sep 19 |
| 3 | Sep 26 |
| 4 | Oct 3 |
| 5 | Oct 10 |
| 6 | Oct 17 |
| 7 | Oct 24 |
| 8 | Oct 31 |
| 9 | Nov 7 |
| 10 | Nov 14 |
| 11 | Nov 21 |
| — | Nov 28 · No class (Thanksgiving) |
| 12 | Dec 5 |
| 13 | Dec 12 |
| 14 | Dec 19 |
Fall semester · Wednesdays or Saturdays, 4:30–6:30 PM · starts the week after Labor Day.
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