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For Students in Grades 6–12 📅 Saturday, September 27 | 3:00–4:00 PM 📍 1220 Roosevelt, Irvine Speech and Debate is more than competition—it is training for life. Through this open class, students will gain the skills to think critically, argue persuasively, and present with confidence in both academic and real-world settings. 📚 What Students Will Gain Rigorous Logical Argumentation – practice building clear, structured, and compelling cases Advanced Academic Expression –

The SAT exam is a key milestone in a student’s academic journey. It can shape college admissions and future career opportunities. Many students gravitate towards conventional study methods such as flashcards, practice tests, and study guides. However, embracing unconventional strategies can enhance your performance on the SAT in unique ways. In this post, we will explore several innovative approaches that can help you excel. Embrace Mind Mapping for Retention Mind mapping is

The Digital SAT is an evolving challenge, designed to assess students' readiness for college and future academic endeavors. With its unique format and adaptive questioning style, this examination represents both a significant opportunity and a source of stress for countless students. In this post, we will explore various strategies, preparation tips, and secret techniques that can enhance your performance on the Digital SAT, ensuring that you're not just ready but well-equipp

The path to acceptance into Ivy League schools can seem overwhelming, filled with pressure to excel academically, in sports, and through various extracurricular activities. However, beneath this high-pressure environment lies an essential truth: Ivy League schools are primarily looking for two key qualities in their applicants. They want students who are passionate about making a difference in the world and committed to uplifting their communities during their college years.

Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but having a clear understanding of test dates and registration deadlines can set you on a path to success. This post covers essential SAT and ACT test dates for 2025, along with key registration deadlines and important information for all prospective test-takers. Familiarizing yourself with these dates is crucial for students, whether you are studying in the U.S. or abroad. It helps with organizing your study schedule and ensuring

Debate training is well-known for sharpening argumentative skills and improving public speaking. Yet, its lasting influences often go unnoticed. The skills gained during debate training can positively affect personal and professional lives long after participants leave the debate team. This article reveals the hidden benefits of debate training and shows how these skills apply to various aspects of life. Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Debate training significantly boosts

We’re thrilled to bring you this week’s class highlights! Our students have been actively developing their skills in reading, writing, and debate. Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve been working on: Speech & Debate (Grade 6-12) Wednesdays | 6:15 - 8:45 PM This course, designed for grades 6-12, introduces key debate skills. Students will learn to analyze topics, build strong arguments, support claims with evidence, and develop effective rebuttals. The course also enhances critic

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is a critical milestone for many students wanting to attend competitive independent schools. This exam assesses students on their math and verbal skills, providing a standardized benchmark that admissions committees consider when making decisions. While many see the ISEE as just another test to conquer, it also offers a unique opportunity for growth and exploration. By shifting our viewpoint about the ISEE, we can help both students

Get ready for an exciting adventure at Steam Camp Summer 2025! Over the course of 11 weeks, campers will dive into a wide range of engaging and hands-on activities. Weeks 9-11 will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), while the earlier weeks emphasize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Designed for children in grades K-6, our camp offers a well-rounded schedule with morning sessions focused on reading, comprehension, public speaki

Our students have been making great progress in their reading, writing, and debate skills. Here is a more detailed look at some of the areas they’ve been focusing on and the advancements they have made: Reading & Writing Learners (K-1) Wednesdays | 4:15 - 5:45 PM This course, designed for Kindergarten to 1st grade students, reinforces reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills. This Week’s Highlights: Students learned new vocabulary words and practiced spelling and pro

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to think quickly and communicate effectively is more valuable than ever. Whether you're in a business meeting, giving a presentation, or simply having a conversation, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you think faster and talk smarter:  Stay Informed: Read Widely:  Keeping up with current events and industry trends will provide you with a wealth of knowl

Debate is more than just arguing a point; it’s a skill that blends critical thinking, persuasion, and effective language use. Mastering vocabulary in debate goes beyond knowing definitions or using elegant words. It’s about using language strategically to express your arguments, connect with your audience, and engage with opponents meaningfully. This post will provide you with practical strategies to enhance your debate vocabulary and transform your speaking and writing for g

Introduction Mastering the SAT vocabulary can seem like a daunting task for many students. With a hefty list of words often taken out of context, cramming definitions can feel both tedious and unproductive. However, a shift in approach can transform this challenge into an engaging learning experience. By incorporating real-world contexts into your study habits, you can not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your overall comprehension and retention. In this blog pos

The SAT and ACT are two essential tests that can shape a student's college admission path. Vocabulary is a key part of these exams that often leaves students feeling confused. Mastery of vocabulary helps with reading comprehension and enables students to express their thoughts clearly. In this blog post, we will explore the details of SAT and ACT vocabulary and offer effective strategies to tackle unknown words confidently. The Importance of Vocabulary in SAT and ACT Vocabula

This past weekend, our talented high school debate students showcased their skills and dedication at the Peninsula Invitational 2025 in Rolling Hills Estates, CA, achieving remarkable results under the expert guidance of Coach Joe from iLearn! 🌟 Claire L. and Thomas X. shone in Parliamentary Debate, earning the title of Semifinalists (3rd Place)! 🌟 Claire L. earned the 3rd Place Speaker Award! 🌟 Thomas X. secured the 5th Place Speaker Award! 🌟 Lily Y. excelled in Imprompt

In today’s fast-paced information age, the ability to think critically and construct effective arguments is more important than ever. Whether you're engaging in debate, writing an essay, or participating in any form of discussion, these skills enable you to analyze information, draw logical conclusions, and communicate your thoughts persuasively. This blog post delves into the key elements of effective argument construction and critical thinking, equipping you with practical

The Lincoln-Douglas Debate is more than just a format for competition; it is a powerful platform that sharpens critical thinking and fosters individual expression. Rooted in the historic exchanges between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1850s, this debate style emphasizes values and ethics. By examining its structure and significance, we can see how it enhances philosophical reasoning and debate skills in participants. The Origins of Lincoln-Douglas Debate The L

Impromptu speaking is an essential skill that everyone should cultivate. It's not just for the debater or public speaker; it can benefit anyone who needs to express their thoughts clearly and quickly in any situation. Whether you're in a classroom, a social gathering, or even at a family dinner, the ability to speak on your feet with confidence can leave a lasting impression. This blog post will explore strategies and tips for mastering the art of impromptu speaking. Understa

In our fast-paced society, the ability to think on your feet is incredibly important. Extemporaneous speaking equips students with the skills they need to tackle real-world challenges and excel outside the classroom. This type of public speaking involves delivering speeches on current events with little preparation time. It highlights the need for structure, clarity, and quick thinking. In this article, we will discuss the elements of extemporaneous speaking, its significance

Imagine a space where teamwork, critical thinking, and persuasive skills converge. Public Forum Debate (PFD) offers just that. It engages participants in discussions about current events while demanding collaboration and clear communication. As society faces complex issues, PFD equips individuals with the tools necessary to articulate their thoughts effectively and influence others. In this post, we will examine how Public Forum Debate fosters collaborative persuasion, enhanc