Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right course
Should we choose live or self-paced for literature or history?
Literature and history are our two subjects offered both ways. Live courses meet once a week online, with teachers or literature teaching assistants grading the work. Self-paced courses include the same lectures and materials with no set meeting time, so your student works whenever it fits your week. Self-paced courses do not include any paper grading or WriteAtHome teacher support. See how live and self-paced compare.
How do I choose the right course for my student?
Choosing courses for your student can be overwhelming, that’s why we created recommendations by grade to help you. Click here to see what we would choose for our students. If you have questions, be sure to reach out to our customer care team by phone (757) 749-6000 ext. 1 or email info@writeathome.com.
Can my student take more than one course?
Yes, and you save when you do. Enroll the same student in two or three annual writing or live courses and the discount applies automatically (up to $460).
What’s the difference between annual, semester, and workshop courses?
Annual courses run the full school year, which is 32 weeks. Semester courses run a half year, 16 weeks. For writing, we offer 8-week workshops, which are a great way to give our writing courses a try or to focus on one type of writing.
What to expect
How does my student get into the course after we enroll?
Once payment is confirmed by ClassWallet, you’ll receive a confirmation email from WriteAtHome with login information for your account. Course content is not available until the first day of class (see the Course Calendar for dates).
When do courses start and end?
Start and end dates for every course are on the Course Calendar.
How much time should we expect each week?
It depends on the course: writing is one to three hours a week; literature is four to five hours a week (including class time if enrolled in a live class); history is two to three hours a week; and ELA is three to four hours a week (including the weekly live class session).
What platform are the courses on?
All coursework happens in Canvas, our online learning platform. Live classes meet over Zoom.
What if we miss a class session?
If your student misses a live class session, a recording will be available so they can catch up on whatever they missed.
Does my student receive a grade?
Writing courses give personal coach feedback, and final drafts receive a rubric score. All live classes provide grades, and self-paced courses include auto-graded quizzes.
Coaches and teaching
Who are the coaches and teachers?
Every WriteAtHome writing coach has at least an undergraduate degree in English, education, or a related field, and/or experience writing and editing. Before joining our team, each coach completes a screening evaluation, marking up sample papers, so we can confirm both their expertise in content, style, and grammar and their ability to work graciously and encouragingly with young writers. Coaches are trained to give feedback that’s positive, personal, and thorough, guiding your student through multiple drafts. All writing coaches are live scanned and complete mandated reporter training annually. Learn more about our literature, history, and ELA teachers on the course descriptions.
Who grades the work?
In writing courses, your student’s coach reads and responds to every assignment. In live classes, teachers or teaching assistants grade the work.
What else do I need for my classes?
What books or materials do we need?
Literature and history courses use real books, so you’ll buy the titles on the course reading list. For writing and grammar courses, there is nothing extra to buy; everything is included in Canvas.
What technology do we need?
A computer with a reliable internet connection. Coursework is in Canvas, and live classes use Zoom (a webcam and microphone help your student participate).
Why should I choose WriteAtHome?
How long has WriteAtHome been around?
WriteAtHome has offered online writing classes since 2001. For over 25 years, we’ve helped students become confident, competent writers who believe they have something to say.
Is WriteAtHome accredited?
Yes. WriteAtHome is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
We guarantee your satisfaction. If you’re not completely satisfied during the trial period (the first 100 days of an annual course, 50 days of a semester course, or 30 days of a workshop), you may withdraw and receive a full refund of your tuition. Read the details on our Satisfaction Guarantee page.