Socratic Seminars
Class Descriptions
Alphabetically by Class Name
Big Questions for Kids
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Day: Thursday
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
Why do people make different choices? What makes a good friend? Can something be fair but not equal? In this engaging Socratic Seminar class for students in grades 3–6, young thinkers will explore some of life's biggest questions through guided discussions, stories, short readings, videos, and real-world examples. Students will learn how to listen respectfully, think critically, support their ideas with reasons, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with others. There are no simple right or wrong answers—instead, students will practice exploring different perspectives, developing their own ideas, and learning from one another. This class helps build confidence, communication skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of curiosity and learning.
Dystopian Literature Seminar
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 7th - 12th
Day: Thursday
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
What happens when governments gain too much power? How much freedom should individuals have? What makes a just society? In this thought-provoking Socratic Seminar class for junior high and high school students, participants will explore classic and contemporary dystopian literature while engaging in meaningful discussions about human nature, ethics, authority, technology, and personal responsibility. Through novels, short stories, articles, and media, students will analyze the themes and warnings presented in dystopian worlds and consider their relevance to today's society. Students will learn to think critically, articulate their ideas, support their opinions with evidence, respectfully challenge assumptions, and engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives. This class is ideal for students who enjoy reading, discussion, and exploring complex questions that have no easy answers.
Great Classics and Conversations
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 7th - 12th
Day: Tuesday
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
Some of the greatest books ever written continue to shape how we think about courage, character, justice, friendship, sacrifice, and the human experience. In this Socratic Seminar class for junior high and high school students, participants will read and discuss selected classic works of literature while engaging in thoughtful, student-led conversations about the timeless ideas and questions found within them. Through guided discussion, students will learn to analyze literature deeply, articulate their ideas clearly, support their opinions with evidence, and respectfully engage with differing viewpoints. Rather than focusing solely on literary analysis, this class emphasizes meaningful conversation and critical thinking as students wrestle with the enduring themes that have inspired readers for generations. This class is ideal for students who enjoy reading, discussion, and exploring big ideas through great books.
Junior Great Books
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Day: Tuesday
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
Junior Great Books introduces students in grades 3–6 to rich, engaging literature while helping them develop strong reading, critical thinking, and discussion skills. Through carefully selected stories and guided Socratic discussions, students will learn to ask thoughtful questions, support their ideas with evidence from the text, listen respectfully to others, and consider multiple perspectives. Rather than focusing on finding the "right" answer, students will explore deeper meanings, character motivations, and important themes through collaborative inquiry and conversation. This class fosters a love of reading while building confidence, comprehension, communication skills, and intellectual curiosity in a supportive and engaging environment.
Myths, Legends & Fairy Tales
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 1st - 4th
Day: Thursday
Time: 12pm - 1pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
Journey through some of the world's most beloved stories while exploring the lessons and values they teach. In this engaging Socratic Seminar class for students in grades 1–4, children will read and discuss myths, legends, folktales, fables, and fairy tales from a variety of cultures and traditions. Through stories, read-alouds, and guided discussions, students will examine themes such as courage, honesty, perseverance, kindness, wisdom, responsibility, and character. They will learn to ask thoughtful questions, share their ideas, listen respectfully to others, and consider different perspectives. By exploring these timeless stories together, students will strengthen their reading comprehension, communication, and critical-thinking skills while discovering the enduring truths and life lessons found within great literature.
Not Your Average Book Club
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 5th - 8th
Day: Thursday
Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Shellsea Gilmore
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $40 paid directly to Teacher
This isn't your typical book club! Designed for students in grades 5–8, this interactive discussion-based class goes beyond simply reading books to explore the ideas, themes, characters, and questions that great stories inspire. Through engaging novels, thought-provoking discussions, creative activities, and collaborative conversations, students will learn to think critically, express their opinions confidently, support their ideas with evidence, and respectfully engage with different perspectives. Books will serve as a launching point for exploring topics such as friendship, courage, leadership, identity, decision-making, and character. Whether students are passionate readers or simply enjoy meaningful conversations, this class provides a fun and welcoming environment where literature comes alive through discussion, curiosity, and connection. Please note that students will choose our books for the semester to make sure that everyone enjoys and is reading on their level.
Picture Book Philosophy
Semester: Fall 2026
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Day: Tuesday
Time: 1pm - 2pm
Number of Weeks: 13 (full semester)
Teacher: Athena Keesee
Cost: $175
Teacher / Curriculum / Supply Fee: $20 paid directly to Teacher
Big ideas can come in small packages! In this engaging Socratic Seminar class for students in grades 3–6, children will use carefully selected picture books as a springboard for exploring meaningful questions about life, character, relationships, choices, and the world around them. Through guided discussions, students will consider topics such as fairness, courage, honesty, responsibility, friendship, gratitude, and what it means to live well. Rather than searching for a single "right" answer, students will learn to think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, listen respectfully, and support their ideas with reasons and examples. This class helps young learners develop critical-thinking, communication, and discussion skills while discovering that even simple stories can inspire profound conversations.