What Parents and Students Say
Former and current students and parents are invited to send in their testimonials to readtowrite@earthlink.net
Dear Mrs. Gartrell,
I would just like to say thank you for how tough you were on me my freshman year. It has really helped me out the past two years in school. Today, I turned in the final copy of the research paper I had to do for my graduation project. I got a 98 on the rough draft. I am most certain that I got such a high grade because of your class. Again, I would like to thank you for making the class my Freshman year a challenge.
Matthew Gannon
November, 2011
Introduction to Composition and Literature
2008-2009 class
Dear Mrs. Gartrell,
I just wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you put into making me the best writer I can be! I recently received an "A" in my first online college English 101 class through Liberty University! A lot of things that were the main focus of the online class, I had already learned about or had heard about from your class. So, again, thank you so much!
-Emily Wilkens
November, 2011
Intermediate Writing (WriteShop II)
Composition and Literature
Composition, Research Skills, and Study Strategies
I just want to thank you for helping my Mia (Introduction to Writing - 6th grade). Your recommendation helped her to get into JA Biztown this summer. At the end of the summer, she took the CAT exam and scored 12+ in all the language arts, reading areas. She began your class at 9+ grade level but was able to excel since taking your class. She was able to quickly write an excellent essay, which helped her get into the UNCC pre-college program. Mia is also in the Duke TIP program and is about to enter an essay for a prize. I know with the skills that you've taught her that she'll do a great job.
Thanks,
Patsy
Patsy Reece, Parent
October, 2011
Mrs. Kyra Gartrell was one of the keys to my tremendous academic success. During my sophomore and junior years respectively, I took both Literature and Composition and Advanced Literature and Composition. From analyzing literary works and studying the tools of a strong writer, to preparing for the written portion of the SAT, I was exposed to the full spectrum of her literary genius. By the end of her course, writing an essay and analyzing literature had become second nature.
Committed to her student’s success, Mrs. Gartrell knows how to encourage her young writers, while simultaneously offering them constructive criticism that will help them learn and grow. Passionate and knowledgeable about the subject she teaches, Mrs. Gartell is never a bore. Every class is engaging and enlightening.
Thanks to Mrs. Gartrell, I scored very high on the written portions of the SAT and SAT 2 Literature. In addition, I won ten scholarship essay contests. Simply, Mrs. Gartrell will take you in at whatever stage of writing you are and develop you into the best writer you can be!
Jarami Bond
former student in Freshman year at NC State University
Majoring in Engineering
Testimonial
August 7, 2011
The Introduction to Writing & Intermediate Writing classes were great! Even though it was a lot of hard work, I have never learned so much! I have become a better writer by taking these classes and plan to continue taking as many more as I can before college. Thanks you so much Mrs. Gartrell!!
Leah Joyner, Student
May, 2011
After struggling to teach writing to my two daughters at home, I signed them up with Kyra Gartrell’s Intermediate Writing class. They were immediately more motivated to complete the assignments, since it wasn’t mom coming up with arbitrary due dates for assignments! The experience of making presentations before the class and parents periodically was invaluable as well. After two years of writing classes with Mrs. Gartrell, both of my daughters were well prepared for standardized college entrance tests. They both accomplished solid scores on the ACT writing portion, and the oldest one passed the CLEP College Composition with Essay test, earning 6 credits towards her college degree while still in high school!
Ginger De Gracia
May, 2011
"I have been impressed with the Essays and Literary Analysis class Michaela has been taking this year. You have helped Michaela stretch herself beyond what I was hoping to achieve. Her essays and progression of writing skills has amazed me. Thank you so much for helping me to fill in the gaps of teaching her how to write well."
Mrs. Bestgen
April, 2011
"Thank you so much fro the wonderful work you have done with Joseph's class (Composition, Research, & Study Skills). l feel that you have helped to equip him with the skills he will be using next year in college."
Mrs. Bruck
April, 2011
"I loved the class (Intermediate Writing)! I have never had such a great teacher. You have really helped me. Thank you!"
Maura Webster
Intermediate Writing, Level It
March, 2011
"I loved the class (Intermediate Writing ) for my children! They learned a great deal and it gave them confidence in writing. I would even send my young adult children in their early 20's because it is that helpful."
Mrs. Webster
March, 2011
"You have been an invaluable help to Jake's education and we appreciate all that you have sown into his life. He has learned so much."
Mrs. Hobel
March, 2011
Student for 2 years - Intermediate Writing and Composition, Research, & Study Skills
"Yes, I want my daughter to continue with writing next year. She actually told me that her favorite class (Introduction to Writing) was writing! You have been such a blessing to me this year! Thank you!"
Mrs. Haigler
March, 2011
"We have really enjoyed your class (Introduction to Writing) and would sign up again, but my kids are going to school next school year. I really feel this class has prepared her in a way I could not, and her writing and study skills have greatly improved. We are very grateful. Thank you Kyra!"
Mrs. Buksbazen
March, 2011
"I highly recommend these classes. My son has really excelled in his writing abilities and confidence in this class (Intermediate Writing). Mrs. Gartrell is an excellent teacher. Her classes are a valuable resource for homeschool moms looking for help with writing and English."
Mrs. Walker
March, 2011
"I just got Nick’s June ACT scores (ACT taken early in June) and his reading/English went up dramatically. Thanks for the great (ACT/SAT Prep) class!!"
May, 2010 ACT/SAT Prep Class Student
June, 2010,
Mrs. Shona Bracco
Literature and Composition has been a challenging, enjoyable, learning experience. I am sincerely grateful for your comments and instructions on my essays. Even though I did not consider the subject my strong suit, I can say that my Lit. & Comp. projects were some of my favorite in high school, particularly the one on artificial limbs (research paper). You are a great teacher.
Roman Ruiz-Esparza, student
12 Grade -Honors, Comp. & Lit. Class
May, 2010
Thank you for the time and effort you have put into helping me improve my writing skills. Because of your classes, the quality of my work has increased. This has helped me get through and pass other classes involving reports. Writing use to be a chore for me and you have helped change that.
Markus Edwards, student for 3 years
12 Grade -Honors, Comp. & Lit. Class
May, 2010
My 16 year old son could never write. He would stare at a blank page with pen in hand for an hour stating that he just "couldn't think of anything". Composition was his worst subject - always. After years of frustration, I heard about Kyra Gartrell and the Write Shop method. Joey hadn't had Write Shop I, but Kyra took him in anyway. He did so well I couldn't believe it! This class was the only "A" Joey received his entire junior year of high school! I recommend any class that Kyra teaches to any level student and look forward to my daughter beginning Write Shop 1 next year. Joey will also be returning for the Writing, Research and Study Strategies to be well prepared for college in 2011. Thanks so much, Kyra. You are a miracle worker!
Terri DeLuca
May 23, 2010
I want to thank you for the way you have poured into Morgan and Jessi (and Hudson in years past) and helped them to grow in the areas of writing. Your gift of a scholarship for my girls continues to bless my heart and was truly a precious picture of God's amazing grace. Thank you for holding my girls accountable and making a way for them to grow in these areas beyond what I could provide at home. Recently Morgan had to write a difficult essay from a promt to see if she was capable of being placed in an AP Language and Comp. class this fall. She did well and said many of the assignments you had given her helped prepare her for that.
Thank you for the ways you have served them (and me) over these years. I continue to pass on your info to other home schoolers. We however are in the final years of home schooling (just Morgan for 2 more years) and the rest of them are transitioning into various schools.
We truly appreciate your involvement in the home school community offering such valuable classes. Many blessings,
Julie Harris
4/23/2010
I want to thank you for teaching him (my son) this year. Before your class, he would not cooperate with me when I would ask him to write here at home. He did not enjoy writing and did not want to write at all. Thanks to you, he now enjoys writing and he looks forward to your classes. You are a wonderful teacher. I will certainly recommend you and your classes to other homeschoolers.
Thank you again,
Cindy Collins
4/2010
When we first started with writing two years ago, this was a class that my daughter hated! She told me that maybe writing was "my thing" but that it would never be hers. Two years later, she is writing well and it comes effortlessly because of Mrs. Gartrell. She is at the point now that some of her first drafts, affectionately known as "sloppy copes," are now submitted as final drafts. She has experienced tremendous growth and it would not have been possible without much prayer and Mrs. Gartrell.
Shawn A. Hall
4/2010
Thanks so much for all you do and have done. I cannot tell you how invaluable this experience has been for me. My relationship with Jaylon (Introduction to Writing) has grown even more. His interest in writing has also increased!!! He and I have both been pruned this year and are ready to blossom with more writing experiences. Blessings to you!!
Mrs. Helen Carr
3/2010
My 11th grader will be starting his 3rd year of writing classes. I have found the class instruction to be extremely helpful during the high school years.
Mrs. Gartrell explains new concepts well, offers lots of encouragement and helpful feedback. Our older son used the knowledge he had gained in the writing classes to produce successful essays for his college/scholarship applications. These classes are time and money well spent.
Mrs. Shona Bracco
6/2009
My son took Introduction to Literature and Composition with Kyra during his 10th grade year. It was an awesome experience. Mrs. Gartrell is an outstanding teacher. She is passionate, competent, thorough and professional. My son learned alot and grew significantly during his time under Mrs. Gartrell. I would strongly endorse Mrs. Gartrell for any class she offers.
My son Isaac has taken 4 classes with Mrs. Gartrell. Isaac has always liked to read, but when it came to writing it was a different story. As a homeschool Mom I taught Isaac just enough English to turn him off from it. Kyra is patient. Her enthusiasm and her gentle way with Isaac turned him back around to wanting to write again. After finishing 10th grade I decided to have Isaac take some CPCC classes as a concurrent student but he first had to pass the entrance tests in English and Math. He passed his English test with an average score of 96%. I am grateful to Mrs. Gartrell for Isaac’s success in English. I would recommend Mrs. Kyra Gartrell to any student.
Mrs. Johanne Woodall
7/2009
My daughter took Ms Gartrell’s Intermediate Writing Class as an 8th grader [two years ago], then matriculated at a very competitive private college prep school for high school. Her English teacher couldn’t believe her writing skills and constantly used her work as an example of excellence for the class. While my daughter has some natural writing ability, she credits Ms Gartrell’s class with giving her enough confidence in the basics to comfortably expand her writing skills.
Susan Haas
7/2009
Mrs. Gartrell, an English teacher, taught an essay class [Research, Composition, and Study Skills] that Rach attended last year. I don't think there is a college paper that Rach cannot tackle now, after taking Ms. Gartrell's class.
Vikke Green
7/2009