Words Matter: How Words Shape Thought, Influence Society, and Frame Reality

Course Description:
Words Matter is a high school seminar series for students who want to think more deeply about the language shaping public life. Each session explores a small set of culturally powerful terms—like rights, democracy, fairness, and empathy—and examines how these words influence politics, law, media, and worldview.

Through weekly Socratic discussion and close reading, students will strengthen their logical reasoning skills, explore how language is used and misused in public discourse, and gain the tools to speak clearly and listen thoughtfully in complex conversations.

Structure: Three Mini-Units

  • Words Matter is 12 weeks long and divided into three thematic units, each focused on four foundational words. Families can book one unit at a time, or all three units.

    Unit 1: Rights, Democracy, Fairness, Empathy
     Weeks 1–4

    Unit 2: Facts, Truth, Propaganda, Misinformation,
    Weeks 5–8

    Unit 3: Values, Ethics, Morality, Justice
     Weeks 9–12

    Each unit builds on the last but can also be taken independently.

What Students Will Learn in Unit 1

  • The difference between democracy and a republic

  • How words like fair and rights are misused in appeals to emotion

  • The difference between empathy and compassion, and the importance of emotional boundaries

  • How to analyze political language and media messaging with logical reasoning

  • How to express ideas with clarity and confidence in civil discussions


“After reading Orwell's essay on how English is misused, I cannot read anything ever again without thinking, Is this good writing? Does it get its point across well?”

— Delphinia G., Summer 2025

Why This Course Matters:
Words are powerful tools — for good or for harm.
In Words Matter, students gain the awareness, discipline, and courage to use language wisely, to recognize manipulation, and to defend truth with clarity and conviction — essential skills for scholars, citizens, and leaders alike.

Details and Tuition

  • For: High school students (Grades 9–12)

  • Format: One 60-minute live Zoom class per week

  • Length: 12 weeks total, divided into three 4-week units

  • Class Size: Minimum of 3, maximum of 8 students per session

  • Tuition: $45 per student, per week, billed weekly through TutorBird

  • Minimum commitment: 4 weeks (one unit)

How to Enroll

To bring Words Matter to your child, we ask parents to gather a small group of 3–8 students. This helps us create an interactive, collaborative environment where kids can practice skills together while still receiving personal attention.

Once you have your group, book a FREE 30 minute planning session to coordinate the class meeting schedule that works for you.