Pathways Writing provides structured, step-by-step writing instruction for students in grades 4–9.
Instruction is based on the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) methodology and is led by an IEW-certified instructor.
Students learn to organize their thoughts, build strong paragraphs, and develop clear, effective writing skills they can apply across subjects. Emphasis is placed on paragraph structure, multi-paragraph composition, grammar application, and written response.
How the Program Works
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note taking and outlining
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paragraphs
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stories
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reports
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essays
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response to literature
Class Options
1
IEW 1 —
Beginning Writers
Grades: 4–6
Best for: students new to the IEW writing method
Focus:
• basic outlining and note taking
• story writing
• reports from one and then multiple sources
• writing from pictures
• basic essays and book reports
• vocabulary development
• grammar reinforcement
Weekly homework: one structured writing assignment completed with editor guidance
2
IEW 2 —
Upper Elementary Writers
Grades: 5–7
Best for: students with basic writing experience who need stronger organization
Focus:
• reinforcing structure
• expanding paragraphs
• vocabulary development
• grammar reinforcement
Weekly homework: one structured assignment with editor help
3
IEW 3 —
Middle School Writers
Grades: 6–9
Best for: students with at least two years of IEW experience and/or older students with some writing experience
Focus:
• essays & multiple-source reports
• literary response writing
• advanced organization
• independence
Weekly homework: one structured assignment with light editor support
Editor Requirement
Each student must have an editor who reviews assignments before submission.
The editor may be:
• a parent
• older sibling
• tutor
The editor does NOT teach the lesson.
They simply mark errors so the student can make corrections.
This step is essential to the method and one of the main reasons students make consistent progress.
Who It's For
students who struggle
with writing
students who need
structure
students preparing for
upper-level writing
students new to
structured writing
Program Details
Location: Thousand Oaks (near The Oaks Mall)
Class Size: 4–14 students (small group instruction)
Schedule: Thursday
IEW 1: 9:00-10:15 am
IEW 2: 10:30-11:45 am
IEW 3: 12:00-1:30 pm
Length: 28 weeks
Class Calendar
Key Dates:
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First Day: September 14
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Thanksgiving Break: November 23
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Winter Break: Dec 14 – Jan 8
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Spring Break: Mar 22 – Apr 2
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Last Day: May 24
Materials
A final list of required materials will be provided prior to the start of the school year.
Families should expect to purchase IEW writing materials and a grammar resource.
Instructor
Nikki Nolte
Nikki Nolte has over 20 years of experience working with students in both classroom and homeschool settings. She is an experienced IEW instructor and specializes in helping students develop strong writing, organization, and communication skills.
Tuition
IEW 1: $700/year
IEW 2: $750/year
IEW 3: $900/year
Plus a $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your student’s spot.
Payment plans are available—please reach out if needed.
Limited one-on-one writing support is available for current students who need additional instruction or individualized guidance.
Tutoring may include support with:
• organization and outlining
• paragraph and essay development
• grammar and editing
• IEW assignments and reinforcement
Sessions are tailored to the individual student’s needs and may be used to supplement classroom instruction or support independent learners.
Session Rates:
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30 minutes: $45
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45 minutes: $65
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60 minutes: $85
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Paper review outside of tutoring session: $25-$30 (depending on length)
Availability is limited and is typically scheduled on a consistent basis whenever possible.
Charter-funded tutoring may be available in accordance with your school’s policies.
Charter School Information
Pathways Writing is a secular, vendor-eligible writing program that supports:
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composition
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grammar
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critical thinking
Instruction is non-religious and aligned with academic writing standards.
This course may be used to support language arts instruction within your student’s curriculum.
Payment &
Charter Funding
Pathways Writing may be eligible for charter school funding.
If you would like to use charter funds, please contact your school to request that Pathways Writing be added as an approved vendor.
A $25 annual administrative fee applies to charter-funded enrollments.
Jackie G. - parent
It’s the best class my daughter has ever taken. She’s learned more this year than ever. Nikki Nolte is an absolutely amazing teacher and person.
Elle F. - student
Mrs. Nolte's writing class is not only an amazing learning experience but an adventure in exploring the world of writing short stories, paragraphs, and creative writing. Before I began her classes, my writing included no dress-ups, and it was often a dull and boring. When I left the class, often just little notes of mine included dress-ups and exciting sentences
Rachel D. - parent
IEW was new to my daughter and me, and Nikki's thoughtful and instructive teaching has helped us understand this wonderful way of writing. I wish I had this known this style of writing when going thru school myself.
Pathways Writing
Thousand Oaks, CA