Introduction to the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

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Understanding the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

If you’ve ever watched your child freeze up in front of a blank page, you already understand the problem the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) was designed to solve. Developed by educator Andrew Pudewa, IEW is a language arts and composition curriculum that teaches writing through a highly structured, incremental approach known as “Structure and Style.” Instead of asking students to invent original compositions out of thin air, IEW first teaches them how to write before expecting them to decide what to write. Working from source material, students learn to create key-word outlines, summarize information, retell narratives, and organize their ideas using clear, repeatable models. The philosophy is simple and reassuring: strong writing develops through imitation, practice, and guided instruction – much like learning music or a sport.

A Clear, Step-by-Step Structure

At the heart of IEW is a framework that removes the guesswork from writing. The program is built around nine progressively advanced writing models – beginning with note-taking and outlining, then moving through writing from notes, narrative retelling, report writing, multiple-source research, inventive writing, formal essays, and critiques. Each stage builds on the last, so students are never asked to leap ahead of their ability. This structure is especially helpful for learners who feel overwhelmed by open-ended assignments, because it gives them a dependable process to follow every single time they sit down to write.

Style That Brings Writing to Life

Structure gets ideas organized; style makes them shine. Alongside its organizational framework, IEW teaches students specific, hands-on techniques that enrich their sentences and expand their vocabulary +- strong verbs, quality adjectives, varied sentence openers, and other stylistic tools. These are introduced gradually, so a student’s writing grows steadily more fluent and sophisticated without ever feeling forced. Over time, children move from simply completing a writing assignment to genuinely crafting it.

Confidence That Grows With Practice

One of the things parents notice most is the change in their child’s confidence. Because IEW breaks writing into teachable, repeatable steps, students stop dreading the blank page and start approaching it with purpose. As they master each new tool, many become far more willing to write, revise, and even take creative risks. The goal isn’t just better mechanics – it’s a student who believes “I can do this.”

A Curriculum That Grows With Your Child

IEW spans elementary through high school, with a wide range of courses and resources to match your child’s age and interests. These include Structure and Style for Students, themed writing programs based on history, science, and literature, Fix It! Grammar, spelling programs, public-speaking materials, and advanced writing courses. Because the method can be applied across subjects, it’s widely used by homeschool families, co-ops, private schools, and classical education programs to blend writing instruction with content learning – meaning your child strengthens their writing and their knowledge at the same time.

Why IEW Matters for Your Family

Many parents appreciate IEW for one simple reason: it makes writing teachable. Rather than expecting students to “just write,” the method provides models, structure, and stylistic tools that make the whole process more manageable – and more successful. The broader payoff goes well beyond composition. IEW is designed to strengthen a child’s ability to think clearly, analyze information, communicate effectively, and express ideas with confidence – skills that serve them in every subject and long after their school years.

The Value of an Accredited Instructor

IEW offers formal training and accreditation pathways for teachers, and working with an accredited instructor gives families real peace of mind. An accredited teacher has completed structured preparation in IEW’s approach, which means they understand the system deeply and can guide your child through it intentionally – not just assign it. For homeschool settings, enrichment programs, tutoring, and supplementary academic support, that expertise makes a meaningful difference in how effectively your child learns to write.

IEW Writing Instruction: 2026/2027 School Year

  • September 3, 2026 – April 29, 2027 (30 weeks of instruction)
  • No classes: Nov. 26; Dec. 24; Dec. 31; March 25

Days and Times:

Writing Across the Curriculum and Advanced classes meet once per week on Thursdays. To keep instruction individualized, classes are capped at 5 students.

  • Level A (Grades 3-5): Thursdays, 10:00-11:30
  • Level B (Grades 6-8): Thursdays, 1:00-2:30
  • Level C (Grades 9-12): By request
  • Private tutoring available upon request

Location:

Pleasant Hill, CA – physical address given upon registration

Pricing and Fees:

Tuition will be discussed prior to registration, and may be paid in two installments in August and January.
Note: I am not currently a vendor with any local charter school. Payments are made through PayPal or Venmo.

Required Materials:

  1. Student Book: Each student is required to purchase at least the Student Book of the curriculum we will be using (i.e. Ancient, Medieval, or US History). Alternatively, the Teacher/Student combo is extremely helpful for parents.
    All IEW curriculums can be purchased here.
  2. FixIt! Grammar: This is a quick and fun way to incrementally learn grammar. Please purchase the Teacher/Student combo so you can help your student at home with questions..
  3. 3-Ring Binder with Dividers: Each student will create a personal writing binder throughout the year. This will be a practical resource for all academic and personal writing this year and beyond.
  4. Index Cards: Each student will create their own vocabulary flashcards for review at home and for games during class time.