Write With JanetWrite With Janet
Two yellow labs asleep on the couch while a student writes on a laptop

Writing classes for grades 2–8 · Menlo Park · Since 2011

It's like school with dogs.

Small writing classes at Janet's home, taught by a retired Palo Alto teacher with 42 years in the classroom — where kids find their voice on paper, usually with a warm yellow lab asleep at their feet.

See the schedule & register

Does your child need extra support in writing? Or love it, and want more?

Both kinds of writers belong here. A former Palo Alto Unified literacy teacher, Janet offers small-group, semi-private, and private writing classes throughout the school year, and full-time in the summer. Classes meet at her home in Menlo Park, right off 101 and Willow Road.

Classes are kept small — students discuss the techniques published authors use, share their work in progress, and learn to give (and take) real feedback. The goal for most students is confidence and fluency: finding their own voice, learning that writing is revising, and discovering that it can be fun.

Janet does not provide tutoring or help with schoolwork and homework — this is its own writing program, and that's why it works.

"Everyone is a good writer. You just have to find it!" — Milan, 5th grade, in the middle of his first lesson
"It's even more fun than school because it's school with a dog!" — a student, coining the motto
"Your writing program is the only after-school program that my kids want to do." — a parent

Three ways to learn

Every class is taught personally by Janet. Groups are built carefully — students of similar age and writing level together, so instruction actually fits.

3–6 students

Small group

Perfect for most kids. Lively discussion, peer feedback, and writers of roughly the same age cheering each other on.

2–3 students

Semi-private

Siblings (if they get along) or friends within about two years of age — or Janet can match your child with a compatible student.

1 student

Private

Reserved for very reluctant writers and children with dyslexia or other learning differences.

More about classes and curriculum →

Polar Bear draping a paw on a delighted student's head during class

Kids come for the dogs — stay for the writing.

Ask any student what makes this school different and you'll hear about the labs — Violet, Polar Bear, and Reckless, Violet's brother, who commutes in from down the street. Students arrive early just to play with them; one whole class stayed after the lesson to watch the dogs eat dinner.

Somewhere between the belly rubs, kids relax. And relaxed kids write bravely.

Meet the dogs →

Registering is simple now

Registration has moved from paper forms to a proper online system. Browse the current schedule, register each student in a few minutes, and Janet confirms your placement personally — the careful hand-built groups haven't changed, just the paperwork.

Find your child's seat

Current sessions, days, and times are on the registration site.

Register at register.writewithjanet.com

It's true, I caved. We used AI.

But it's still like school with dogs — taught by a retired Palo Alto teacher with 42 years in the classroom.